Point News – January 3, 2024

By Editor | January 2, 2024 |

By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333

Hard to believe the year is almost over. Did have a light snow on Wednesday which covered the lawns and fields but as the afternoon warmed up to 36 degrees it all melted. This morning we have a light rain, low was 33 degrees and suppose to warm up to 39 degrees by mid-afternoon.
I spent the Christmas holidays in Wright City and Chesterfield, MO. Drove over on Saturday, December 23rd and enjoyed a wonderful dinner with Dennis and Shelly Scherer. We were joined by Daniel, Brittney and Sam Holdinghausen and afterwards had a gift exchange and a great visit. On the 24th attended church services with the Scherer’s and then packed up and headed for Chesterfield. That evening I also attended Christmas Eve services with Trevor, Cyndi and MacKenzie Axford and afterwards enjoyed dinner at YaYa’s Euro Restaurant. Then upon returning to the Axford’s watched the movie” White Christmas.” On Christmas morning we were joined by David and Madison Morrow for brunch and then opened our gifts. Later in the day John, Julie and Caleb Carnes of Edwardsville joined us and that evening Dennis and Shelly Scherer, Ashley Kirn, Noah and Addy of Wentzville and Ashley’s friend Ben Ketcherside of Warrenton. Another delicious dinner followed by a rousing game of “Rob Your Neighbor” and later dessert and coffee before everyone headed home. I stayed overnight and the girls and I did a bit of after Christmas shopping, lunch at one of my favorites, Panda Express, then back to Axford’s to pack up and head home. Many thanks to all the family for the great gifts and a wonderful four days with them.
Christmas weekend guests of Yvonne Baecht were Keith and Becky Baecht, Matthew and Samuel of Jerseyville, Matt and Lynette Eberhardt of Chenoa, IL and Daniel and LeAnn Baecht and Conner of Brookline, MO. Daniel, LeAnn and Conner stayed over for the weekend and LeAnn spent time with her parents Bill and Julie Preston in Mozier. Thanks to Keith and Daniel for all the “honey do” jobs, both inside and out, they were able to do for Yvonne.
Larry and Marcia Hattemar of Brussels enjoyed Christmas Day with all their family. Larry roasted the turkey and the girls helped Marcia with the rest of the meal. Enjoying the day with them were Ed and Laurie Lehr of Alton and Alan and Kathy Friedel of Golden Eagle. Marcia had been under the weather for several days due to a medicine allergic reaction, so Laurie and Kathy were a big help with meal preparation. Thanks to everyone’s help it turned out to be a wonderful day for them all around.
On Thursday Marie Held’s daughters Sharon McLeod of Montana and Barb Ward of Decatur, along with Marie’s daughter-in-law Sharon Held of Alton, prepared a wonderful luncheon for the many ladies that have helped Marie (and her daughter-in-law Bonnie) the past year caring for her. It is so wonderful that at the age of 103 Marie is still able to live in her own home. On a daily basis Bonnie brings her meals, also does her laundry and helps with her shower and shampoo, etc. So, Sharon, Barb and Sharon #2 thought this would be their way of thanking the ladies for helping with meals when Bonnie and Bob are out of town, visiting with her, calling her and bringing sweets she thoroughly loves. Enjoying the wonderful meal and afternoon together were Judy Zahrli, Sarah Kinder, Marietta Nolte, Carol Sue Carnes, Bonnie Held, and Marie’s nieces of the St. Charles area Jane Stone and Suzie Held, daughters of the late Clarence and Ione Held. Also invited but unable to join them was another niece Yvonne Macauley. Such a wonderful gesture by her daughters and daughter-in-law. Everyone also received a thank you card and thoughtful bookmark, along with a container of Christmas candy. Many thanks to you gals for this thoughtful gesture. It was certainly not necessary but at the same time so appreciated.
Don’t forget the Calhoun County Fair Board is hosting an event to celebrate Miss Calhoun before she goes to the state pageant in Springfield to compete for the title of 2024 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen. The event is on Sunday, Jan. 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the KC Hall. It is open house style and light snacks and refreshments will be served. If you would like, bring a card or note to wish Queen Ella Sievers lots of luck.
Birthday Blessings Jan. 1 through 6 to Kevin Eberlin, Cami Plough, Tom Held, twins Missy Rowling and Mindy Snider, Charles Kinder, Baylee Kiel, Jena Sievers, Cheyenne Brundies and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to Bob and Anita Nolte, Andy and Rachel Hartman and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary at this time.
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PRAYER FOR THE
EPIPHANY OF OUR LORD
Dear God, by the leading of a star, You made known Your only-begotten Son to the Gentiles. Over the next weeks, we will rejoice and meditate on readings that emphasize Jesus as both God and man. Lead us, who knows You by faith, to enjoy in heaven the fullness of Your divine presence through the same Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever, Amen
My prayer is that 2024 is better for each and every one of us. May you all enjoy good health, be happy and loved in the year ahead. Happy New Year to all.