Point News – May 29, 2025

By Editor | May 28, 2025 |

By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333

We are now in “Blackberry Winter,” a term for the recent cold snap we are having. It occurs in late spring, around the time that blackberries are in bloom. Temperatures are in the upper 60’s and low 70’s during this week. But by the first of June we will return to the 80’s.
Lots of graduations took place last week. On Wednesday, May 21, the Pre-School graduation was held at St. Mary’s School. Class awards and certificates of completion were given to each student. Thursday was 8th grade graduation at Brussels Community District 42 with seven graduating. And Friday night Brussels High School graduation ceremonies were held at the Gymnasium. Those who graduated were Olivia Brodbeck, Ryan Hagen, Taylor Carey, Kevin Garcia, Abigail Johnes, Matthew Kiel, Paige Pohlman and Caydence Sievers. After the ceremony the parents of Ryan Hagen, Caydence Sievers and 8th grade graduate Quinn Sievers hosted a party for these three at the Brussels Legion. Lots of delicious food and many in attendance. We wish all the high school graduates much success in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Joseph (Joey) Ohlendorf and Meghan Beiser who were married on Saturday afternoon at the Walnut Hall Estate Wedding Venue in Carrollton, the 3:30 PM Ceremony was officiated by Molly Caselton of Hardin. After the ceremony everyone enjoyed cocktail hour followed by a wonderful dinner and dancing afterwards. Joey is the son of John and Mary Ohlendorf of Golden Eagle, Grandmother Betty Rose, (and the late Charlie Rose and the late Jack and Joann Ohlendorf) and Meghan the daughter of Duane and Stacy Beiser of Moro. Many families and friends from south Calhoun were in attendance for the wonderful event.
Mollie Pohlman and her cousin Suzanne Pohlman returned recently from a week in New York City. Places of interest were Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Central Park, Times Square, Wall Street, 9/11 Memorial, Greenwich Village, rode the cable car to Roosevelt Island, rode the ferry to Ellis Island to see the Statue of Liberty, attended a Broadway Show “Moulin Rouge”, saw the Today Show, the Lego Store, along with many interesting restaurants the O’Hara Pub, Travelers, Poets and Friends Restaurant in Greenwich Village, dinner at Gallagher’s Steak House where they spotted George Clooney sitting at a table nearby, and an “Evening with Ward Davis-Café Wha?” They crammed a lot into their week but enjoyed every minute of it.
Kaela Bick, daughter of Derrick and Jan (Hagen) Bick graduated from Fort Zumwalt North on Saturday evening at the Family Arena in St. Charles. Afterwards, her parents and brother Cole & friend Paige hosted a party in her honor at the Bick home in O’Fallon, MO. Attending the graduation and party from this area were Grandmothers Barb Hagen and Barb Bick, also Jan’s brother Dave and Kara Hagen, Emma, Ryan and Alessa Ray. Congratulations Kaela, on your many accomplishments and best of luck to you in your next adventure.
Congratulations to the Calhoun Warriors and their head coach, Riley Caselton, who received the elusive Regional Title by beating the Lincolnwood Lancers in the title game of the Greenville Class 1A Regional on Saturday in Palmyra, IL.
On Sunday afternoon John, Julie and Caleb Carnes of Edwardsville visited with me and Julie’s dad, Francis Toppmeyer. John had smoked ribs for the evening meal, Julie did the sides, corn on the cob, baked beans and slaw and for dessert I brought a cherry pie. Francis and I would like to thank them for a great Memorial Day get-together with family and a most delicious meal.
Don’t forget to mark your calendar for Art in the Park scheduled for Saturday, June 21 at the Brussels Heritage Park, beginning at 10 AM until 2 PM. Crafts, Vendors, Art Displays and also delicious food available for purchase. This event is sponsored by the South County Library. In case of rain the event will be moved inside to the Brussels American Legion Hall. If you would like to participate in this event as a vendor or have any questions, please call the South County Library at 618-883-2522.
Birthday Blessings this week to Trevor Rose, Dan Jenkins, Wm Jon Schleeper, Dana Martin, Kevin Nolte, Kelly Roth and all others celebrating this natal day at this time.
Happy Anniversary to my niece and hubby, Tammy and Gary Kronable, Charles and Judy Burch, Gary and Kim Devine and all other couples celebrating their wedding anniversary this week.
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Graduation Prayer
Loving God, we thank You for all who have recently graduated from grade school, high school and college. You have blessed them during their years in school with wisdom, friendships and many skills. You continue to challenge them to make this world a better place because of their education. God, may Your grace and strength be with them as they graduate from high school and embark on new journeys. In Your name we pray, Amen