Point News – July 26, 2023

By Editor | July 25, 2023 |

By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333

We were fortunate midweek to get 7/10ths of an inch of rain. We could have used more but also thankful for what we got. This week’s weather forecast is anywhere from 97 up to 100 degrees each day through the weekend. With upcoming area picnics starting on July 29 this is not good news.
The Brussels Woman’s Club joined the Batchtown Club on Wednesday evening for dinner at the Fill Inn Restaurant in Batchtown. Attending from the Brussels Club were Elaine Eberlin, Judy Burch, Jean Barton, Mary Kirn, Lynda Wrigley, Dana Kirkpatrick and myself. Batchtown members were Robin Hillen, Jean Tepen, Marilyn Klockenkemper, Elaine Titus and March Klockenkemper. This was our first get-together for a summer outing since COVID hit. Everyone enjoyed the great meal and a wonderful visit afterwards.
Alex and Justine Schulte, Levi and Leila Schulte and Josie Hoagland returned recently from a vacation out West. They spent the week in Buena Vista, CO where they met up with their daughter Lexie and friend Cody Gavazza and his family also on vacation there. On Sunday they all rode the trails to Mount Antero and White Mountain. While on Mt. Antero, completely unknown to Lexie, Cody proposed to her and she said “yes”! After returning to Buena Vista they enjoyed a wonderful meal along with a celebration cake and a few cocktails to celebrate the occasion. On Monday the Schulte family and Josie traveled to Canon City to see the Royal Gorge Bridge. Then on to Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs and drove to the top of Pikes Peak. Later on to Pueblo, CO, 100 miles south of Denver before returning home Tuesday. Needless to say, it was a most enjoyable vacation for all.
Mary Lou Goetze of Meppen, her daughter Ann Marie Pohlman and children Wyatt and Gracie of O’Fallon, MO drove to New York and spent a week with Mary’s Lou’s family. They were guests of cousins Chuck and Marie Davies of Rochester who took them sightseeing. Their most exciting time was when they took them to Niagara Falls where they rode the Maid of the Mist Boat that took them right up to the falls. They also enjoyed visiting the Genesee Country Village and History Museum in Wheatland, NY as well as the Strong National Museum of Play and even attended a ball game in Rochester. Getting together and visiting Mary Lou’s numerous cousins while there made it very special. Enroute home they stopped in Indianapolis, IN to visit their friends the Nelson family. A most enjoyable vacation for everyone.
Marie Held of Brussels celebrated her 103rd Birthday on Thursday, July 20 at her home in Brussels. Her daughter Sharon McLeod had flown in on Tuesday from Montana and another daughter Barb Ward of Decatur joined them on Wednesday. The gals prepared a birthday luncheon on Thursday and were joined by Jim and Sharon Held and Jamie Bertoletti and daughter, all of Alton, along with Bob and Bonnie Held and son Eric Held. Visitors throughout the day were Judy Zahrli who brought her a beautifully decorated and delicious birthday cake, Others who visited were Yvonne Macauley, Tom Held, Sarah Kinder and Father Roberts. On Friday visitors were Kris Hagen, Judy Burch and myself. Saturday Jack and Elaine Snyders and Larry and Marge Ferguson, all of Alton and Claude and Jennifer Ferguson of Jerseyville came to visit. On Sunday her granddaughter Cindy DiCarlo of Chesterfield, MO visited with her. Thanks to all for the wonderful gifts, flowers, phone calls and visits which made her day extra special.
Congratulations to Keith Weigel and Kelly Kuhn who were wed on Saturday afternoon in an outdoor ceremony on the farm of Keith’s grandparents Ray and Hilda Weigel in Golden Eagle. Rev. Bruce Scarbeary of Roanoke, IL performed the ceremony. A reception followed for all in attendance. Best Wishes to the happy couple!
Rev. Scarbeary, Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Roanoke, IL attended Sunday morning worship service at St. Matthew’s. Everyone enjoyed visiting with him before and after service. He was a Pastor at St. Matthew Church in the late 1990 and early 2000 before he and his family moved to Roanoke to serve at Trinity Lutheran Church. So great to see you Pastor.
Bob and Anita Nolte of Brussels were treated to dinner on Sunday at the Longhorn Steakhouse in O’Fallon, IL. The occasion was Anita’s recent 80th Birthday. Present were their family, Keith and Renee Ballard, Audrey and Wayne Nolte and Eric and Alexandria Ballard. Afterwards they all returned to the home of Renee and Keith for birthday cake and a wonderful visit. Many more “happy and healthy ones” Anita!
Many thanks to John and Caleb Carnes who spent last Monday with me. Weekly mowing, trim work, garden, spraying, etc. always waiting for them. Caleb helped with the mulching of another flower bed and strawing the tomatoes and helped me in the kitchen as well. Always enjoy having them here and fixing lunch and dinner for them and a wonderful visit as well.
A Bridal Shower for Alexa Pikesley, daughter of Jill Pikesley of Golden Eagle, was honored with a Bridal Shower on Saturday at the Brussels American Legion Hall. Many family members and friends were in attendance for the occasion. Alexa will become the bride of Travis Kamp, son of Kim Winchell of Kampsville and Billy Kamp of Batchtown on September 30th.
On Saturday evening two Brussels High School Class Reunions were held at the Wittmond Hotel. Both the Class of 2013 and the Class of 1973. Those in attendance enjoyed the wonderful meal and evening together. It just so happened Mark Haug was attending his 50th and his daughter Tiffany Schmeider her 10th.
Sympathy to the family of Elaine Hirschfeld, age 70, who passed away on July 19. She was the daughter of the late Julius “Dude” and Anita Hirschfeld of Golden Eagle. Elaine was preceded in death by her brothers Charles, Dale and Donald Hirschfeld. She is the aunt of Cheryl Tepen, Lisa Watters, Sandy Roundcount, David Hirschfeld, Jennifer Collier and Stephen Hirschfeld. Survivors also include her sister-in-law Carol Hirschfeld of Hamburg. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, July 27, at 4:30 PM at the Baue Funeral Home at Cave Springs.
Birthday Blessings this week to Linda Eberlin, Keith Weigel, Aubrie Kirn, Dana Kirkpatrick, Linda Halemeyer, Sue Imming, Brent Schulze, Rosemary Barczewski, Marilyn Klockenkemper, Paul Seiferman, Carol Churchman, Karen Friedel, Sheila Katzenberger, Joan Kiel and all others celebrating their natal day at this time.
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A PRAYER DEDICATED TO MARIE HELD
I thank you, my dear Lord Jesus, that you have been with me through many long years and sustained me through many trials and temptations. You have been my redeemer and I thank you for your baptismal grace and favor throughout my younger years and now that I am older. Continue to abide with me, Lord Jesus, while sustaining my strength. Let me remember that you are constantly with me and that I can come to you in prayer anytime, day or night. In your name I pray. Amen