By Carol Sue Carnes
618-883-2333
Enjoyed a great Christmas with temperature near 50, made it wonderful for those traveling but most likely disappointed the children with no snow. It has remained in mid to upper 50’s through the weekend but now on Wednesday a high of 37 predicted and colder temperatures continue with lows in the 20’s.
Congratulations to Samuel Baecht who was honored on December 16, 2024, by Boy Scout Troop 59 of Jerseyville at an Eagle Court of Honor. Samuel received the Boy Scouts of America highest rank of Eagle Scout. His Eagle Scout benefitted Pere Marquette State Park. He planned and executed lots of native plants in the landscaping along side the parks visitors center. Present for the ceremony were his parents Keith and Becky Baecht, brother Matthew who received this high rank of Eagle Scout in 2020, his grandmothers Yvonne Baecht and Sue Underwood-Kinchloe. Also, Amanda Bergheger and Rev. David Otten of Hope Lutheran Church. Samuel is the 18th scout to receive this Eagle Scout rank from Troop 59. All meetings and events of the Boys Scouts are held at the First Baptist Church Hall in Jerseyville. The scouts are appreciative to this Church for letting them use the hall for their meetings and the church for ceremonies such as this.
Congratulations to Alfred Kronable of Meppen who celebrated his 100th Birthday on Sunday with his immediate family. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Fill-In Restaurant in Batchtown. Best wishes to Alfred on this special birthday and may you have a Happy and Healthy year ahead.
On December 18th seven retired Housekeepers from Principia College enjoyed lunch at Nick’s Restaurant in Jerseyville. Attending from this area were Barb Hagen, Yvonne Baecht and Barb Hanneken. They all enjoyed seeing one another and visiting with another retiree from out-of-state who was home for the holidays.
St. Matthew Church in Brussels held their Annual Christmas program at the church on Sunday, December 22 with many in attendance to hear the Christmas Story and sing many beautiful Christmas Carols.
St. Mary’s School held their Annual Christmas program at the Brussels American Legion Hall on Thursday evening, December 19th. Many parents and grandparents were in attendance to hear the children tell the Christmas story and sing many beautiful Christmas Carols.
Penny Pohlman hosted an Open House in mid-December for anyone that cared to stop by and see her beautiful Christmas display that took up the majority of one whole room. I didn’t get to stop by but a few years ago I got to see her gorgeous display. Many hours spent getting it all together but such a beautiful sight to see.
Principia College in Elsah hosted their annual Christmas dinner for all their former housekeeping employees, who are now enjoying retirement. Present from Brussels were Barb Hanneken, Yvonne Baecht and Barb Hagen. Everyone enjoyed the delicious meal and afternoon of catching up with those they had not seen for awhile.
Marietta Nolte of Brussels celebrated Christmas on Saturday with her sons, daughters-in-law, 6 grandchildren, spouses and a friend. The newest granddaughter of Cliff and Yvonne is Hadley Nolte, daughter of Greg and Ashley Nolte of Golden Eagle.
I left after church on Sunday, December 22nd for Wright City, MO to enjoy a wonderful Christmas dinner with Dennis and Shelly Scherer and family. Present were Ashley Kirn, Noah and Addy (and their new puppy the kids got from Santa) Also, Ashley’s friend Ben Ketcherside, Jamie and Joanie of Warrenton, Daniel and Brittney Holdinghausen, Samuel and Elliot of Festus, MO and myself. I stayed Sunday and Monday nights and then on Tuesday after lunch I drove to Chesterfield, MO to visit with Trevor, Cyndi and Mackenzie Axford. Christmas Eve we all attended services at Our Lord of Life Lutheran Church and afterwards enjoyed a wonderful dinner at the Bricktop’s Restaurant in Frontenac. Then to the Axford home to watch a Christmas movie. The following afternoon and evening the Carnes family enjoyed spending time with Cyndi, Trevor and Madison Axford, David and Madison Morrow, John, Julie and Caleb Carnes of Edwardsville, Ashley Kirn, Noah and Addy of Wentzville and Ashley’s friend Ben Ketcherside of Warrenton and I. Appetizers and various drinks were enjoyed while visiting and later a delicious ham dinner with all the trimmings followed by various desserts. I remained overnight and the following morning Cyndi, Madison and I did a bit of after Christmas shopping, followed by lunch at the Chicken Salad Chick Restaurant. Again I stayed overnight and Friday afternoon I returned home. Thanks to everyone for the great accommodations and delicious food.
Deepest sympathy to the family of John Baalman, age 77, who passed away on December 17 at his home in Meppen. His first wife, Mary and he were parents of 7 sons. She passed away in 2002 and in 2009 he married Jan Hart of Florissant, MO. John is survived by six sons and daughters-in-law and 2 stepdaughters and their husbands. He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Wilhelmina (Kronable) Baalman, wife Mary, son Jason and brother Norman Baalman. Visitation Dec. 22nd at Hardin Funeral Home and funeral Mass on Monday, December 23 at St. Joseph’s Church in Meppen.
Birthday Blessings to Dorothy Meyer, Terry Woefel, Jaize Johnes, Kevin Carey, Sharon Nance, Kevin Eberlin, Tom Held, Twins Mindy Snider & Missy Rowling, Baylee Kiel and all others celebrating their natal day this week.
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 New Year
Heavenly Father. With everything that has happened in 2024, if there is anything we have learned it is that You oh Lord are faithful to those who wait on You and trust in You. So, Father, in the coming year we pray that You strengthen our faith in You. We have no idea what the new year is going to bring, one thing we know for sure is that with You by our side there’s nothing we can’t face in 2025. Help us to lean on You, trust in You, and to hold on to our faith in You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen