November 2021 Hometown Voice

H METOWN VOICE

PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S. POSTAGE PAID EDDM Retail Local Postal Customer

November 2021

Steven Thomson

Steven Thomson Thomson Steven

Financial Representative

103 W North St Thank you Veterans and Active Service West Salem, IL 62476-1344 www.countryfinancial.com/steven.thomson Memberssteven.thomson@countryfinancial.com for Your Service!

Financial Representative Financial Representative 103WWNorth NorthStSt 103 (618)456-2309 West Salem,ILIL62476-1344 62476-1344 West Salem, www.countryfinancial.com/steven.thomson Insurance and Financial Services www.countryfinancial.com/steven.thomson steven.thomson@countryfinancial.com “COUNTRY Financial®” is the marketing name for the COUNTRY Financial family steven.thomson@countryfinancial.com of affiliated companies (collectively, “COUNTRY”), which include COUNTRY (618)456-2309 Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, and their

(618) 456-2309 Insurance and Financial Services

“COUNTRY Financial®” is the marketing name for the COUNTRY Financial family of affiliated companies (collectively, “COUNTRY”), which include COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, IL.

respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, IL.

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After

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Every Veteran Matters

By Meghan Fearn “Come on in. They told me you were coming to write about me. I’m not sure why, though, there are a lot better people out there than me who have done more for our country than I did.”

This was my introduction to Myrel “Ted” McKinney, a 101-year-old Veteran, at Meadowood Skilled Nursing and Rehab. This introduction told me that I was interviewing the perfect person for this Veterans Day Edition. There are many different Veteran stories.

Some include intense battles in dangerous countries and life or death experiences. However, most American Veteran stories include men who sacrificed their time to do everyday tasks that were just as important in the war efforts. Most of these men and women completed their service and returned home to marry, to raise a family, and to work nine-to-five jobs. These stories are just as important and just as vital to American security, freedom, and future.

McKinney was born north of Bone Gap, Illinois, on a small farm on September 21, 1920. He attended school in West Salem up until his sophomore year. He described his home life, being raised as one of nine children, as a “pleasure.” At the age of 18, McKinney was drafted into the Army and sent to Basic Training in Oregon. He was trained as a soldier in the Infantry. After Basic Training, he was shipped to New Caledonia. His ship was one of the first to travel without a convoy. The voyage took three weeks to reach the island. McKinney spent two years at New Caledonia working construction with an engineer team to build barracks for military personnel. The goal was to house soldiers who would be trained and deployed to invade Japan. However, the atomic bomb made its debut and this plan became unnecessary. “Thousands of American lives were saved by that bomb.” McKinney reflected. “But, as you can see, I didn’t do much. Just construction work building barracks for a couple of years. I dislocated my knee playing baseball and got sent home. I went home, went to work, got married, that’s about it.”

But isn’t that what built America? Men and women who were called to do hard things. I asked McKinney if it was hard to be drafted and go overseas. He answered, “Yes, it was hard. I had never been anywhere or left my family. You just did what you had to do. You take one step after the next.” No nonsense, no complaining, no frustration over losing two years of his own plans and dreams. He just did what he had to do. Over the course of 101 years, there have been a lot of things in life that were difficult to do.

The Great Depression was cited as the hardest event McKinney had ever seen in life. “I hope this generation never has to go through another Depression. I lived through every year of it, and it was horrible.” McKinney described what it was like to watch people in food lines begging for food, businesses closing, and no work. “My family was blessed. We had a farm, so we were able to eat. We had chickens, cows, pigs, and a garden. People in the cities were starving though. There weren’t shortages, there was nothing on the shelves.” While talking about the challenges life brings, McKinney also shared about losing loved ones. He lost his first wife at the age of 29, shortly after childbirth, leaving three small children for him to raise alone. He lost his second wife about ten years ago and has lost two of his six children. “Burying one of your kids is tough.” McKinney wiped a tear away and then smiled.

“I’m pretty proud of my kids. I hope they think I was a good father.”

He also shared highlights from his years. McKinney spoke with a father’s pride about some of his children’s achievements and of having the opportunity to have married two wonderful women. He was an active member in

Page 1 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Every Veteran Matters - continued

the American Legion for over 50 years, helping with military rights at funerals, and other community involvement. An avid baseball fan and player, he recalled winning a State Softball Championship for Albion in 1953.

He spent a few years in the Postal Service, and 50 years working for Prairie Farms. He has a whole “passel” of grandchildren and great grandchildren he enjoys. With a laugh, McKinney says “Now, I live just suffering with comfort.”

“I remember carrying in all of our water, having kerosene lights, and outhouses. Now, you have a lavatory and toilet systems right in the middle of every house, electricity, and running water.” McKinney marveled, “I remember long-winded women tying up party lines and now you have cell phone machines that can do just about anything.” McKinney shared other changes he had seen, but said farming had experienced some of the greatest changes. “I was raised on a farm, and we used to have threshing machines. Now the equipment is so large and combines do all the harvesting. I have been around to see all of that invented.”

When I asked if he had any advice for young people, McKinney replied, “No advice. Just grow up and try to be an honest person.” Ted McKinney may not feel as though he has a great story to tell as a Veteran. However, I respectfully disagree.

Men and women, such as McKinney, have built this country to be what it is. They have raised their families to be honest and hard-working, to love this country, and to treasure freedom. They have given their time to serve in our military and do their duty diligently. Then they return home to work an honest job and to live a life giving back to others. For this, I thank you, Mr. McKinney, and all the Veterans on this Veterans Day. The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26.

To advertise call Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019 @gmail.com Page 2 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Be Alert!

By Meghan Fearn The Bible often instructs believers to be alert, to be on guard, or to always be watchful. I realize that, in context, most of these Scriptures are in reference to the coming of Christ or against sin and the attacks of the enemy. I would, however, like to point out that these words can also be helpful in the daily work of motherhood.

If you aren’t always on guard, you will be caught off guard. In fact, I am caught off guard at least once daily by my crew! For example, when your son asks “Mom, what happens when your baby brother happens to get into the superglue?” It isn’t a rhetorical question. They really did give the baby a tube of superglue just to see what he would do with it. When your little girl asks how long color-stay lipstick really stays. What she is really asking is: “How long do I have to hide my baby brother so you don’t know he has been tattooed?”

Sometimes it is easy to be distracted and to give a half-hearted response of “uh-uh, OK, sounds good”. After all, you receive hundreds of questions a day! I’m embarrassed to say that I could give you many examples of times over the years when I let my guard down. For instance, when I let the kids use their new sling shots; but failed to notice that they were using gas cans as targets. Another is when I worked on paperwork at the kitchen table and did not notice that my legs had been tied to the table legs. My personal downfall is in those tricky questions. They always seem to phrase questions or comments in a way that gives them permission to do something that you didn’t realize you had given them permission for!

For example, when one of my daughters was only four years old, she had received a fake campfire toy for Christmas. She and big sister loved to build blanket tents in the living room and pretend they were camping.

As I was working in the office one day, my sweet daughter asks, “Mommy, can I please build a campfire?” Of course, I assumed she planned to get her new campfire toy and set it up with her tent, so I agreed. However, after about five minutes, I began to smell smoke. As I investigated, I found the Yankee Candle that I usually kept on the top shelf of the entertainment center in the middle of the carpeted living room floor. My daughter had indeed built a campfire. The Yankee Candle had been filled with dried leaves and small twigs. The flames and smoke were rising about a foot high, though still contained in the candle. I quickly extinguished the flames, cleaned up the mess, and waited for my heartrate to return to normal. At this point, I went looking for my daughter. She was hiding in the tent with a sheepish look and simply said “Well, you told me I could build a campfire!” See what I mean? They trick you when you least suspect it!

While, I have learned a few tricks to stay ahead of the kids, I am still constantly caught off guard. While they are usually cute and harmless things that I can laugh about later, what we really need to be alert for isn’t a laughing matter. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter that Satan goes around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. Temptations and distractions from the enemy are everywhere. We must protect our marriages and our families. Most importantly, we must protect our relationship with Christ!

We must be alert, on guard, and always watchful over our hearts!

As for motherhood, I’d love to say that I learned my lesson with the fire. Unfortunately, one of the next questions I received from that precious little girl was, “Mommy, how does a fireman clean off the white powder that comes out of the extinguisher? For instance, if it covers a little boy and let’s say, a whole room?” Oh yes, it happened!

Page 3 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Celebrating 100 years with the Rotary Club of Mt. Carmel, Illinois ! They hosted a community picnic at the Mt. Carmel City Park on Saturday, October 23rd. A dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony were held to celebrate the Shelter House upgrades and new restnroom facilities. Thank you to all the Rotarians for their community service.

All Youth Welcome to Register For “4-H in a Bag” Activities Another series of “4-H in a Bag” activities will be starting in November. These 4-H at Home activities were offered last year during the stay-at-home period of COVID. They were well received by the 4-H youth. This year the five counties of Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash and Wayne in Unit #25 Extension have extended a welcome to all youth ages 5-18, by September 1, to register for the free activities. Starting in November through March individuals will have the opportunity to take part in these fun activities.

Registration is now open for Novembers “DNA Extraction Lab” activity. The next four months activities will be: December – Window Clings, January – Mystery Messages, February – Crystal Growing and March – Gardening in a Glove.

These activities will be posted on the local 4-H Facebook page in each of the five counties, along with the Unit #25 Extension Facebook page. In Edwards Co. if you need more information call the Extension office at 618445-2934

If you would like to advertise or have a story idea or picture to share... contact Laurie Snidle at hometownvoice2019@ gmail.com

Page 4 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

The Edwards County Housing Authority is accepting applications for income based apartments in Albion and West Salem.

Utilities are included with charge for electric overage.

Applications are available at the ECHA Office located at 125 W. Cherry St., Albion, IL Equal Housing Opportunity Page 5 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Surviving the Holidays Grief Seminar

On Saturday, November 6, 2021 from 9 a.m.-11 a.m., First General Baptist Church, located at 120 W. 12th Street in Mt. Carmel will be offering “Surviving the Holidays,” a grief seminar with video and discussion. When you are grieving a loved one’s death, the holiday season can be especially painful. The Surviving the Holidays seminar helps participants prepare for the holidays and even discover hope for the future. “Surviving the Holidays” is a ministry of GriefShare, a biblical, Christ-centered grief support group ministry. The two hour seminar includes a video with the information from experts and a time for discussion. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one, consider signing up for Surviving the Holidays. You do not have to have be or have been a part of the GriefShare program. Call (618) 263-3477 or email belindapottsmiles@yahoo.com to register. Workbooks are $5.00 a piece; scholarships are available. The discussion portion of the seminar will be led by Belinda PottsMiles, Chester Miles, Mary Jo Grubb Barnard, and Debra Schwartz. Each of the leaders has experienced the loss of a spouse and family members.

General Baptist also continues to provide GriefShare on Monday nights at 6:30p.m. through December 6, 2021. This ministry provides 13 weeks of meetings where the GriefShare group watches a video seminar featuring top experts on grief and recovery subjects. The 13 videos are “self-contained” so a person can start and stop at any time. Sessions may be difficult at first, but with the information, encouragement and support, the grief process does get easier. The GriefShare sessions include a time to talk about the GriefShare videos and opportunities for participants to share their challenges and victories (if they so choose). Group members receive a workbook to help them sort their thoughts and emotions and help them discover what God says about their situation.

Teachers, clubs, churches...share upcoming events and pictures at hometownvoice2019@gmail.com

Happy Birthday Cainan Collins November 11th

Karen Fritchley November 15th

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Page 6 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Meet Local Author, Paige Clendenin

By Kara Gill Mt Carmel resident, Paige (Dardeen) Clendenin, loves all things entertainment. Books, music, movies, and everything in between, her family calls it an obsession while she calls it passion! Paige began book blogging several years ago as the Bodacious Bookworm, reviewing books, gathering information, offering advice and even interviewing celebrities such as Johnny Depp, Jack Black and Reese Witherspoon. When asked who she would pick if she could meet any celebrity, she said without a doubt, Ian Somerhalder, star of Vampire Diaries. Somerhalder, also an environmentalist and believer that food is medicine, Paige says “I would just love to sit and pick his brain”.

A “writer at heart” since grade school, Paige is now an accomplished author with over 20 books available to the public. The Force, first book in her Fighting Freedom series, hit #55 on Amazon’s Top 100 list. The next goal is being a New York Times best seller! While she writes several different types of books, including a little romance, her bread and butter is the sci-fi, paranormal, post- apocalyptic genre. Laughing she states “I’d rather write about fighting than write about kissing”. When asked if she bases her characters on people she knows or doesn’t like she smiles and says “Mmm, sometimes”, adding “I have used my niece’s names in my books to make them feel special”. Having contributed to several anthologies, ghost written for many authors and continuing to have books of her own in the works, Paige has recently accepted a manager’s position with her publishing company, Hydra Productions, utilizing her skills to edit and critique new books so that other authors can have the best possible product when finished.

A self- proclaimed “hot mess”, this author does most of her writing between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., also scheduling meetings and quick write sessions with other authors while her family is sleeping. When lack of sleep is mentioned she states “It is very important to me that my work doesn’t take away from me being a good mom.”

Paige’s face lights up when you mention her family. Not only does she babysit her nephew every day at 5:30 am, Paige and her husband David are in the process of adopting their fifth daughter. Married in 2005, they tried for several years to start a family when they were asked to foster a little girl. Paige, who is legally blind, laughingly states, “I’ve always wanted kids, I wanted 10 kids!”. Now, mom to Jazmine 18, Brooklyn 18, Missy soon to be 13, Lexi 11 and Keller 1, all having been adopted with special needs of their own, she implores anyone that has been thinking of adoption to “do it, jump in, save a life”. Even with the chaos, craziness and lack of sleep, she states “I love it, I would do it 1,000 times over if I knew that my kids would be safe”.

Whether she’s writing 50,000 words a week, attending her girl’s school and sporting events, planning a Harry Potter birthday party for her 1-year-old or scrolling the internet for the next best book, song or movie she encourages everyone to “be yourself”. She says “Find your love for yourself first and don’t let anyone change that. If you have a dream, the only way to find out if you can do it, is to do it. You might fail, you might fall, so you get back up and do it again. Just don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.” Mom, wife, sister, editor, blogger, author, aunt there’s nothing that she can’t do, follow her on Facebook and check out her books on Amazon!

Pictured at left: Paige with her family, left to right, Jazmine, Paige holding Keller, husband David, Lexi, Brooklyn, and Missy.

Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook.

Page 7 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Congratulations to the Student of the Month, Dylan Rhodes! Dylan was nominated by 4 teachers as he is an all-around great student and kind and helpful to everyone. For his efforts, Dylan will receive $20 cash from Matthes Farms, a $15 Gas Card from United Mutual Insurance, a Tupperware lunch container from Gerri Hughes, a $15 McDonald’s card, JW Equipment hoodie, Wabash General Hospital t-shirt and cup, can cooler from Steve Thomson Country Financial, a t-shirt and beef sticks from Country Home Processing, and a cooler bag from Doug Raber State Farm Insurance. Congratulations to Dylan!

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E-Waste Recycling November 6th An E-Waste recycling event is coming to Edwards County on Saturday, November 6, 2021. The event will take place at the Edwards County Fairgrounds from 9am until 12pm (or sooner if the truck is full). Volunteers will unload recyclable items which should be in a trunk, bed, or hatchback. Anything with a cord and anything metal can be recycled.

TVs, monitors, and some other products will have a minimal charge to be recycled.

The event is co-sponsored

by Citizens National Bank of Albion and the Edwards County Farm Bureau.

Above: At the book fair for Allendale Elementary School, these students in K-4 won the coloring contest: Emma Abell, Addyson Bellinger, Benjamin Snyder, Harper Prosise, and Colton McGee. At right: At the book fair at Allendale Elementary School, these two junior high student were the closest to guessing the number of Scooby Snacks in the jar (they were off by one): Haleigh Prosise and Stetson Potts.

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615 W. Chestnut Olney • 618-395-1939 Page 9 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Local Veteran Still Remembered Years After His Service

By Meghan Fearn A hero never sees himself as a hero. That is what makes a hero someone to look up to and to model after.

Harold Garman didn’t join the service to be a hero. He joined because he knew he would receive a new coat, a new pair of boots, and food. This was an attractive offer for a farmer who grew up near the Little Wabash River on the Edwards/Wayne County Line in the early 1940’s. It was a good place to grow up, but times were hard.

Garman spent many days along the river. Little did he know that swimming in the Little Wabash River would prepare him for a moment that would earn him the ultimate hero award – The Congressional Medal of Honor.

Garman joined the army in April 1941 and was sent overseas to Iceland in April 1942. Garman, a medical litter bearer, was a private in Company B, 5th Medical Battalion, 5th Infantry Division. He remained with this division through England, North Ireland, and France up to Fort Drian. While his entire army career was one of honor and dedicated service, the heroic act that earned him the Medal of Honor occurred on August 25, 1944, in a battle near Monterau, France along the Seine River. The 10th regiment of the 5th Division was forcing a crossing of the Seine River at Monterau. Most of the 1st Battalion had crossed the 150-yard-wide river by 1530 hours (3:30 p.m.) An assault boat, paddled by two aides, was attempting to evacuate three wounded infantrymen from the bridgehead to

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the hospital. As they attempted to cross from the far side of the Seine to the near side, they began to receive machine gun fire from a German boat about one thousand yards away. As bullets ripped through the boat, one of the aid men was wounded in the leg. He slid into the water and began to swim to the friendly shore. One of the wounded was litter bound and could not move from inside the bottom of the boat. The other two wounded and the other aide slid over the side of the boat and used the boat as a shield from the gunfire. They were unable to swim or paddle and clung to the boat with one hand. The boat began to drift midstream, an easy target for German machine guns.

Garman watched the events unfold from the friendly shore, near an ambulance. He had already made several trips evacuating the wounded by boat. A stone wall four feet high bordered the Seine and a break had been made in the wall for boat landings. As Garman saw the situation of his fellow servicemen, he raced towards the break in the wall.

Here he saw the wounded aide pulling himself upon the bank. “Wait right here until I get back.” Garman ordered. He then took off his steel helmet and dove into the Seine, fully clothed in his uniform. As bullets splashed all around him, he continued to swim the 75 yards to the boat. Those watching could not understand how the bullets were missing him.

Reaching the boat, Garman grabbed the boat with his right arm and began to swim with his left, pulling the combined weight of all four men. He was also carrying the weight of his wool shirt, pants, canvas

Page 10 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Local Veteran Still Remembered Years After His Service leggings, and heavy boots. Garman was only 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighed 142 lbs. As he swam, machine gun fire continued all around, splashing the water and piercing the boat.

As he pulled the boat within 20 feet of the shore, three more machine guns opened fire on them. Garman twisted to the far side of the boat to receive protection from the heavier volume of fire and began to drift 20 yards downstream. When the volume of fire began to slightly decrease, he swam the remaining 20 yards back upstream to the break in the wall.

Once reaching the break, another aide helped Garman make five trips evacuating the four he and towed back and the other wounded man who had swum to shore. The five men were evacuated by ambulance and Garman was sent back to Company B to change his wet clothing. His brave actions undoubtedly saved the lives of these five men. Lt. General George S. Patton Jr., commanding Third Army, witnessed this bravery.

He asked Garman how he had become such a good swimmer.

“I learned in the Little Wabash River.” Garman replied. It was General Patton that presented Garman with his Congressional Medal of Honor for Valor. He was also awarded the Croix De Guerre, a French Medal of Honor as one of the wounded men was a French Officer.

Garman continued his work with the 5th Infantry Division and was later wounded as a shell exploded near him at Fort Drian. He spent three and a half months in a field hospital in England with a severe concussion, adding a Purple Heart to his collection of Medals. When he finished his service in 1946, he had a rank of Technician Fifth Grade, a Good Conduct Ribbon, an American Defense Service Ribbon, a Silver Battle Star, and six Overseas Service Bars. He had been a part of battles and campaigns in Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe.

Garman returned home to his wife, Mary, and went on to work for the state inspecting cars. They built a home on 7th Street in Albion and raised their two children, Sherry and Steven. Garman passed away August 13, 1992, at the age of 74. When asked how her father felt about receiving the Medal of Honor, Garman’s daughter shared, “Dad didn’t talk about it much. He didn’t really think a lot about it. He always said every serviceman deserved recognition for their service no matter what they did. He didn’t see himself as a hero, just someone who did what he needed to do to serve his country.” Garman was known for saying “I got a new coat, a pair of boots, and the honor of serving my Country and that is enough.” It is in men like Harold Garman one can see what true heroism is. (information for this article is adapted from the Third Army Press Center Release of 1944 and from stories shared by his daughter Sherry Seay.)

To advertise or share a story idea contact Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com Page 11 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Cross Country Aces Advance 3 to Sectional Three Cross Country Aces advanced to the St. Theresa Decatur Sectional by virtue of their finish in the Robinson Regional on Saturday. Lily Keepes, Jason Miller and Anthony Bleyer qualified by finishing as one of the top five individuals not on a qualifying team.

Lily Keepes placed 19th (21:31) in the girls race, being the 5th and final individual qualifier. Also running for the Lady Aces was Kali Walker 48th (23:49), Hallie Courter 55th (24:10) and Molly Haggerty 61st (26:20).

In the boys race Jason Miller 24th (17:44) and Anthony Bleyer 29th (18:09) led the Aces to an 8th place finish in the 18 team field.

The top seven teams in each Illinois region advance to sectional competition, leaving the Aces one place removed from qualifying as a team. Also, running for the Aces were

Caleb Carwile 50th (19:14), Eric Leffler 67th (20:28), Caleb Woollard 80th (21:53) and Jacob Wall 90th (25:59).

Keepes, Miller and Bleyer will compete as individuals in the St. Theresa Sectional held at the Hickory Point Golf Course in Forsyth, Illinois.

Allendale/St. Mary’s Sports Schedule Date Nov. 1 Nov. 1 Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. 9 Nov. 9 Nov. 11 Nov. 15 Nov. 15 Nov. 16 Nov. 18 Nov. 18

Team

Boys Basketball @ Grayville Girls Basketball Home vs. St. Joe Boys Basketball @ Mt. Carmel Girls Basketball @ Mt. Carmel Boys Basketball Home vs. Clay City Girls Basketball @ Ft. Branch Girls Basketball @ Red Hill Boys Basketball Home vs. Grayville Girls Basketball @ Cisne Girls Basketball Home vs. Edwards Co. Boys Basketball @ Jasper Girls Basketball Home vs. Owensville

Time 6:00 6:00 7:15 6:00 6:00 5:30 6:00 6:00 5:30 6:00 6:00 5:30

Most photos in the Hometown Voice are submitted. If you have a photo or story you would like to share please email: hometownvoice2019 @gmail.com

To advertise call Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com Page 12 • Hometown Voice •November 2021

Lily Keepes Named All Conference Lily Keepes became the first Mt. Carmel Cross Country runner to earn all conference honors in the Little Illini Conference. The Aces competed Tuesday in their first ever LIC conference meet at Lawrenceville. Keepes ran the three mile course in a time of 21:27 for a 9th place finish and all conference honors.

Also running for the Lady Aces were Hallie Courter 33rd (24:54), Kali Walker 42nd (27:09), and Molly Haggerty 45th (28:15).

The Aces boys squad raced to a 5th place finish in the eight team conference field. Anthony Bleyer 19th (18:57) and Jason Miller 21st (19:09) led the Aces. They were followed by Caleb Carwile 35th (20:55), Eric Leffler 37th (21:16), Caleb Woollard 48th (23:32), and Jacob Wall 53rd (30:18)

English Prairie Quilt Guild - Quilt Show Saturday, November 6 • 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Prairie Christian Church 2.5 miles west of Albion on Route 15 • $5.00 Admission

Edwards County & Grayville Sports Schedule Date Nov. 1 Nov. 2 Nov. 4 Nov. 5 Nov. 5 Nov. 6 Nov. 8 Nov. 9 Nov. 9 Nov. 11 Nov. 15 Nov. 15 Nov. 15

Team

GJHS Basketball Home vs. St. Mary’s EC Panthers Home vs. Mt. Carmel GJHS Basketball @ Jasper AGS Basketball @ St. Joe GJHS Basketball @ Clay City EC Panthers @ Lawrenceville EC Panthers Home vs. Carmi EC Panthers Home vs. Wayne City GJHS Basketball @ Geff AGS Basketball @ Carmi EC Panthers @ Fairfield ECHS Girls BB Home vs. Wayne City GJHS Basketball @ Allendale

Time 5:00 6:00 5:15 6:00 5:15 10:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:00 6:15 5:15

Date Nov. 16 Nov. 18 Nov. 18 Nov. 22 Nov. 22 Nov. 22 Nov. 23 Nov. 26 Nov. 29 Nov. 29 Nov. 29 Nov. 30

Team

AGS Basketball @ Olney EC Panthers Home vs. New Hope ECHS Girls BB @ Cumberland AGS Basketball Home vs. Flora ECHS Girls BB @ Hamilton Co. Trny.

GHS Basketball Home vs. Gallatin Co. ECHS Boys BB Home vs. Grayville ECHS Boys BB @ Capital Classic AGS Basketball @ Wayne City Tournament ECHS Girls BB @ Oblong GJHS Basketball @ West Salem GJHS Basketball Home vs. New Hebron

Oak Leaf Trucking, Inc. Grain Hauling Neil Fearn 618-838-3852

Mike Harris 618-839-0526

Albion, IL

Jr Markman, Owner 1365 Illinois Route 130 Albion, IL 62806

618-446-2703 Fax: 618-446-3269

Page 13 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Time 6:00 6:00 6:15 6:00 TBA 6:15 6:15 TBA TBA 6:15 5:15 6:00

Northside Missionary Baptist Church wants to Share God’s Love with Grayville • FREE Food Bundles will be given away in the church basement beginning at 8 a.m. on November 6th and December 11th • A FREE Community Meal will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. on November 17th and December 15th in the church basement.

Northside Missionary Baptist Church

805 North State Road, Grayville At right: Mt. Carmel American Legion Unit 423 Chairman, Mary Jimmie Moade is proud to announce Carli has won 2nd in the state with her Americanism Essay. She was invited to attend the awards ceremony in Springfield. She received a certificate as well as a monetary gift.

Sundays: 9:30 am Sunday School 10:30 Morning Worship 5 p.m. Team Kids - Grades 1st-6th & Youth - Grades 7th-12th Pastor Dennis Seidel

Edwards County “Gathering of Members” The 2021 Edwards County Farm Bureau “Gathering of Members” will be Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Edwards County Community Center (Senior Center) in Albion.

Doors will open at 5:30pm, and events will begin at 6:00pm. A roast beef dinner with dessert will be served.

The main events will be the “Auctions for Ag” featuring live, silent, and dessert auctions for the Edwards County Ag in the Classroom program.

People’s Choice voting for the 2021 agricultural photo contest will be held. The 103rd annual meeting will also be held that evening.

RSVPs are required and can be made by calling the office at 618-445-2113.

From protecting your car and home to preparing for your future, let’s discuss options to meet your needs.

Tia Morgan, FSCP®

Financial Representative 827 Chestnut St Mount Carmel, IL 62863-1456 www.countryfinancial.com/tia.morgan tia.morgan@countryfinancial.com (618)262-2005

Susan’s Beauty Shop 367 North 5th Street Albion

445-2056

Judy

Susan

50 Years of Experience

Page 14 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Wabash County Farm Bureau Deliver Meals Wabash County Farm Bureau and COUNTRY Financial- Jody Smith, Bill Stinson, and Regan Kinser delivered meals to the fields on Friday, Oct 15, 2021. Pork burger meals were delivered to farmers as a membership appreciation as well as a thank you for all the work they do for all of us in growing an affordable and abundant food source. God bless the American Farmer!

At right: Congratulations to the MCJHS Cross Country runners who have qualified for State in DuQuoin, IL. Congratulations Zeme Moore, Ava Brumagin, Colin Stoneberger, and Zoie Randall!

At leftl.:The Grayville FFA Forestry team traveled to the Southern Illinois University on September 25th to compete in the State Forestry Contest.

The Grayville team placed 5th overall. Individual winners were Matthew Cowles placing 14th and Hannah Waggoner placing 15th.

Pictured are Hannah Waggoner, Macy Knight, Kylee Hosman and Matthew Cowles.

Alka Family Chiropractic Center Dr. Kay Lynn Alka

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Alka Family Chiropractic can help put you back together again and feeling good.

We have a variety of time slots available to fit your schedule.

Call today!

Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Medicare participating provider. Most insurance welcome.

Page 15 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Wabash County Extension During the month of October Wabash County Extension Office was able to visit each of the 3rd grade classrooms in Wabash County. We got to talk about the 4-H program and how there is an activity that fits everyone’s interest!

We also did a little visual arts project by making a fall themed sun catcher! The kids learned how we need to follow directions to make our sun catcher work, how to use their creativity to make them their own, and we used our cutting skills to cut out our sun catchers. We had a great time with all the 3rd graders, and we hope they came home tell you about how much fun they had!

Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook.

If you would like to advertise or have a story idea or picture to share... contact Laurie Snidle at hometownvoice2019@ gmail.com Page 16 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Wabash County 4-H Fall Fun Fest We had a great time at Beall Woods on October 7th during our 4-H fall fun fest! The kids got to meet new friends that might be joining 4-H, they participated in some fall themed games like jack-o-lantern matching and fall bingo.

They also got to make pumpkin catapults and some magnets and ended the night with a s’more and hot dog roasted over the fire. It was great to see some new faces and can’t wait to get them enrolled in 4-H! Couldn’t make it to our fall fun fest but would like to be a find out more on how to become a Wabash County 4-H’er?! Contact our office today at 618-262-5725 or send Megan an email at mpierson@illinois.edu.

Page 17 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

New Art Studio “Creative Space”

By Meghan Fearn The ability to have a creative outlet through art has been valuable in the lives of the Thompson family. Stacy Thompson has always enjoyed being creative and experimenting with different types of artistic skills. Her daughter, Tara, is a talented artist who works in graphic design.

These artistic skills are shared among the other siblings in the family. They also use art as a creative outlet and a way to express themselves and connect with others. For the past several years, the Thompson children have been able to take part in local art classes. When they found that classes would no longer be offered locally, Stacy knew she wanted to find a way to continue to provide this creative outlet for her children and the children in the community. After discussing it with her husband, Craig, and daughter, Tara, it was decided they would purchase a building at Nine West Main Street in Albion and open Creative Space.

Creative Space is an art studio dedicated to providing a place for all types of creativity. Currently, the Mother/Daughter duo offers eight-week classes for four age groups, creating various art projects using different mediums. The classes are taught by Stacy, Tara, and local artist Caleb Shelby. This semester art classes includes a 5–7-year-old class focusing on watercolor, marker and abstract art. The class for 8–10-year-old students is focusing on color, blending and line art. The 11–13-year-old class is being structured around the element of design. A choice-based curriculum with a focus on two- dimensional art mediums, centered around a designated theme, gives 13-18-year-olds a more advanced approach to art.

Creative Space also offers open studio nights where ages 12 and up can come to the studio and use any supplies and the space to create whatever art they wish for the cost of $10.00. These are times with no instruction, simply the chance to connect with other artists and use high quality materials and supplies. The studio has a large supply of Prisma colors, watercolors, chalk pastels, etc., all available for use on open studio nights.

Another popular class is the Brick Builders Challenge Club. In this club, Stacy and fellow instructor, Caleb Shelby, give the students a challenge to build using building blocks. These challenges can include anything from building a bridge to creating a boat that will float. This class is perfect for children with great imaginations and the love of Legos!

Pop-Up workshops will be added to the calendar periodically as well. Kate Speir recently taught a Cookie Decorating Pop-Up and plans to hold more in the future. Other ideas in conversation include a wreath workshop, sign painting, and even hair braiding. They welcome any ideas and are looking for people who may want to host pop-ups through Creative Space.

The Thompson family is excited about the future of the stu dio. Tara shares her feelings about the studio with these words; “I am excited to be able to offer this to kids in the community who are not able to take art until High School. It gives kids who love art a place to go.” To see the schedule for studio hours, pop-ups, and to sign up for future classes, visit www.bookwhen. com/creativespace. Stacy or Tara can also be reached at creativespaceofalbion@gmail.com. Creative Space will host its first art show on December 11 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. during the annual Christmas Parade.

Doug Raber of State Farm Insurance will be providing cider and hot chocolate at the studio. The community is invited to warm up and enjoy a Creative Space.

Page 18 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

November 2021 Edwards and Wabash County Senior Center Menus - Sponsored by The First National Bank 1) EC - Polish Sausagem

2) EC - Chicken Strips Sauerkraut, Pinto Beans Gravy, Potato Wedges Fruit Pea Salad, Sherbet WC - Country Fried Steak, WC - Vegetable Lasagna, Whipped Potatoes, Green Winter Blend Begetables, Beans, Wheat Roll, Baked Salad, Garlic Bread, Apples Orange Wedges

8) EC - Goulash, Mashed

9)EC - Turkey, Dressing,

15)

16)

3)

EC - Ham, Cheesy Potatoes, Green Beans Cookies

4)

EC - Spaghetti w/Meat Sauce, Garlic Bread, Salad, Fruit

WC - Roast Beef Sand., WC - Smoked Pork Chop, Sweet Potato, Lima Beans, Whole Wheat Bread, Pork n Beans, Potato Salad, LetWW Bread, Fruit Cup tuce/Tomato, Fresh Fruit

5)

EC - Cheesy Broccoli Soup, Crackers, Kidney Bean Salad, Ham Salad Sandwich, Cake

WC - Fish, Mac and Tomatoes, Carrot Slaw, Cornbread, Cherry Pie

10) EC - Loaded Baked 11)EC - Sausage Gravy & 12) EC - Chef Salad: Potato:w/ Diced Ham & Turkey, Biscuits, Sausage Patty w/ Lettuce, Tomato, Ham, Turkey, Turkey, Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce Peppers, Onions, Sr Cheese,Nacho Hash Browns, Fruit Salad Onion, Shredded Cheese, Chopped Cheese, Sr Cream, & Butter, eggs, Crackers, Cobbler Cinnamon Roll Pumpkin Bars WC -Salisbury Steak, Corn, Pudding WC - Chicken & Noodles, WC - Ham & Beans, Sliced WC - Tacos in Tortilla, SpanCauliflower, Fruit, WW WC - CLOSED Carrots, Broccoli, Fruit, Potatoes, Spinach, Bread ish Rice, Refried Beans, Frozen Meals Available WW Bread Cornbread, Peach Crisp Lettuce/Tomato, Fruit Cup Potatoes, Lima Beans Pudding

EC - Beef & Cabbage Casserole, Pinto Beans Boiled Potatoes, Fruit

WC -Polish Sausage, Sauerkraut, Black Eyed Peas, Cornbread, Banana Pudding

EC -Pork Steak Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Vegetable Blend, Jello

17) EC - Ham & Beans

Fried Potatoes, Tomato Salad, Corn Bread, Fruit

WC - Beef Manhattan, WC - Salmon Cakes, Whipped Potatoes, Green Spinach, Carrott Slaw, WW Beans, Fresh Fruit Cup, Bread, Apple Crisp WW Bread

22) EC-Cheese Burger on 23) EC-Chicken Casserole 24) EC-Vegetable Beef Bun, Pickles, Onions Waffle Fries, Baked Beans Pudding

WC -Liver & Onions, Mashed Pot/Gravy, Mixed Veg., WW Bread, Fruit

w/ Mixed Vegetable, Pickled Beets, Fruit

Soup, Cheese Salad Sand, Crackers, Pudding

WC -Ham & Bread, Potatoes, Mixed Greens, Cornbread, Man. Oranges

WC -Roasted Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Gr Beans, WW Bread, Apple Crisp

18)

EC - Meat Loaf, Cheesy Potatoes, Mixed Veggies, Pudding

WC - Italian Chicken w/ garlic, Pasta & Veggies, Brussels Sprouts, Bread, Strawberry Shortcake

25)

EC - CLOSED

WC - CLOSED Frozen Meals Available

29)EC-Country Fried Steak 30) EC-Pork Fritter on Bun 1)EC-Roast Beef, Mashed 2) EC-Ham Loaf, Cheesy Mashed Potatoes, White Gravy, Lima Beans FruitPudding WC -Pineapple Beef Stir Fry, Rice, Asparagus, Carrot Date Bread

Carrots, Peas, Macaroni Salad, Pudding

Potatoes, Brown Gravy Cauliflower, Jello

Potatoes, Broccoli, 5 Cup Salad

19)

EC - Fish Sandwich w/Lettuce Leaf, Corn Nug Slaw, Mac Cheese, Cake

WC - BBQ Rib Patty on Bun, Potatoe Wedges, Baked Beans, Pickle/Onion, Apricots

26)

EC - CLOSED

WC - CLOSED Frozen Meals Available

3) EC-Pork Fritter on Bun

Chili, Peanut Butter Sandwich, Crackers Cheese Sticks, Cobbler

WC -Applesauce Pork WC -Potato Soup, WG WC -Chessy Chicken & Chop, Baked Beans, WC -Veg Soup, Cheese Crackers, Chicken Salad Noodles, Pineapple Sweet Carrots, Salad & Hot Rolls, Salad Sandwish, Crackers, Sand., Apple Salad, Peach Potatoes, Gr Beans, WW Apple Cinammon Bar 3 Bean Salad, Cookies Bread Pudding Bread, Pears/Lime Gelatin

To order a meal in Edwards County please call by 9:30 am.

Albion- 618-445-2017 • Grayville- 618-375-7777 • West Salem-618-456-3600

Suggested donation for those 60+ in Edwards County is $5.00. Under 60, (unless married to someone 60+) the cost is not a suggested donation and is $7.00.

In Wabash County call 618-262-7403 60 and older $4.25, under 60 $6.25, students $5.00, children 12 and younger $4.25 Page 19 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Sponsored by Fairfield Save-a-lot where you can get low prices everyday!

Perfect Turkey

Ingredients 1 (18 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed 2 cups kosher salt ½ cup butter, melted 2 large onions, peeled and chopped 4 carrots, peeled and chopped 4 stalks celery, chopped 2 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 1 cup dry white wine Directions Rub the turkey inside and out with the kosher salt.

Place the bird in a large stock pot, and cover with cold water. Place in the refrigerator, and allow the turkey to soak in the salt and water mixture 12 hours, or overnight.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Thoroughly rinse the turkey, and discard the brine mixture.

Brush the turkey with 1/2 the melted butter. Place breast side down on a roasting rack in a shallow roasting pan. Stuff the turkey cavity with 1 onion, 1/2 the carrots, 1/2 the celery, 1 sprig of thyme, and the bay leaf. Scatter the remaining vegetables and thyme around the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover with the white wine.

Roast uncovered 3 1/2 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until the internal temperature of the thigh reaches 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Carefully turn the turkey breast side up about 2/3 through the roasting time, and brush with the remaining butter. Allow the bird to stand about 30 minutes before carving.

Bread and Celery Stuffing Ingredients 1 (1 pound) loaf sliced white bread ¾ cup butter or margarine

1 onion, chopped 4 stalks celery, chopped 2 teaspoons poultry seasoning salt and pepper to taste 1 cup chicken broth Directions Let bread slices air dry for 1 to 2 hours, then cut into cubes.

In a Dutch oven, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Cook onion and celery until soft. Season with poultry seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in bread cubes until evenly coated. Moisten with chicken broth; mix well.

Chill, and use as a stuffing for turkey, or bake in a buttered casserole dish at 350 degrees F (175 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes.

Pumpkin Roll Ingredients 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup white sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon 2/3 cup pumpkin puree ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 tbps butter, softened 8 ounces cream cheese 1 cup confectioners’ sugar ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract confectioners’ sugar for dusting Directions Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Butter or grease one 10x15 inch jelly roll pan.

In a mixing bowl, blend together the eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin. In a separate bowl, mix together flour and baking soda. Add to pumpkin mixture and blend until smooth. Evenly spread the mixture over the prepared jelly roll pan.

Bake 15 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven. Remove from oven and allow to cool enough to handle.

Remove cake from pan and place on tea towel (cotton, not terry cloth). Roll up the cake by rolling a towel inside cake and place seam side down to cool.

Prepare the frosting by blending together the butter, cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and vanilla.

When cake is completely cooled, unroll and spread with cream cheese filling. Roll up again without towel. Wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Sprinkle top with confectioners sugar and slice into 8 to 10 portions.

Classic Dinner Rolls Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour, or more if needed 1 envelope Fleischmann’s® RapidRise Yeast 2 tablespoons sugar ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup milk ¼ cup water 2 tablespoons butter OR margarine Directions Combine 3/4 cup flour, undissolved yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl. Heat milk, water and butter until very warm (120 degrees to 130 degrees F). Add to flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add 1/4 cup flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed. Stir in enough remaining flour to make soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover; let rest 10 minutes.

Divide dough into 12 equal pieces; shape into balls.

Place in greased 8-inch round pan. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.

Bake in preheated 375 degrees F oven for 20 minutes or until done. Remove from pan; brush with additional melted butter, if desired. Serve warm.

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Open: Monday - Saturday 8 am to 8 pm•Sunday 8 am to 7 pm Page 20 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Desiderium - By Molly Rafferty now Red seeps over the horizon. Orange follows, and yellow, fuchsia, lavender—and a baby pink that makes an image of a crib flash across her mind.

She clutches her purse tighter to her chest, the chill stinging her skin through the lace of the dress. The concrete bites into the worn soles of her flats, and with every step, her bones smash against each other, joints jarring and aching.

She ignores her reflection in each passing store window, and the occupants don’t even glance up from their laptop screens or animated conversations to notice a woman in a wedding dress hurry past, her blazing red hair blowing in the wind.

The bell tinkles, and warm air hits her, enclosing her in a hug. A teenage boy wanders from a back room, a smile plastered on his face. “What can I do for you today?” His eyes flit to her dress and then up to her eyes.

“I’ll just look around.” It’s the first time in a while that her voice has resembled anything like normal.

“Of course.” He disappears into shelves displaying children’s toys.

Shoes muffled on the carpet, she drifts from steel rack to steel rack, her hand caressing the cloths hanging, the tiny garments soft to her skin.

She thinks of mornings buttoning these outfits and looking into a smiling face. Alexander coming in, already dressed, coffee in an outstretched hand. Taking the warm mug, feeling him wrap his arm around her waist, hearing the deep rumble of his voice as he cooes. The See you when I get home, baby, and the footsteps resonating from the room, into the hallway, and out the door.

Out of her life.

She thinks of mornings she’ll never get. The peace, the happiness, the normalcy.

The catalyst of this entire nightmare was a morning.

A morning of happiness. two weeks earlier, morning She sat on the closed lid of the toilet, breathing in, breathing out. In, out, in, out.

Everything she’s wanted for the past few years was about to come true—no, everything they’ve both wanted.

She forced herself to stamp out the hope rising in her chest.

Those five minutes were the longest of her life. But seeing those two little pink lines inside the little white window was worth it. now She glances out the window, watching a father push a double stroller past and point at something in the distance to his children. One of them is ginger. Like hers might have been.

“Is there anything I can help you with?” The teenage boy appears behind her, closer this time—she can see the individual acne scars on his face. He should probably get those treated.

“Actually,” she says, digging through her purse. “I was wondering if you had this baby mobile. Same color and brand and everything.”

He looks at her phone screen. “Yeah, I’ll bring it up to the front desk.”

She wanders to the cash register, picking at a stray thread on her dress as the boy sets the mobile on the counter and punches in the items.

“So are you expecting?” His words hold no genuine interest, and he doesn’t even bother with eye contact.

“Yeah.” She hopes her voice is convincing, thinking of an alternate universe where she doesn’t have to lie.

He glances at her flat stomach. “So you’re having a girl?”

“No, I don’t know yet.” She taps her foot, watching light catch on a hair bow embedded with plastic stones.

Thinking about how that used to happen on the diamonds of her ring.

“Oh.” A few more clicks. “I just assumed ‘cause the mobile’s pink.”

“Oh, yes.” She fiddles in her purse for her wallet, not looking at him. “Actually, it is a girl.”

He shoots her an odd look but tells her the total without any other questions. Bag in one hand and receipt in the other, she sits on a bench outside a coffee shop.

She paid without really noticing the amount, and her eyebrows shoot up when she looks at the receipt.

Dread—a feeling that has become much more familiar to her lately—twists around her. one week earlier, night She scanned the document, her eyes skipping to the number at the bottom. Her heart dropped at the massive figure. But it’s all gonna be worth it.

“Why are you all dressed up?” Behind her, the refrigerator door snapped open, and Alexander popped the top off of a beer.

She could feel his eyes on the back of her green chiffon dress. “Uh, I just wanted to.”

“You and the green.” He didn’t sound amused by it, just annoyed.

She picked at the shiny fabric, letting the material flow through her fingers. Green was her signature color—it complemented her red hair so well. Alexander used to crack jokes about how she treated every day as if it were St. Patrick’s Day. What, are you scared of being pinched?

“So what did you want to talk to me about?” The couch dipped as Alexander settled into it. He leaned back, beer in hand, and raised it to his lips.

Page 21 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Desiderium - By Molly Rafferty (continued) “I have some news.” Her voice trembled slightly. She threw the paper back on the coffee table, but continued to stare at it.

“Good news?” She hesitated, then nodded, closing her eyes but still seeing the number behind her eyelids.

Alexander breathed a sigh of relief. “I could use some good news.”

She looked up then, and studied him, placing her hand over her stomach absentmindedly. Dark bags and wrinkles covered his face, and she was sure those hadn’t been there before—but before what? Had she been so caught up in wanting a carbon copy of Alexander that she hadn’t been paying attention to the original?

This wasn’t going at all how she dreamed of it. She wanted a happy doctor’s visit, and an extravagant reveal, something she could post on social media and get likes and comments.

“I’m pregnant.” The words fell between them, landing in the half-foot space he’d left on the couch. He was close enough to her that she could lean over and wrap her arms around him, but she didn’t.

His brow furrowed, the wrinkles in his forehead deepening.

“What?” she asked. She hadn’t even told him the bad news yet.

He closed his eyes and sighed, as if her question was stupid. “I have something to tell you.” He told her how he’d hooked up with some girl, but only because he was stressed about paying for the treatments, and it was only supposed to be one night and it was a mistake, and it hadn’t meant to go on for months, and Baby, I hope we can move on from this.

“And did she have an STD?” His head snapped up.

“I—uh, I don’t think so.” “Really?” Sarcasm colored her voice. Her eyes bore into his, but she made no other sign of anger, of betrayal. “Cause I have one.”

She remembered the vice that had wrapped itself around her heart when she found out.

Alexander stared at her deadly calm. “I’m sorry.”

“You know that STDs cause miscarriages.” It wasn’t a question—it was an accusation. Nothing that would hold up in court, but an accusation nonetheless.

The wrinkles folded into themselves even deeper, as if they were trying to hide from the shame, the guilt.

He’d always said there wasn’t anything worse than watching her cry, so she didn’t hold back, imagining each tear as a knife stabbing his heart. She allowed her wails to fill the room. After a few minutes, there were no more tears left to cry, and no words left to say.

Yet—“I’m sorry,” Alexander whispered. And she was out the door. now, night The door closes with a click. She flings her shoes

onto the antique rug her mother-in-law gave them for their sixth-year anniversary. At their party, an uncle made some remark about a seven year itch, and she and Alexander laughed.

“Where are we now?” she asks, flipping the lights on. She shakes her head, letting her voice get louder and louder. “There’s no us anymore. You ran off with her and—” She clamps a hand over her mouth, remembering the complaints the other tenants filed. “Shh, you have to be quiet.”

She giggles, flinging her purse onto the couch, where it collides with an empty pizza box. The metal of the straps clink on a wine bottle that she picks up. There are a few gulps left, but alcohol is a no-no for pregnant women.

She sets the glass on the coffee table.

Holding the baby mobile she assembled on the walk here, she tiptoes into the hallway, careful not to wake her sleeping husband.

He has to get up early tomorrow.

She passes the doorway to their bedroom, the crisp, empty sheets taunting her. It’s been a long time since anything more than dust mites touched those sheets, much less the long nights of passion and twisted limbs.

Passing the mirror around the corner is always jarring, no matter how much Alexander told her she’ll get used to it. She hates being scared by her own reflection, watching it pop up out of nowhere. Alexander liked the mirror, a family heirloom, but she always thought it was too gaudy and way too large.

They kept the mirror.

Alexander wanted a motion light in the hallway too.

She reminded him of how awful he was at forgetting to change batteries, how he swore at them—they don’t make things like they used to—but he insisted about the light. She was surprised at how good he was at remembering to change them, never even letting a curse word slip.

But lately, she’s been the one who changed the batteries.

She passes the mirror, and the light comes on. She snaps her eyes shut for one, two, three . . . . fourteen, fifteen seconds. The light’s refractory period was Alexander’s compromise.

When she opens her eyes, the hallway’s dark again.

But her eyes have adjusted to the lack of light, and she can see her double in the mirror—the white of her dress glowing eerily in the dark, the flaming hair adding a burst of color to the dress like a pool of blood around an angel’s wings.

She looks away.

Down the hallway, the next door is open. Moonlight cascades through the window, illuminating streams of

Page 22 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

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A hastily-built crib slumps against one corner, and a battered dresser occupies the wall near the window, chips missing from when she rescued it.

Thank you for all of the support and kind “I got you more decorations,” she cooes, flipping the lights on. words of encouragement over the past 2 The room looks even worse in the light, but she years! Because of you we are doesn’t notice. Walking over to the crib, she kicks aside a mattress covered with a blanket, revealing a Dante, Medium brown dark spot of red crusted in the carpet.

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Snap. The crib crumples, and the entire world crashes beneath her.

Celebrating our 2 year Anniversary!

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Page 23 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

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WSGS 6th - 8th graders who met their Accelerated Reading goal for the first quarter had their name entered into a drawing for the $20 prize, and Cooper’s name was drawn! This quarter’s prize was sponsored by Fenton Real Estate and Auction Service.

Above: The top 5 AR points earners in the WSGS jr. high for the first quarter have been announced! Front (L-R): 6th grader Cooper Lynch with 90 and 8th grader Wyatt Greathouse with 59; Back: 8th grader Meadow Miller with 288, 8th grader Haiden Haley with 134, and 7th grader Cody Greathouse with 120.

At right: WSGS Principal Dale Schmittler presented Cooper Lynch with his $20 cash prize during lunch today. All

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Page 24 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Lessons in the woods for AGS students in October

Mrs. Robinson’s fourth grade class at Albion Grade School works with Rebecca Perry, Edwards County Farm Bureau, and Olivia Boesecker, Edwards County FFA, on identifying layers of the forest. This was part of fourth grade outdoor education

By: Edwards County Farm Bureau Albion Grade School kindergarten through fifth grade students all spent at least part of one school day in October in the school woods. Lessons and activities are conducted by the teachers and volunteers revolving around the outdoors.

The Edwards County Farm Bureau and Edwards County FFA chapter teamed up to assist the first, third, fourth, and fifth grades with their lessons. Some activities included identifying animal homes, learning about the parts of a tree, being tree detectives, food webs, and forest habitats.

“The Edwards County Ag in the Classroom program enjoys assisting the classes with their day in the woods. The outdoors in all connected to agriculture,” states Jane Jones, Program Assistant for the Edwards County Farm Bureau.

The students enjoy a break from the normal classroom routine while still learning about science, math, and other subjects.

Callie Messerole of the Edwards County FFA works with Roy Markman, fifth gradThird grade students at Albion Grade School try to identify er at Albion Grade School, on identifywhich species of wildlife lives in which home at part of a sta- ing different aspects of a leaf. Students tion conducted by the Edwards County Farm Bureau and Ed- became tree detectives and analyzed wards County FFA at the third grade outdoor education day. leaves for clues.

illiana home inspections Bill Miller, Inspector

207 E Oak St., Allendale, Il 62410 illianas59@yahoo.com 618-262-6968 Page 25 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Rep. Angelica Guerrero Cuellar visits Edwards County In mid-October, the Edwards County Farm Bureau hosted Representative Angelica Guerrero Cuellar (D-22, near Midway Airport) for a weekend in the county to teach her and her family about agriculture and rural Illinios.

The weekend started with a tour of West Salem Grade School led by Principal Dale Schmittler. The family then toured Baker’s Seed in West Salem, before having lunch in West Salem. During lunch, they visit with several West Salem Community Leaders. After lunch, Jason Balding led them on a driving tour of Edwards County. The last tour of day one was a Stumpy Hill hog farm in rural Albion with Bryan Roosevelt. They ended day one, with dinner at Rosatti’s.

The morning of day two was spent with the Matt & Cassie Lynch family of rural West Salem. The Lynch’s showed the family how grain bin facilities operate and gave them rides and tours of a combine and tractor with auger cart. They also discussed corn research plots, rural internet, rural roads, power line placement, paperwork, regulations, the cost of equipment and facilities, grain markets, and more.

The family then rode horses with Grandma Jo Rector, before feeding calves and cows with Jason Balding. The end of day two brought a hot dog roast and campfire hosted by Jason & Brenda Balding.

Members of the Farm Bureau Board of Directors and their families talked about Chicago and urban issues with Rep. Guerrero Cueller and her family.

“It was a great opportunity to show off our county, while helping to bridge the rural-urban divide,” stated Jason Balding, president of the Edwards County Farm Bureau. “The representative stated she learned a lot and now understood several issues a lot better.”

Representative Angelica Guerrero Cuellar (D-22, near Midway Airport) accepts a gift baskets from Brenda Balding and the Edwards County Farm Bureau at the hot dog roast and campfire hosted

by Jason & Brenda Balding. The state representative was in Edwards County to learn about rural Illinois with the Edwards County Farm Bureau.

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618-445-3329•www.completehvac.org Page 26 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

The Thankful Glamper - By Daisy Roser

By Daisy Roser When I can’t think of anything to write or talk about I like to listen. I like to hear what other people say, because half the time, my siblings and parents are twice as interesting as I am. They’re pretty much the only people that I get to listen to unless there’s some abnormality in my routine.

I ask for suggestions sometimes. I ask mom what she thinks I should write about, sometimes I ask Promiss, once I even asked Abe. After that, I remembered why I don’t ask Abe for suggestions, it’s the same reason that I don’t ask him for explanations… somehow he can turn the most simple idea or reason into a complex paragraph filled with mind-boggling details and periodic pauses that make me want to strangle him. He always has good ideas though. This time he didn’t though. I don’t even remember what the suggestion was, it clearly wasn’t memorable enough, something about a three-story magnet that generates hydroelectric energy or something with as much gravitational pull as the Earth itself.

My Mema, who was here today, suggested a story about a Glamper, which is someone who camps in an RV or camper instead of a tent. She suggested this, firstly because she loves camping, or glamping, and has loved it for longer than I’ve been alive. And secondly, she suggested it because we just went camping recently. Our family, excluding Dad and Abe, because they had to work and love working too much to even consider taking off. We, the remainder of the family, are glampers, we have a camper. It’s actually quite nice, but it gets quite a bit smaller once we all get inside of it to sleep. That’s why, when camping, Zeke brings his own tent to put outside the camper. It’s a good idea, I’d probably do the same thing if I had a tent, or if Mom and Dad would let me. When sleeping you can feel each person moving, in the spot next to you, or at the other end of the camper. Several of my sisters sleep talk. It’s normally just one, mumbling “Naomi, stop it, stop it.” but sometimes it’s a whole conversation, it’s fascinating, really. Or, it would be fascinating if I weren’t always so tired when they’re doing it. Once I tried to get a video of it to show Promiss in the morning, but she had quit by the time I got my phone out.

Elsie likes to giggle, at odd times, for seemingly no reason. She does it at odd places in movies, during a conversation, and, as I recently discovered, she giggles while she’s sleeping. It’s less fascinating than the sleep-talking because there’s no meaning behind it, or if there is a reason I can’t tell. At least they don’t sleepwalk, sometimes to punctuate a particularly important bit of their nighttime conversation they will wave their hands in a kind of floppy, dead-fish sort of way. But

they don’t sleepwalk.

Speaking of fish, several of my siblings like fishing while we’re camping. I don’t like fishing. I’m not good at it, firstly because I’m not an extremely patient person, and secondly because I can only cast about three feet.

But, while I was sitting out on the dock last week, while we were camping, I was trying to study for a test, and my books were all spread out in front of me, along with some of that rare camping candy that makes camping so much fun, when the fishing line in front of me about knocked my eye out. You see, on the dock, there are these posts. They are metal and hollow in the middle, and I think are used to steady the dock. But they are used for other things too. Some people, when in possession of a boat, will tie their boat to the dock with these posts, while others, when not patient enough to stand around watching their pole, will put bait on the hook, hook in the water, and pole in the post. My siblings, mostly, have about the same patience level as me and leave their fishing pole in the holder most of the day, sometimes checking them to see if the bait has fallen off. That was the case with the pole whose line had suddenly started to move. At first, being the

Page 27 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

The Thankful Glamper continued brilliant observationalist that I am, I believed that this line was being moved by the pond’s currents. And so I tried to move it out of my face with my hands, but I felt the line tug beneath my fingers, something alive was at the end of that line. Well, I was a little bit startled, I mean they used hot dogs for bait! What sane sort of fish would prefer raw hot dogs over… well, whatever fish usually eat? Anyways, I started to get up, partially because of the fish, and partially because the line was starting to tangle with another kid’s line. I mostly expected for the fish to fall off before I got to the pole but it didn’t. And I caught a fish! It was so much fun reeling it in! Our papa used to take us out for hours in his boat and have us fish while we were camping, and I’ve helped with trotlines before, but I think I’d just forgotten the thrill of the chase, or, the thrill of the catch.

Anyways, there was this really nice little kid on the dock with me, I didn’t know him, but he looked about six years old, and was very capable with the fish, he had it off before I could even notice the blood. The kid even tied the fish up for me and everything.

I certainly couldn’t have done it. You see, I used to be fine with that sort of thing, blood, tissue, and fishysmelling slime. But then, something changed, and now I’m fine with blood on myself, but blood on anyone or anything else has me blinking. Once, my dad caught a huge fish on a trotline, and he needed someone to hold it up for a picture while he displayed his other two catches. I volunteered, because my brothers were too scared to pick up the giant fish. It was heavy because I was little and had skinny arms, but I did just as Dad had told me, stuck my fingers in the fish’s gills, and held it up for probably my favorite picture to date. But if you asked me to hold up a fish today, I would probably be more scared of the fish cutting me with its fins than I was that day.

The lucky, joint-effort fish that I caught, with help

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from whoever baited, and the kid that took it off, never got eaten. Zeke took one look at it and threw it back in.

I thought it was big at least. I was much more disappointed than the situation warranted, especially since I only reeled it in.

After the lucky catch, I got very motivated for about a minute and a half. I could see myself as the world’s greatest fishing champion in the blink of an eye. But then my newfound drive was somewhat stalled by the reminder of why I don’t like fishing. After throwing a part of a hot dog off the hook three times in a row, and dropping the line off the wrong end of the dock, the side behind my back, I remembered that I don’t fish. But it will always be a wonderful memory to look back upon in my old age, that one time when I caught a fish.

Back to the glamping, some of us like kayaking, some of us like biking, some like rollerblading, and others, just like eating. Honestly, I mostly come for the food.

We get to eat bacon and eggs and pancakes in the mornings when we go camping. This time when we went there was some really, really sugary cereal that we got to eat, too. Just one bite made me feel like my teeth were going to rot plum out of my mouth, but it was delicious.

I sometimes like kayaking, but only when someone will go with me, not when I’m by myself.

I used to be able to rollerblade pretty well, but then my rollerblades broke and I have to use my brother’s, which are too big and I’m not as good on them.

I like biking, not really fast biking, but long, exploratory biking… the kind where I disappear for hours and end up coming back from a totally different direction. At home, I do this on the four-wheelers, but while camping, I do it on bikes. The thrill of the unknown has always been rather fascinating for me. I think it came from all of the books I read when I was younger. But I like to put my earbuds in and just explore. This time though, when I was exploring, I hit a rather unfortunate bump and my earbuds fell out of my ears. They got caught in the back tire. For a second I thought my phone would explode, I could hear the grinding of wires

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Page 28 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

The Thankful Glamper continued against my tire’s rubber. I might have been going too fast. It was downhill, and the earbuds didn’t stop my descent. By the time I had hit the brakes and unwound my earbuds, there were just a bunch of frayed wires sticking out of the plastic wrapping.

I like camping, but mostly because we go somewhere, I love going places, I love riding in trucks and cars, just because they are moving. It makes me feel like I’m on some wonderful quest, I can pretend I’m on some important journey even when I am only riding along to go get gas.

This week’s camping trip didn’t go far. We were about twenty minutes from home so we could drive back every morning to feed animals, milk the cow and goats and let our new puppy out for a while under close supervision. We’re still not completely sure he won’t eat chickens. But even this felt like a journey, it felt monumental, but then again, I am a dramatic person, and things as simple as catching a fish can feel astronomically important for absolutely no reason.

Mom said that I needed to incorporate thanksgiving into my article because it’s about that time of year.

She suggested that I tell the story of the first thanksgiving or summarise it. That I tell why it is important that we should remember the story of how God helped this nation’s early settlers through their first colonization

efforts. I thought about it, and because Mom always has good ideas, I was tempted to write about it. But the more I thought about it, the more the idea turned into a polarizing political dialogue about the idea of people trying to erase religion from our history books.

So I decided that I needed to tell a story instead.

But this story I told about the fish, the bike, and camping can still relate to thanksgiving with only a little stretch. Thanksgiving is about giving thanks to God for the blessings he puts in your life. It is about appreciating what you have and being content with what you don’t. In the first thanksgiving the pilgrims, after making it through their harsh first winter had many things to be thankful for. And they had many things to be content with. They could be thankful for their survival, their newfound friendship with the Indians. But they had to be content in rather horrible living conditions, with cold, and near starvation. They were thankful despite heavy losses in supplies. They praised God, even though many of their friends and family members had died in the harsh winter.

Though my ending might seem insufficient in comparison, I am thankful that I caught that fish, though I didn’t get to eat it. I am thankful that we got to go camping, although we still had our chores every morning. I am thankful that I have siblings and parents who love me, even though they sleep talk, thankful for my curiosity and love of exploration, despite my broken earbuds. I am thankful for the bed in the camper and the bed in my room, where I get to sleep in safety and comfort. I am thankful for food, thankful for air, and water, and the sky to look at.

And I am thankful to God, who has given me all of this and so, so much more.

If you have a story idea or picture to share...contact Laurie Snidle at hometownvoice2019 @gmail.com

Hometown Voice Publisher, Laurie Snidle 1069 County Road 200 E Albion, IL 62806

618-919-1941 Page 29 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

MCHS Cross Country Honors Two Seniors Thursday at their home meet with Fairfield the MCHS Cross Country team honored their two seniors, Eric Leffler and Caleb Woollard. Eric Leffler, a four year varsity runner and Caleb Woollard, a three year varsity runner, were recognized in a brief ceremony prior to the meet.

Fairfield won the competitive boys meet 26 - 31. Jason Miller’s 2nd place finish (18:40),3 seconds behind the first place Fairfield runner, paced the Aces. He was followed by Anthony Bleyer 4th (19:34), Caleb Carwile 5th (19:41), Eric Leffler 8th (20:51), Caleb Woollard 15th (24:30) and Jacob Wall 17th (30:30).

The Lady Aces did not field enough runners to register a score in the girls race. Lily Keepes led the Lady Aces with a third place finish in a time of (24:43). She was followed by Hallie Courter 4th (24:48), Kali Walker 5th (25:11) and Molly Haggerty 7th (27:17).

Edwards County 4H Achievement Night A nice crowd attended the Edwards County 4-H Achievement Night held Monday at COUNTRY Financial Hall in Albion. Area youth, leaders, and clubs were honored for their accomplishments over the 2020-2021 4-H year.

The “Club of the Year” Award went to the Ellery Panthers the donor for the award was Wayne-White Electric Cooperative.

Emma Wiseman was recognized as the 4-H’er of the year, Farm Credit Illinois donated the award.

Skylar Greathouse was awarded the Novice Member of the Year and Chase Shelton received the Jr. Member of the Year. Both trophies were donated by Edwards County Farm Bureau.

Two members were recognized for being, “Cream of the Crop”. The award is focused on attitude and willingness to help others. The members had to be noticed, helping out, on their own and was not based on 4-H records. The ones who received the award were: Matthew Bare and Chase Shelton. They received a 4-H hoodie sweatshirt.

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The Best Club Secretary Award trophy went to Ellery Panthers – Lauren Luker.

The “I Dare You Award” was presented to Emma Wiseman, with the University of Illinois Extension donating the award. The award is presented to members who “achieve their highest potential and live lives of leadership and service.”

Four members received an Alumni Pin: Hayley Buerster, Caelyn Nelson, Kaylie Vallette and Halley Kocher.

Trophy winners included: Hallie Shelton, Best Constructed Garment for clothing, she received the TNT Seeds trophy. Ava Anderson was awarded the Lyndle and Charlotte Barnes trophy, for Fashion Revue.

Among other awards presented were: Clean Sheep Pen Award, Gabe Wyatt and Halley Kocher, donor George Fewkes. Clean Beef Stall Award, River Greathouse; Clean Swine Pen Award, Ryleigh Moore, and Clean Goat Pen Award, Hayley and Jaycey Buerster, donor Farm Credit Illinois.Conservation Award, Grant Doelling, donor Edwards County Soil and Water. Best Club Scrapbook, Ellery Panthers. Derra Markman, leader of the Yankees 4-H Club was presented a pin and certificate for her 15 years as a leader.

Experience awards was presented to 32 members.

To receive this award each participant must submit an application to be eligible and mark the experiences that they have achieved for the year. There are 4 dimensions of experience: Participation, Community Service, Leadership and Project Learning.

Congratulations to all the winners! Thank you to all the parents, leaders and donors of awards to make this evening special for our youth.

To advertise call Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@gmail.com

Page 30 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Edwards County 4H Achievement Night

Pictured above: Members of the Ellery Panthers received “Club of the Year” at Achievement Night.

Wayne-White Electric Cooperative was the sponsor.

At left: Chase Shelton was named Jr. 4-H Member of the Year. He received the Edwards County Farm Bureau trophy from Wayne Doelling, Farm Bureau Board of Director. Below left: Skylar Greathouse received the Edwards County Farm Bureau Novice Member of the Year trophy from Wayne Doelling, Farm Bureau Board of Director. Below right: Emma Wiseman received 4-H Member of the Year honors.

Heather Greenwalt, of Farm Credit Illinois made presentation.

Page 31 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Rehabilitation and Performance Institute Expanding

By Meghan Fearn It takes a group of special people to work together in any medical field to successfully treat and care for patients. It takes someone who genuinely cares about the patients they treat and those they work with. It takes someone willing to continue learning and growing to meet the needs of patients of all ages and lifestyles. In the world of Physical Therapy, this especially holds true. For anyone who has received treatment from Rehabilitation and Performance Institute, it is obvious that RPI has found this special group of people.

RPI is a clinic dedicated to providing clinicians who use their knowledge and skills to improve movement and decrease pain through rehabilitation, wellness classes, nutrition education, and injury prevention. RPI has six locations in the tri-state area. Albion, Illinois is one of these locations. The Albion location continues to grow and now keeps five therapists active with busy schedules. Word-of-mouth has brought patients, from all around, looking for the unique care and services offered. Personal training, post operative care, and functional dry needling are a few of those special services. To those who have been under the care of this office, it comes as no surprise that the time has come to expand and grow even more. RPI will soon be opening a branch in Olney, IL. At the helm will be their own Parker Mitchell, DPT, OCS. Mitchell, born and raised in Noble, graduated from West Richland High School knowing he wanted to go into the medical field. His mother is a nurse and he had also enjoyed many hours with his grandfather caring in any capacity he could. It was during a therapy appointment after one of his grandfather’s knee replacements when Mitchell knew he had found his calling. He attended OCC and then the University of Evansville, earning a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He found the vision of RPI and the different approach they have to physical therapy to be exactly what he was looking for. He has been on the Albion team for the past two years.

When the owners of RPI approached Mitchell about opening a branch in Olney, his entrepreneurial side jumped at the chance to start a new location. He and his wife, Cally, a Language Arts teacher at St. Joe, live in Olney with their six-month-old daughter, McKenzie. The fact that he can care for patients in his hometown makes this an even more perfect fit. RPI enjoys an active role in each community they are in, and Mitchell looks forward to becoming more active in the Richland County Area. He can work with local businesses to provide analysis on the job to keep the environment safer for the employees. He can offer pre-employment screenings, personal training, and athletic screenings. An avid sports fan, Mitchell enjoys working with athletes in performance enhancement and injury prevention. The new location has a wide variety of squat racks, kettle bells, weights, etc. dedicated to such services.

One of the things RPI is also happy to offer is direct access therapy. This means that unless a patient is on Medicare, they do NOT have to have a doctor’s referral to be treated. Most insurance companies will cover direct access care. RPI also offers a cash pay rate for those who do not wish to work through insurance. This direct access allows anyone suffering from pain, injury or just looking to improve their health the care they need.

Mitchell will begin seeing patients at 108 East Main Street in Olney on November 1. Patients are encouraged to call the Olney, RPI, Patient Service Specialist, Hannah Shelby, at 618-617-1200 if they wish to set up an appointment. Mitchell looks forward to meeting new patients and gives this assurance, “I genuinely want a patient to get better. They can trust that I will work with them to figure out how RPI can help or I will get them to the right place.” For more information about RPI, visit their website: www.rehabilitationperformance.com.

Look for the digital edition of the Hometown Voice on Facebook.

Page 32 • Hometown Voice • November 2021

Join us in a prayer for the safe return of the soldiers who continue to keep America safe.

Saluting the United States Armed Forces Thank you veterans! We owe our way of life to your brave defense of freedom. The country and its people are in your debt.

14 N. 4th Street, Albion•445-2306