October 2021 Hometown Voice by hometownvoice2019

H METOWN VOICE

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October 2021

October 9th

We applaud all frontline workers. Logan Bailey Assistant Vice President Financial Advisor

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 7300 Eagle Crest Boulevard Evansville, IN 47715

812.473.7318 logan.bailey2@ml.com

fa.ml.com/logan-bailey2

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. © 2021 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP3413078 | AD-03-21-0288 | 470944PM-0221 | 03/2021

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 October 9th and November 6th. • A FREE Community Meal will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. on October 20th at the pavillion downtown Grayville and November 17th in the church basement. Steven Thomson Financial Representative 103 W North St West Salem, IL 62476-1344 www.countryfinancial.com/steven.thomson steven.thomson@countryfinancial.com (618)456-2309

Home insurance policies issued by COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Preferred Insurance Company® and COUNTRY Casualty Insurance Company®, Bloomington, IL. 0221-504HC_03989-9/14/2021

Northside Missionary Baptist Church

805 North State Road, Grayville 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 • Youth Leader Amanda Johnson

WE MOVED NEW LOUISVILLE LOCATION 14415 US HWY 45 S Louisville, IL 62858

Aiding Refugees from Behind the Scenes

By Meghan Fearn A man and woman climb the steps into a Boeing 777-200. They each carry with them a backpack. In those backpacks are all the possessions they have left in the world. Maybe they take one look back, but mostly they are looking forward. Their home, careers, household items, heirlooms, all are left behind. Some friends and family have also been left behind or separated from them. They join hands, and then join other passengers, all fleeing their homes in the same way. Afghanistan, the place where they worked as doctors, engineers, and business owners is now under Taliban Gina Ile front row far right with members of the mission rule. Their homes are no longer safe. While one crew. might think gloom and despair would fill the plane, it is the complete opposite. The refugees boarding the plane express only gratitude and hope; for they were being rescued. On August 22, the U.S. Department of Defense notified American Airlines that it had activated Stage 1 of the Civil Reserve Air Fleet, or C.R.A.F. for short. American Airlines was one of the commercial airlines called to help the U.S. military scale a humanitarian and diplomatic rescue mission in Kabul, Afghanistan. Teams within the company worked throughout the night to develop a plan and call-in volunteers to work missions. On August 23, American Airlines deployed widebody aircraft to military bases and secure transit points on the Arabian Peninsula and in Europe. Their goal was to help evacuate U.S. Citizens and refugees fleeing Afghanistan. American Airlines has a group of pilots, flight attendants, and personnel who willingly volunteer to participate in C.R.A.F. missions. Gina Iles, a resident of Browns, IL, has been a commercial flight attendant with American Airlines for 39 years. She is also a C.R.A.F. volunteer. On the evening of August 31, Iles was asked to give her services on a rescue flight. By 7:00 a.m. the following morning she was on a flight to Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport. After arriving at the airport, she headed to the medical facility to take a rapid Covid test. American Airlines had two crews deadheading (crew members on board, going from point A to point B, riding as passengers, not as crew) to Frankfort Germany and all were required to have a negative test to enter Frankfort. These two crews were scheduled to operate two separate rescue flights on September 3. Each crew consisted of four pilots, twelve flight attendants, and two mechanics. The mechanics were outfitted with tools and parts. These missions were too expensive and important to be grounded by minor mechanical issues, so all precautions were taken. The crews departed Dallas/Ft. Worth Airport on a Boeing 787900, Flight number 70 at 1545 p.m. They arrived in Frankfort at 0815 a.m. on Thursday, September 2. As a commercial airline, they had to layover in Frankfort to adhere to all FAA Regulations regarding crew rest and legalities. On September 3, the crew was briefed in detail, and escorted through security. Here, they boarded a bus which took the crew to a secure area to board the 273-passenger, Boeing 777-200. They departed at 1305 p.m. from Frankfort and ferried to NSY, Sigonella Navy Air Base, located in Sigonella, Sicily, Italy. The military had been bringing passengers out of Afghanistan to various military bases around Europe, and it was here that this mission would take place. The United States Customs and Border Patrol were present, completing the vetting of the passengers before allowing them to fly to America. It was a very slow boarding process; however, it moved smoothly. The Naval Base had only one small 15-pasA couple held hands as they boarded the senger bus for transport. The delay caused the crew to go over plane to start their life over together with their 18-hour maximum duty rule, but all crew members voluntarily extended. There was no assigned seating, so the crew filled the only what they could carry.

Page 1 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Aiding Refugees from Behind the Scenes - continued plane starting in the rear and moving forward. Each flight had an interpreter/translator to help with communication and with mandatory safety demonstrations, etc. Signs with pictures and dual languages were placed in locations, such as the lavatory to aide in communication. Some of the passengers knew English, but many did not. Most of the passengers were white collar workers, many with successful careers. They were leaving that behind to go to a country where they would barely be able to communicate. Iles could feel the gravity of the situation around her and of the life change happening to the people before her. She made it her mission to make each passenger feel as comfortable and welcome as possible on this flight. Iles noted “I was absolutely amazed at the effort, coordination, and planning that went into our flight. There were humanitarian organizations that had prepared and catered our flight before leaving Frankfort. We had everything we could possibly need to help our passengers. They had filled our beverage carts with diapers of every size, baby food, formula, feminine products, slippers, amenity kits, pillows, and so much more. It An Emblem of Freedom was displayed to was so wonderful to know someone had taken such care, so encourage those on board. we could see to every need.” Diapers were something that were needed in abundance, as many of the passengers were babies. Iles continued, “I have always loved to have babies on board. I’ve often enjoyed helping a mother with her little one. It is one of the favorite things about my job.” While Covid regulations did not permit her to hold any of the babies, she was able to give stuffed teddy bears and brightly colored fidget toys to them to play with on the journey. The pilot, who had flown previous missions had come with extra toys to give to the children as well. Iles spent the ten-hour flight from Italy to Philadelphia moving among the passengers and serving them, as she has done for the past 39 years. She served a hot meal, midflight snack, beverages, answered questions and tried to keep everyone comfortable. However, this time it was different. The plane usually had a baggage compartment bursting at the seams. This time it was empty. The people sitting in the seats were escaping terrorism and being taken to freedom. They were leaving behind fear and reaching for hope. She was there to help smooth the transition between both. As Iles cared for the passengers, she couldn’t help but wonder. “What is going through their minds? They have left everything they know behind, so what lies ahead for them?” In the front of the plane, American Airlines proudly displayed the answer to that question. It was there that the American Flag was hanging, serving as a reminder and an emblem of hope for the refugees. “The passengers seemed so calm and friendly.” said Iles. “I didn’t do anything special, but they were so thankful.” Iles shared a story of a husband and wife traveling together. The wife, who couldn’t speak English, was wearing a pretty pin on her blouse. Iles managed to communicate a compliment to the woman about the pin. Before leaving the plane, the woman removed the pin and pressed it into Iles’ hand. “With masks on, the only way we could express feelings and emotion was through our eyes.” Through tears, Iles shared how she took the woman’s hands, thanked her; but told her that she couldn’t accept the lovely gift. “I was so humbled and broken over this gesture. Here is a woman, wife, and mother who only has the clothes she is wearing and a few things in a small bag. But she wanted to give me one of her last remaining Gina with military personal that were sent to cap- possessions out of gratitude. It was a moment I’ll never ture the rescue. forget.”

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Aiding Refugees from Behind the Scenes - continued The flight landed in Philadelphia around 11:30 p.m. All crew and passengers had to clear customs and immigration. Iles is unsure what happened to the passengers since she wasn’t privy to any further information. American Airlines deployed and completed 24 C.R.A.F. mission trips from August 23 to September 7. The last several flights brought home the remaining U.S. Military personnel and soldiers. Since that time, Iles has visited with other flight attendants and crews who took C.R.A.F. flights. They share stories of how these flights have touched their lives. One flight attendant told of a young woman, so badly beaten by the Taliban that she had to be carried on board since both of her legs were broken. Another attendant tells of a refugee delivering her baby midflight. One couple had been separated from their young son during the suicide bombing that had killed the 13 American Soldiers. Through a miracle, they were united at an American military base and able to be on one of the American flights. Iles shared, “I know the passengers on my flight all had similar stories. I’m thankful God allowed me to be a small part of the rescue missions. This experience has touched me so deeply.” The flight attendants, the pilots, the humanitarian organizations who donated supplies, the coordinators who stayed up all night planning; all of these are the people making these missions possible. They are the ones working behind the scenes, who notice the little details and get things done. When crisis strikes, it is the everyday American who says, “I will go. I will help.” This is what makes America a great and free Nation.

Stop by Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm and Saturday 8 am to 12 pm and check out the new fresh cut meat case and frozen food we have available. You’ll never know what you will find!

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

Hours: Monday - Friday 8 am to 5 pm • Saturday 8 am to 12 pm

Page 3 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Creative Hobby

By Meghan Fearn A hobby, by definition, is something someone does in their spare time to be creative or to relax. In this age of social media and technology, people now have access to see and learn so many new hobbies. It was an inspiration from one of these online ideas that led Robert Campbell, of Mt. Carmel, to find a new creative hobby. Campbell, a union pipefitter, has always been good at working with his hands and at problem solving. Campbell was looking for a way to use an old treadle sewing machine that had been sitting in his garage. His first idea was to use the machine base as a side table. After working with that idea, he saw online where someone had turned an old sewing machine into a tractor replica. This piqued his interest and he started looking for old machines to experiment with. After spending hours in his garage working with machines and parts, the first tractor took shape. To date, Campbell has made corn pickers, combines, a bulldozer, a backhoe, and tractors of all shapes, sizes, and colors. He has used larger machines, kids’ machines, and even a mini machine that was on the top of a music box. He enjoys the challenge of using the whole machine, finding the right tires, and getting creative with the different parts. He uses the machine as the main body and will add common items, such as a metal dustpan, to create the image he has in his mind. While farm implements have been his initial creations, he hopes to attempt things in the future, such as trains and airplanes. What started as an idea, has turned into a hobby that Campbell enjoys. “I look forward to going home each evening and working on them. They aren’t all perfect, but I’m having fun with it.” He puts photos of his projects on his

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 • October 2021

Creative Hobby continued personal Facebook page and finds that many people look forward to what he is creating next. Currently, some of his pieces are on display at Vicks Bread & Brew in Mt. Carmel. While they do have price tags, and he is willing to sell them, Campbell’s interest is more in the creative process of building them and letting others see the unique designs. Maybe it will be the inspiration that a person needs to find their own creative hobby.

English Prairie Quilt Guild “Quilt Show 2021” Saturday, November 6 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Ruth Wiseman

at Little Prairie Christian Church 2.5 miles west of Albion on Route 15 $5.00 Admission

Over 150 quilts, wall hangings, and other original projects will be on display. Members will be selling raffle tickets for a quilt made by the members.

Door Prizes and Vendors

Page 5 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

City of Albion Chowder By Meghan Fearn It has been said that good things take time and that great things take work. Albion residents can be ready for both a good and great thing coming on October 9 in the form of the annual City of Albion Chowder. The chowder takes time, as it is slow-cooked over an open fire. It also takes a great deal of work from organizers and volunteers. However, the outcome is always worth it! This event has been a tradition in the City of Albion for many years. This year it will continue under the leadership of Jessica Gwaltney. Gwaltney, the City of Albion Chamber of Commerce President, has enjoyed the Albion Chowder for many years. She fondly remembers going to the park as a child, listening to Dennis Stroughmatt play his fiddle, seeing large crowds fill the park, and having fun playing with friends. Her mother, a former Chamber President, spearheaded the event for several years and often recruited Gwaltney to help. “I remember using a potato peeler and peeling potatoes as a child. The peeler slipped in my hand and cut me. I still have a scar from that peeler.” She continued, “I couldn’t let the Chowder die, it is something so deeply engrained in this town. I knew I had to keep it going. It is stressful; but at the end of the day, I love it!” This will be the fifth year Gwaltney has organized the event. However, now she uses a paring knife, not a peeler. It takes a lot of work to get such an event together. Gwaltney credits a great group of volunteers for making it possible. Starting at 5:00 a.m. on the day of the Chowder, volunteers chop and dice vegetables, among which are 250 pounds of potatoes and 250 pounds of cabbage. The recipe includes beef, chicken, and a variety of other vegetables all simmered in a tomato base. Gwaltney uses a recipe that is a combination of her family recipe and one from Leroy Moore. The chowder is cooked slowly, in a cast iron kettle, over an open fire. As the chowder is cooked, volunteers keep the kettle stirred with a long wooden paddle. This year there will be the usual four large kettles, one small kettle, and an additional kettle borrowed from Parkersburg. Gwaltney is thankful for the extra kettle. “We sell out quickly every year, so we are putting together an extra kettle to make it possible to serve more people.” The Chowder has changed some over the years and is now held on the south side of the Albion Square. Serving will begin at 11:00 a.m. with no pre-sales. It will be served as a drive-through. Drivers are asked to enter the square on the west side by The Moose and proceed clockwise around the square to form a line. Pre-filled buckets will be sold for $20 each. Albion Mutual Insurance has graciously sponsored the buckets for the Chowder, so it is not necessary to bring a container. All funds are donated to the Albion Park and earmarked for the City Pool. Volunteers are still needed to help with the vegetables at 5:00 a.m. and to stir the kettles until 11:00 a.m. The City of Albion Chowder takes a great deal of work and time to prepare. However, on October 9, the smell of chowder being cooked over an open fire will officially make it feel as though fall has arrived in Albion. All are invited to come and take part in this tradition for the City of Albion, take home a bucket of chowder, and celebrate the arrival of fall.

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AGS 5K Results The AGS PTO recently held a 5K to raise money for an outdoor classroom. 55 individuals participated in the 5K and 15 kids participated in the Kids Fun Run. The AGS PTO has plans to build an outdoor classroom in the near future behind the K-12 building.

At left: AGS 5K Overall winners (l-r): Male Runner: Carroll Sanders from Fairfield; Female Runner: Clara Williams from Parkersburg; Female Walker-Shirley Fearheiley from Harrisburg; Male Walker-John Branum from Albion

At left: ECHS Seniors that helped on the 5K route. L-R Emma Wiseman, Rylan Robb, Bob Ellis, Sam Lynch, Addie Bailey, Tara Michels, and Carissa Jefferson

Collegiate Farm Bureau Elects New Officers The Wabash Valley College Collegiate Farm Bureau recently elected new officers for the 2021-2022 school year. The group is advised by Steve Hnetkovsky and Doug Robb, Agricultural Instructors at the college. Pictured: Front Row- Jaylynn Ault, Public Relations Executive; Kaylie Vallette, Public Relations Executive; and Halley Kocher, Student Senate Representative. Back Row- Alec Gray, Vice-President; Josey Ault, Secretary; Matthew Jones, Treasurer; Coy Crull, President; and Alec Fewkes, Program Coordinator.

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Congratulations to the September Student of the Month, Caleb Stevens! He was nominated because his teacher said he’s not afraid to fail when trying to learn new things. For his efforts, he receives $20 cash from Matthes Farms, Tupperware from Gerri Hughes, a hoodie from JW Equipment, a cooler from Doug Raber State Farm, a gift card from United Mutual Insurance, a can cooler from Steve Thomson Country Financial, beef sticks and a t-shirt from Country Home Processing, a Carquest Hat, and a $15 McDonald’s Gift Card from the VFW Auxiliary. Great job, Caleb!

E-Waste Recycling November 6th

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

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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.

To advertise or share a story idea contact Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@ gmail.com

This ad size is 5” x 5.2”

English Prairie Quilt Guild Quilt Show November 6th By Meghan Fearn For some, quilting is a way to spend time with a loved one or a way to treasure a memory. It is a connection to one who has passed, a labor of love passed from one generation to the next. To others, it is a new art they have learned as a 4-H project or as a hobby during retirement. Some have made quilting a business through custom designs, machine quilting, or selling fabric and notions. Whatever your interest in quilting, the English Prairie Quilt Guild has a place for you. The English Prairie Quilt Guild was formed in 2005 as an idea by Susan Hinderliter. Hinderliter attended meetings at a Grayville quilt club and approached a few fellow quilters about starting their own guild closer to home. Hinderliter, Ina Lee Sample, and Betty Moore were among the first few members of the guild, with Hinderliter as the first president. Over the past 16 years, the guild has continued to meet the third Monday of every month. While Hinderliter and Sample have passed away, the guild continues with Sample’s daughter, Joy Coles, as the current president. The goal of the guild is to promote quilting in the community. The meetings are held in a regular business style. They include work and instruction on a block of the month, a time of show and tell, and a time of education. The guild dues are $10 per year and there are currently around 25 members. They are always open to new members and invite any quilter or future quilter to join them. Coles shared one of her favorite things about the guild. “I enjoy knowing that if I run into a problem, I can talk to other members and they can offer help and advice on my projects.” The guild is dedicated to using their talents to serve the community. Over the years, they have participated in the Citizen Sam Project, the Quilts of Valor Project, and they have given quilts to veterans in area nursing homes. Their sewing talents were called to use in making gowns and masks for the area hospitals during the beginning of the Covid pandemic. One of their current and most active projects is the giving of comfort quilts. The members make and donate quilts that are given to people who have a life-changing moment. Whether it be a cancer diagnosis or the loss of a home due to fire, the guild has a quilt to bring comfort to that person. The comfort of the quilt comes from a group whose members genuinely care about those in the community. The club encourages quilting in the community by offering prizes to quilters through the 4-H Program and some entered at the floral hall at the Edwards County Fair. They offer workshops during the year and are starting a beginner quilting class in 2022. The class will begin on Saturday, January 8 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon and will continue until they have completed their beginner project. Sharing their love and knowledge of quilting is something many are passionate about. The talents of the guild will be on full display on Saturday, November 6, from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the form of a Quilt Show! The English Prairie Quilt Show is held every three years and rivals the shows in many

At left: Members of the English Prairie Quilt Guild Front row left to right: Debbie Mason, Ruth McMeen, Pam Garcia, Wilma Moore, Betty Moore, Flava Bunting. Back row: Lise Summerfield, Anita Blackford, Pat Matthes , Joy Coles, Alisa Medler, Barb Bunting, Tammy Davis

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Quilt Show November 6th larger cities. The show will display as many as 150 different quilts, wall hangings, and other original projects. The show will include door prizes, goodie bags, and will offer the opportunity to shop at different vendor booths. They will also sell raffle tickets for a large quilt made by members of the guild. Admission price is $5.00/person and it will be held at Little Prairie Christian Church in Albion. Attending the show is sure to be inspiring and will fully display the creativity of area quilters. As you enjoy the creativity of the quilters, you may also catch a small glimpse of the stories behind the quilts. For Betty Moore, quilting began in High School Home Economics and her first project was quilting her mother’s embroidery work. For Joy Coles, quilting was a way to spend time with her mother, who is no longer living. For both women it carries into time spent with their grandchildren. For Wilma Moore, it is a gift that shows her children how much she cares. Each quilt tells a story and is a labor of love. The guild invites the community to the English Prairie Quilt Show. Enjoy the handiwork, talk with the guild members about membership, pick up some notions, and maybe even catch some inspiration as you hear the stories behind the quilts. For more information, contact Joy Coles at 618302-0641.

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

Page 10 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Boo on the Bricks - October 30th on the Albion Square The Albion Area Chamber of Commerce will sponsor “Boo on the Bricks”, a trunk or treat and costume contest on the Albion square on Saturday, October 30, 2021. Costume contest judging will start at 4:00pm, however, anyone who wishes to enter the contest should check-in between 3:30pm and 4:00pm, near the Albion pagoda. Categories are: ages- 0-5, 6-10, 11-18; best group, and best overall. The trunk-or-treat will start at 5:00pm; however, anyone wishing to have a trunk should arrive around 4:00pm and a volunteer will direct you where to park. The plan is to open the South and West sides on the square for “trunk-or-treat.” Please, do not hand out goodies until the costume contest is complete. Any person or group who would like to hand-out goodies to the children is welcome to have a “trunk,” just show up and set-up. You do not have to decorate to have a “trunk.” Your place could just be you, your goodies, and your lawnchair. Bring the children and come on out for family friendly, trick or treating and Halloween activities in Albion. Events may take place on Sunday, October 31 if inclement weather. All questions can be directed to the Albion Chamber through their Facebook page.

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Page 11 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Lending a Helping Hand On behalf of the IL 4-H Food Advocacy Team, Edwards Co. 4-H, has received a $1,000 food security grant. With the support of the Illinois 4-H Foundation, The Brandt Foundation, and Compeer Financial these funds are made available. These generous donors are investing in the next generation of food access leaders. Ava and Addison Anderson were instrumental in helping secure the grant, representing all Edwards Co. 4-H Clubs and Members. Ava is a member of this years Food Advocacy Team. Before filling out the application for the grant it was decided to help the Albion Ministerial Hannah, Zoey, Matt, Lillian and Aleya Bare of the Alliance with their summer lunch program. The Food Advocacy Team works closely with the youth- Bone Gap Cardinals donated to Dick Stevenson at led projects dedicated to creating food security in their House of Prairie on behalf of their club. community. The 4-H members in Edwards Co. are grateful for the opportunity in “Lending a Helping Hand”.

Jaycey Buerster and Tori Thompson of the Blue Ribbon 4-H club delivered items to the First Baptist Church.

Pastor Neil Hartzell is pictured with the items delivered to Albion Free Methodist Church.

Ellery Panther members Addison Anderson, Hayley Perry, Emma Wiseman and leader Kathy St. Ledger made a donation of non-perishable food items to Pastor Brad Henson of First United Methodist Church.

Oak Leaf Trucking, Inc. Grain Hauling Mike and Kathy Shaw accepted on behalf of the First Christian Church.

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

Page 12 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Neil Fearn 618-838-3852

Mike Harris 618-839-0526

Albion, IL

Edwards County & Grayville Sports Schedule

Sponsored by United Mutual Insurance Company Date Team Time Oct. 1 ECHS Football @ Carmi White County 7:00 Oct. 4 ECHS JV Football Home vs. Carmi 6:15 Oct. 5 GHS Volleyball vs Cisne 6:15 Oct. 6 ECHS Volleyball @ Eldorado 6:15 Oct. 5 GHS Volleyball vs Webber Twp. 6:15 Oct. 8 ECHS Football Home vs. CZR 7:00 Oct. 11 ECHS JV Football @ CZR 6:15 Oct. 11 ECHS Volleyball @ Fairfield 6:15 Oct. 12 GHS Volleyball Home vs. Mt. Carmel 6:15 Oct. 14 ECHS Volleyball @ Hamilton County 6:15 Oct. 14 GHS Volleyball - MTC Conf. Tournament TBA Oct. 15 ECHS Football @ Fairfield 7:00 Oct. 15 GHS Volleyball @ EC Invitational TBA Oct. 16 ECHS Volleyball - EC Invitational TBA Oct. 18 ECHS JV Football Home vs. Fairfield 6:15 Oct. 19 ECHS Volleyball Home vs. Hamilton County 6:15 Oct. 19 GHS Volleyball @ Carmi-White County 6:15 Oct. 22 ECHS Football @ Eldorado 7:00 Oct. 23 GHS Volleyball @ Fairfield Inv. Trny. TBA Oct. 25 ECHS JV Football Home vs. Eldorado 6:15

United Mutual Insurance Company 14 N. 4th Street, Albion 618-445-2306

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

Flag Retirement Ceremony Saturday, October 2nd 9 am The flag retirement ceremony will be conducted by the Edwards County VFW Post #8222/Auxillary and will be held on the west side of the square in Albion. The public is welcome to attend and participate. Rain date is October 9th.

The November Hometown Voice would like to honor some of our local veterans. If you have a story to share or know of a local veteran that would like to be interviewed please contact Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or hometownvoice2019@gmail.com by October 12th

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

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

Page 13 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader??? Were our parents and grandparents smarter than us? Do you give your kids the polio vaccine? Why is it that some think today’s science is behind that of 70 years ago?

In the United States, the 1952 polio epidemic was the worst outbreak in the nation’s history, and is credited with heightening parents’ fears of the disease and focusing public awareness on the need for a vaccine. Of the 57,628 cases reported that year, 3,145 died and 21,269 were left with mild to disabling paralysis. Polio was final declared to be eradicated in the 70’s. What about Smallpox is it still here? Where did it go?

Is this now the new world we want to live in?

Why are some willing to be potential spreaders instead of a halt to the disease? Everyone who gets Covid or gives it to a loved one will say, “I wish I had gotten the Vaccine”. Over 5 billion doses have been given. How big of a trial or proof of effectiveness is needed? What and who are you willing to risk to NOT take the Vaccine…..Everything? Paid advertisement

GET VACCINATED!! Page 14 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Celebrating National 4H Week October 3rd - 9th

Pictured above are members of the Little Wabash Ramblers (l-r): Gabriella Spencer, Hanna Waggoner, Brayden Childers, Riley Delancy, Bristol Duncan, Karmyn Duncan, Wyatt Johnson. Pictured at left are members of the Bone Gap Cardinals 4H Club: Front row (l-r): Hannah Bare, Patience Brown, Zoey Bare, Jaxon Anderson. Middle row: (l-r): Leader Norma Hamilton, Lillian Bare, Alyssa Smith, Makayla Carrell, Reagan Bogle. Back row (l-r): Matthew Bare, Sam Bogle, Taylor Bogle, Aleya Bare.

Ellery Panther 4H Club members: front row (l-r) Conner Perkins, Sarah Spray, Ava Perkins, Ellie Troyer, Hannah Perry, Hallie Shelton, Lucas Troyer, Blake Groff and Evelyn Bone. Back row (l-r) Greg and Abby Shelton, Allison Groff, Cheyenne Duncan, Kenleigh Garrett, Lauren Luker, Emily Spray, Hayley Perry, J.W. Simms-Reisher, Kolby Terry, Emma Wiseman, Adison Anderson, Chase Shelton, Cy Nelson, Don and Kathy St. Ledger. Absent from photo: Kwade Sawyer, Lucy Harrison Landon Loyd, Caesyn Nelson and Ryleigh Moore.

Page 15 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Pictured at left are members of the Blue Ribbon 4H Club. Front (l-r): Kyntlee Kelsey, Marcus Willett, Kash Kelsey, Kaysen Kelsey, Liam Futrill, Eliot Futrill. Second (l-r): Graham Kearbey, Elaina Kearbey, Breeana Willett, Titus Owings, Kylar VanMatre, Waylon Pritchett, Noah Walker. Back (l-r): Maverick Moore, Cadyn Owings, Jaycey Buerster, Skylar Greathouse, Debbie Fearn. Missing from picture: Campbell and Parker Biggs, Tori Thompson, Callie Meserole, Addi Potter, Chloe Iles, Brayden and Kayleigh Sanford, Keira Willett, Cody and Dillon Weedon.

Members of the Blue Ribbon 4H Club display their “4H allows me to be...” 4H project honoring National 4H Week. Pictured at left (l-r): Graham Kearbey, Jaycey Buerster and Marcus and Breeana Willett. Below (l-r): Liam and Eliot Futtrill, Titus Owings, Kyntlee Kelsey, and Kash Kelsey.

Proud to support the Edwards County 4H Albion ~ Mt. Erie ~ Olney Crossville ~ Bridgeport Lawrenceville Page 16 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Pictured above are members of the Yankee 4H Club

Members of the Ellery Panthers 4H club display their “Find Your Spark” 4H project honoring National 4H Week. Pictured at left and above (l-r): JW Simms-Risner, Hayley Perry and Hallie Shelton. Below (l-r): Casyn Nelson, Lauren Luke’s and Kenleigh Garrett.

Page 17 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Pictured at left are members of the Shooting Sports Club. Front row (l-r): Front L to R: Hannah Bare, Lillian Bare, Cooper Lynch, Brier Lynch. Second row (l-r): Aleya Bare, Cody Greathouse, Jakeb Paul, Alex Paul. Back L to R: Matthew Bare, Owen Lynch, Allan Shilling, John Summerfield.

Pictured above Grayville Mayor Travis Thompson with members of the GoGetters 4H Club. (l-r): Leader Ashley Thompson, Nichole Smith, Grace McCarty, and Amy McCarty. Members of the club not present: ed: Hailee Ellerman, Raegan Kleinschmidt, Brooklyn Thompson, and Ethan Thompson.

The Grayville Go-Getters 4-H Club originated in 1994 under Rick and Sandy Davis. Bob and Linda Perry, Kim Kroll, Julie Schoenheit, Vicki Amos, Micah Groff, and Cindy Judge were also leaders at that time. The club disbanded years later but Linda started it up once again in 2011 with now Ashley Thompson as the current head leader. For more information about The Grayville Go-Getters please feel free to contact Ashley Thompson at 618-531-2816 or Amy McCarty at amccarty@illinois.edu.

Pictured above top to bottom: Callie Meserole, Olivia Bosecker, and Lillian Nussmeyer recently recorded radio ads for National 4H Week.

Page 18 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

October 2021 Edwards and Wabash County Senior Center Menus - Sponsored by The First National Bank

4) EC - Cheese Burger on 5) EC - Bourbon Chicken 6) EC - Swedish Meatballs 7) EC-Loaded Baked 8) Potato w/ Diced Ham, Diced

EC - Taco Salad: w/Let, Tom, Taco Meat, Onions, Shredded Bun, Pickles, Onions, Fried Vegetable Blend, Hash W/ Noodles, Mixed Cheese, Salsa, Sour Cream, Brown, Casserole, Fruit Okra, Pudding Vegetables, Bar Cookies Turkey, Peppers, Onions, Shredded Cheese, Nacho Cheese, Sour Cream Refried Beans, Chips, Cake WC - Chicken Strips, Steak WC - Br. Tend. Sand., Let. & WC - Coney Dog, Tator Tots, & Butter, Fruit WC - Pizza, Salad, Tom., Steak Fries, Pudding Fries, Corn, Fruit Carrots, Cookie WC - Catfish, Baked Beans, Breadstick, Fruit Potato Salad, Roll, Dessert 11) EC - Chicken Strips 12) EC - Beef Manhattan 13) EC - Ham, Baked 14) EC - Fried Chicken 15) EC - Chili Dog on Bun W/ Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potato, Lima Beans Mashed Potatoes, White Cheesy Potatoes W/ Sh. Cheese. Onion & Relish, Brown Gravy on Slice of Bread Gravy, Gr. Beans, Fruit Broccoli Salad, Brownies Pudding Tater Tots, Gingerbread Mixed Vegetables, Fruit WC - Country Fried Steak, WC - Lasagna, Broccoli, WC - Cheesy Pot. Soup, Cold WC -BBQ Chicken Sand., Salad, Garlic Bread, WC - Polish Sausage, Kraut, Potatoes & Gravy, Corn, Ships, Pickle Spear, Cut Sand., Let. & Tom., Dessert Biscuit, Cookie Mixed Veg., Pudding Dessert Dessert

18)

EC - Sloppy Joes on Bun, Fried Green Beans Carrots, Fruit

19)EC -Chicken Parmesan 20) EC - Ham & Beans Vegetable Blend Pasta Salad, Pudding

Fr. Potatoes,Tomato Salad Corn Bread, Fruit WC - Gr. Chicken Sand., WC -Liver & Onions, Pota- WC - Reddi Rib, Steak Fries, Let. & Tom., Cottage Corn, Pudding toes & Gravy, Cauliflower, Cheese, Fruit Fruit

25)

EC-Country Fried Steak, Mashed Potatoes White Gravy, Hominy, Sherbet

WC -Corndog, Curly Fries, Baked Beans, Fruit

26) EC-Shrimp, Baked Potato, Sour Cream, Butter, Corn, Fruit

WC -Salmon Patty, Mac., & Cheese, Peas, Pudding

27)

EC-Meat Loaf, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Creamed Peas, Cookies

21)

EC - Cavatina Combination Salad Garlic Bread, Pudding

22) EC-Fish, Baked Beans

WC - Ham, Hashbrown Casserole, Green Beans, Roll, Cake

WC - Beef Veg. Soup, Grilled Cheese, Crackers, Dessert

28)

EC -Beef Stew Lettuce Salad, Hot Rolls Pudding

WC -Ch. Burger, Let & Tom, WC - Fried Chicken, PotaOnion Rings, Jello w/Fruit toes & Gravy, Green Beans, Roll, Dessert

Slaw, Macaroni & Cheese Cobbler

29)

EC - BBQ Bat Wings Werewolf Fingers, Ghost Brains, Halloween Cake WC - Taco Soup, Tortilla Chips, Baked Apples

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

Teachers, clubs, churches...share upcoming events and pictures at hometownvoice2019@gmail.com Page 19 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Sponsored by Fairfield Save-a-lot where you can get low prices everyday! cess to drip off back into the pan before placing on the baking parchment. Repeat with the remaining apples. Ingredients 8 red apples 400 g caster sugar Gently heat the toffee again, if you need to. Leave to 1 tsp lemon juice 4 tbsp golden syrup set. Best eaten on the same day. a few drops red food colouring (optional) 8 sticks , chopsticks or lolly sticks Marshmallow Ghost Brownies Ingredients Directions For the Brownies: Remove the stalks from the apples, then put them in Cooking spray a heatproof bowl and pour over boiling water from 1 c. plus 2 tbps all-purpose flour the kettle to cover them and leave for 3-4 mins. Re- 1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice move with a slotted spoon and pat dry. (This removes 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. kosher salt the protective wax from the skin and makes the toffee 1 c. semisweet chocolate chips stick to the apples better.) 9 tbsp. (1 stick plus 1 tbps) unsalted butter 1/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder Push the sharpest end of each stick into the stalk-end 1 1/2 c. sugar 3/4 c. pumpkin puree of each apple, making sure it’s firmly wedged in. Put a 3 large eggs 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract large piece of baking parchment on a board. For the Marshmallow Ghosts: Tip the sugar into a large saucepan, add the lemon 1 1/4 tsp. unflavored gelatin (part of 1 envelope) juice and 100ml water. Bring to a simmer and cook 1/2 c. granulated sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Swirl the pan gently to Store-bought black piping frosting move the sugar around, but don’t stir. Add the golden syrup and simmer the mixture (be careful it doesn’t Directions boil over) until it reaches ‘hard crack’ stage or 150C on Make the Brownies: a sugar thermometer. If you don’t have a thermom- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9- by 13-inch pan with eter, test the toffee by dropping a small amount into parchment paper, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the cold water. It should harden instantly and, when re- 2 long sides. Grease paper. moved, be brittle. If it’s soft, continue to boil. When Whisk together flour, pie spice, baking powder, and it’s ready, drip in some food colouring, if you like, and salt in a bowl. Melt chocolate chips, butter, and coswirl to combine. Turn off the heat. coa in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk Working quickly, dip each apple into the toffee, tip- together sugar, pumpkin puree, eggs, and vanilla in ping the pan to cover it fully. Lift out and allow any exCandy Apples

a separate bowl. Add butter mixture to sugar mixture and stir to combine. Add flour mixture and stir to combine. Transfer to prepared pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, 20 to 22 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely in pan. Run a knife along the two short sides of the pan and lift brownies from pan using parchment. Remove parchment and transfer brownies to a serving platter. Make the Marshmallow Ghosts: Sprinkle gelatin over 1/4 cup cold water in a bowl to soften. Combine sugar and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until sugar is dissolved, 1 to 2 minutes. When water comes to a boil, stop stirring, and wash down sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush to remove any undissolved sugar and prevent crystals from forming. Boil until the temperature reaches 238°F on a candy thermometer, 4 to 6 minutes. Add sugar mixture to gelatin. Whisk with an electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes. Increase speed to high and whisk until soft peaks form, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer marshmallow to a heavy-duty zip-top bag with a small hole cut in one corner (or a piping bag fitted with a #12 plain tip). Immediately pipe ghost shapes on brownies. Let dry 1 hour. Pipe black frosting eyes and mouths. Brownies can be stored in an airtight container for 1 day.

Chili Beans - .59 Chili Seasoning - .49 Diced Tomatoes - .69 Saltine Crackers $1.09

709 W. Main, Fairfield • 618-842-5040

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

Give Me an Old-Fashioned Western

By Meghan Fearn Remember the old Roy Rogers Show? Annie Oakley? Buffalo Bill Junior? The Lone Ranger? I honestly don’t remember them when they aired on TV originally, after all I was born in the Eighties. However, my kids have always had a love for old westerns, so we have accumulated a large quantity of this genre of DVDs over the years. These films always bring a smile to my face. Evil is always evil, good is always good, and the good guy always wins. Roy Rogers always ends up with Dale Evans at the end of the film. Annie Oakley outshoots the bad guy on every episode. Buffalo Bill Junior was never in a fight where he didn’t come out on top. The Lone Ranger and Tonto remained friends until the end. At the end of every film, you walk away with a feeling that good had triumphed over evil. I think that is one of the hardest things about reality. Good isn’t always what it seems and evil can seem to have the upper hand. At times, the World seems upside down and it is hard to distinguish what is good and what is evil. The bad guy isn’t always caught and the good guy isn’t always rewarded with the badge and the girl. Sometimes life is just hard! It’s during these times we can cling to God’s word and know He is still in control. In John 1:5 it is written; The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Evil cannot ultimately win! God has already won the war. Deuteronomy 20:4 For the Lord your God is He who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you victory. God will fight our battles. He will be our protector. Romans 12:21 Do not be overcome with evil but overcome evil with good. We are to continue to love God and love others and stand strong against evil. There are thousands of Scriptures in the Bible we can look to and gain strength from in times of difficulty. These don’t even scratch the surface of the promises He offers to those who put their trust in Him. I think this evening, instead of watching the evening news, I will go read and study a few of those promises and be reminded that there is right and there is wrong and ultimately good will triumph over evil!

To advertise call Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941 or email: hometownvoice2019@gmail. Page 21 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Page 22 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

2020 - 2021 Wabash County 4H Members - Front Row: (l-r) Addison Tennis, Hattie Newkirk, Aleah Newkirk, Miley Kennard, Miranda Kennard, Thadaus Pohl, Moriah Dillinger, Brantley Pohl, Boaz Critcheloe. Middle Row: (l-r) Emma Ford, Blake Strine, Reese Price, Alexa Price, Ruby Newkirk, Josie James, Presley Stevens, Gavin Pohl, Max Ford, Wyatt Buchanan, Henry Buchanan, Levi Dillinger, Marylynn Critcheloe, Hayden Sweepy-Walker, Brooklyn Bertram, Courtney Potts, Levi Potts, Alexis Bertram. Back row: (lr) Eden Dillinger, Glenna McVaigh, Eva Hocking, Audrey Broster, Ethan Miller, Quinten Miller, Ryland Markle, Drew Glick, Jackson James, Trenton Potts, Stetson Potts.

Mrs. Mobley’s 1st grade class at Mt. Carmel Grade School learned about the parts of an apple and what each part does from Stacy Roberts with the University of Illinois Extension office.

Thank you to all of the 4H Volunteers!! People you know, helping people you love 1418 College Drive, Mt. Carmel | 618-262-5113 Page 23 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Proud to support the Wabash County 4H

Page 24 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

The Legendary Apple with Edwards County AITC By Jane Jones with Edwards County Farm Bureau According to the Legend of Johnny Appleseed, John Chapman planted more than 10,000 square miles of orchards. He spread the word about the importance of apples while traveling barefoot across the land using a saucepan for a hat and planting apple seeds. Johnny must have believed in the well-known saying, “An apple a day helps keep the doctor away.” How can that be? In the Illinois APPLE Ag Mag, it states that apples contain as much fiber as a whole bowl of most popular cereals and are also good for diabetics. The soluble fiber in apples works to regulate blood sugar and prevent its sudden fluctuation. That’s just one good reason to eat an apple a day. There are many more good reasons. Wells Elementary kindergarten, first, and second graders learned more about apples with Edwards County Ag in the Classroom during their September lessons. Pictured are students studying the apple life cycle and enjoying a taste test of three different varieties of apples. There are fifteen popular varieties that account for more than 90 percent of apples produced. What is your favorite variety? Above: Dominic Nelly a second grade student at Wells Elementary in Grayville works on an apple book as part of the Edwards County in the Classroom lesson. At far left: Lucas Kemplen a second-grade student at Wells Elementary in Grayville works with an Ag Mag and the apple growth cycle steps during an Edwards County Ag in the Classroom lesson. At left: Kali Hudkins participates in a different color apples taste test as part of the Edwards County Ag in the Classroom lessons at Wells Elementary School.

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

illiana home inspections Bill Miller, Inspector

207 E Oak St., Allendale, Il 62410 illianas59@yahoo.com 618-262-6968

Page 25 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Horse Team: Olivia Bosecker, Callie Meserole, KasForestry Team: Emma Wiseman, Cage Metcalf, Jake sidi Metcalf & Easton Keener Wiseman, Rylan Robb & Trenton Jefferson

Edwards County FFA Competes at Section 23 Forestry and Horse By Rylan Robb The first FFA contests of the year have finally been completed. Two teams for the Forestry CDE and the Horse Judging CDE were put together and prepared for the competitions. Forestry is all about trees. Members had to identify types of trees, troubleshoot chainsaw problems, and do more activities within the field. The team included Trenton Jefferson, Cage Metcalf, Rylan Robb, Emma Wisman, and Jake Wiseman. The team placed 5th and Emma Wiseman was the 3rd overall individual. Horse Judging is all about judging horses on how they ride, look, and more. This team included Olivia Bosecker, Callie Messrole, Kassidi Metcalf, and Easton Keener. The team placed 6th. Great job to everyone who competed in these two events!

Mt. Carmel Jr/Sr High School Sports Schedule

Sponsored by Little Italy’s Pizza Date Oct. 2 Oct. 2 Oct. 4 Oct. 4 Oct. 5 Oct. 7 Oct. 7 Oct. 8 Oct. 9 Oct. 12 Oct. 12

Team Varsity Football Varsity Soccer Girls Tennis Varsity Volleyball Varsity Volleyball Cross Country Varsity Volleyball Varsity Football Girls Tennis Cross Country Varsity Volleyball

Event Richland County Newton Fairfield Mt. Vernon, IL Newton Fairfield Jr. Sr. HS Paris Newton LIC Conference Trny. Little Illini Meet Grayville

Start Time 1:00 pm 4:30 pm 4 pm 5:00 pm 5:15 pm 4:15 pm 5:15 pm 7:00 pm TBD 4:30 pm 6:00 pm

Home Home Home Home Away Home Away Away TBD L-ville Away

Date Oct. 13 Oct. 13 Oct. 15 Oct. 16 Oct. 16 Oct. 18 Oct. 19 Oct. 22 Oct. 23 Oct. 26

Team Varsity Soccer Varsity Volleyball Girls Tennis Varsity Football Varsity Volleyball Varsity Volleyball Varsity Volleyball Varsity Football Cross Country Varsity Volleyball

Event Regionals Norris City Sectionals Phalen Academy ECHS Trny. Wayne City Red Hill Paris Regionals Regionals

Start Time TBD 6:00 pm TBD 1:00 pm TBD 6:00 pm 6:15 pm 7:00 pm TBD TBD

TBA Away TBD Home Away Home Away Away TBD TBD

Hickory Smoked Ribs Available Daily! 502 Walnut Street, Mt. Carmel Mon.-Thurs. 6-10 • Fri. 6-11 • Sat. 10-11 • Sun. 10-10 618-262-4121 Page 26 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic in Albion The Edwards County Health Office in conjunction with the Edwards County Farm Bureau will be offering a drive-thru flu shot clinic on October 21, 2021 from 11:00am until 4:00pm at the Edwards County Fairgrounds in Albion, Illinois. “With all the guidelines and safety measures currently in place because of COVID-19, offering a drive-thru clinic allows us the ability to serve our community, while keeping the health and safety of the public at the forefront,” states Belinda Moore of the Edwards County Health Office. The drive-thru flu shot clinic is for private pay, private insurance, and Medicare customers only. All Medicaid customers MUST call the health office and make an appointment to get a flu shot. Anyone ages six months and over can get a flu shot, however, the drive-thru clinic is recommended for only those ages 5 and up. Cost for private pay flu shots is $30 for low dose and $65 for high dose (for those over age 65). Anyone who wishes to get a flu shot at the drive-thru clinic will remain in their car and is urged to wear short sleeves. Those paying with private insurance or Medicare need to bring their insurance card. Those attending are asked to watch for traffic flow signs. This year there will be no flu shot clinics at the Senior Centers in the county. Seniors can come to the drive-thru clinic, make an appointment at the Edwards County Health Office, or visit their primary physician to get a flu shot. The drive-thru flu shot clinic is sponsored by the Edwards County Health Office in conjunction with the Edwards County Farm Bureau.

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

Page 27 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Brothers, Trucks and Best Years - By Daisy Roser By Daisy Roser So, my older brother just turned sixteen. Sometimes, to annoy him, I like to comment on what a fine young man he has grown to be, how old he is, how tall he is. I say that it’ll be only a few weeks before he’s off to college and moving out, starting a family of his own. Poor Abe doesn’t like my impression of uncontrollable sobbing. He thinks I overdo it. But, wonderful older brother that he is, he always laughs when I try it. I’m just trying to be funny when I say it, mostly. But it is kinda sad to think that he will be off working all the time soon, out learning and growing, and bobbing his head while he drives his 1992 Ford 350 without the rest of us tagging along. I’ve just been thinking about it a lot lately, in a sad, nostalgic kind of way. I’ll miss having him around. I’ll miss it quite a bit actually. But, it’s still pretty cool about that truck. He’s really proud of it, Hannah says that all sixteen-year-old boys are proud of their first trucks. I don’t know why it’s limited to boys really. If I were in Abe’s shoes, and behind the wheel of that beautiful old stick-shift, I think I’d be pretty proud too. I mean, I’m proud now. I haven’t gotten to drive it yet, no one has but Abe. I’ve only gotten to ride in it like seven times, which is clearly not enough, and it’s not even my truck, but I’m super proud of it. For how old it is, it’s a sweet ride. And it has a great radio, never forget about the radio. I think that the radio was recently replaced because it is really good. Yep, altogether, there is no denying, that truck is pretty awesome. At least, that’s what I think at times other than six o’clock in the morning. Yes, six, on the dot. It’s not that I’m not a morning person. I don’t mind mornings too much, I just can’t function without enough sleep. I start staring off into the distance or mumbling underneath my breath. Sometimes when it’s four or five in the morning and they make me get up and work, I get odd stomach pains and this irrational urge to just lay down and die, because people just aren’t made to be awake at four or five in the morning. You see, I think our parents just like loaning us out to random people so that they can show how well they’ve taught us to work. We have no choice in the matter. So, when they tell us to go somewhere at six in the morning, then away we go, in Abe’s Ford. The problem is that with our lifestyle, chores, and animals to take care of, we have to wake up an hour before we leave. Honestly, it was bad. It’s always bad waking up that early in the morning, knowing that you just have to go work(I don’t know how dads stand it). My eyes were puffy from sleeping, my hair wasn’t

brushed. I think I tripped three times on my way out of the house. But, all of it faded away once I climbed into that truck. I sat in the backseat because the radio is louder back there. And, I sat in the backseat because Zeke, who is younger than me, thinks boys should be allowed to do anything they want. He always gets the front. He says that his huge, long, legs can’t fit behind Abe’s seat and that he gets claustrophobic in tight places. Anyway, I got into that truck at six in the morning and I listened to Abe’s country music. Abe’s just had that truck for about a month, and sometimes now I wonder how I ever functioned without it. Country music is my getaway. It’s a bunch of songs about people who are just like me. Country. As I get older it gets easier and easier to relate to these people who, in an amazing contrast to me, seem to absolutely love it. The people in the songs love being country: the ups, the downs, the animals, the trucks, the work. However, half the time I’m embarrassed by the idea that I’m about as close to a hillbilly as I can be without completely being one. At six in the morning, after an hour of doing chores in the darkness, we rolled out of the driveway. Abe normally has us do four-sixty(four windows down, sixty miles an hour) because the truck’s air conditioning is broken, again, and this time was no different. Except, it was early.

Come Join Us For Team Kids! An exciting NEW kids program! When: Sunday evenings Where: Northside Baptist Church 805 N. State Rd., Grayville Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m. - 1st through 6th grade If you need a ride, call 618-375-7537

Youth Meetings for 7th - 12th grade - 5 - 6:30

Page 28 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Brothers, Trucks and Best Years continued It was six, still dark outside, and cold. I guess Abe just likes to have the windows open. And, I guess it’s better than having to smell my brothers the whole way there, but it was cold. I didn’t pack a jacket, so I shivered the whole way to the worksite. But, that radio turned on, and I forgot where we were going, I forgot how early it was, forgot how cold it was. No, it was just me, the wind in my face, and that radio in my ears. It’s probably better that Zeke rides in the front seat. I’d be very little help when it comes to assisting new drivers. I think it’s mostly that I forget sometimes that the people driving me around might accidently wreck. I forget, especially with Abe because he’s so responsible, that there can be mistakes made. When I’m listening to music, watching the world go by, I zone out a bit. I’m having too good of a time to worry. It’s one of the reasons that I wonder about my own driving sometimes. I’ll be enjoying myself too much to drive well. The other reason that I worry is because the first time I drove a truck I almost ran it into a building, I was parking and mistook the gas pedal for the

brake. I think putting me out on the highway is a bad idea, because I am a naturally careless person. I don’t like worrying. It’s not fun. I have a lot of experience with people who worry. Watching them worry makes me worry, stress makes me angry, and my anger causes other people worry and stress. It’s an uncomfortably endless cycle, and I would personally rather just listen to the music and watch the world around me without having to care about the traffic or drivers around me. I don’t like concentrating. I like being a kid, I like observing better than doing. Sometimes I wish that I were eight again. I’d have more time to grow out of my carelessness, my childishness. I’d have time to grow up and start worrying about adultish things. I’d learn to be more like Abe. He’s always been responsible. He works, and when he’s not working, he’s doing school. While he’s working, he listens to podcasts from politicians, pastors, and professional commentators. I, on the other hand, don’t enjoy learning about the economy. I struggle comprehending the stock market, and can’t even answer my emails on time. Why can’t I be more mature, like him? Why can’t I enjoy working like my parents? I don’t know how I’m ever going to grow up and move out into the real world with all of its worry and stress, if I don’t want to. I don’t want to grow up. I don’t want a truck, because I’d have to get a job to pay for the gas and insurance. I don’t want a job, because I don’t like working. I don’t want to move out because I’d have to buy my own food and clothes. I don’t want to leave because I’d get lonely without my siblings. It might seem odd to already be worrying about these sorts of things so long before they actually happen. But if I’ve learned anything in the last two years, it’s that time goes by fast. This year has gone by faster than the one before, and it’s gonna be over before I know it. This year, next year, the year after that. I can’t figure out how to make it slow down. I want it to slow down. Because I know that these are the best years of my life.

Page 29 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Little Egypt Art Festival, October 15th and 16th The Little Egypt Arts Center in Mount Carmel, IL is proud to present the first annual Little Egypt Arts Festival, Friday October 15th through Sunday October 17th uptown in the center of Mount Carmel. Continuing our mission of Celebrating the Art in the Heartland, the Festival kicks off on Friday night with a public art sale and display along Market Street between 3rd and 5th streets. Artists and art patrons are invited to purchase or just enjoy the rich diversity of Wabash County’s artistic heritage. Saturday the 16th is the Big Day. We start with the Mark Medoff New Play Reading Series from noon until 2:00 PM at the Wabash County Museum, 320 North Market Street. Medoff (Children of a Lesser God, When You Coming Home, Red Ryder?) was an Olivier and Tony award winning writer and was born in Mount Carmel. We’ve selected four new previously unproduced plays from writers in Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Indiana and our professional cast will read them for the first time on Saturday. From 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM up at Merchants Park we’ll have live music starting with the local legends The Smoke Rings, Darla Groff Flannery, bluegrass music from the Illinois Grass and then rock and roll in the evening with Amongst Vultures, Death Mountain Spiders and Idder. Saturday is also Kid’s Day at the Festival. From 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM we’ll have a bouncy house, face-painting and art projects for the young ones. Sunday we’ll wrap it up with a cook-out which might turn into a cook-off, we’ll see who’s feeling competitive. For tickets or more information, call (618) 263 2337 and ask for John or email us at leartscenter@gmail.com. Come on over to Mount Carmel October 15th through the 17th and help us keep Celebrating the Art in the Heartland!.

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

618-919-1941 Page 30 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Good Luck to all the new teachers and support staff!

Heather Cowling

Third grade teacher at AGS. Heather grew up in Grayville where she continues to live with her husband John. Heather and John have 4 children, Payton, Austin, Kinze and Natalie. Heather attended Kentucky Wesleyan College and loves to read, mow the yard and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Lindsey Wright

Science teacher at West Salem Grade School. Lindsey grew up in Albion and continues to live in Edwards County with her husband Dustin and four kids, Preston, Cooper, Jameson and Everleigh. Lindsey attended the University of Southern Indiana and enjoys riding her bike, watching her kids play sports, especially soccer, hiking and traveling, her favorite being Glacier National Park.

Kerri Mosson

K-2 Special Education at AGS. Kerri grew up in Mt. Carmel and currently lives in Albion with her husband Dana and children Wyatt, Eli and Paige. Kerri attended Western Governor University and Sped endorsement SIU-C. Kerri enjoys watching Paige play volleyball crafts and spending time with family and friends.

Lacey Arnold

ECHS life science teacher. Teaching Biology, Advanced Biology, Human Body, Ecology, Marine Biology and Earth science. Lacey in the daughter of Lonnie and Ann Keener and grew up in Albion where she currently lives with her husband Sam. Lacey and Sam have five children, Erin Dozier, Maddy McKinney, Jason and Tyson Arnold and Ashley Craig. Lacey attended Wabash Valley College, University of Evansville and Greenville University. Lacey is the science club and freshman sponsor and enjoys scuba diving and horses.

Monica McDaniel

Second grade teacher at AGS. Monica grew up in Newton and now lives in Albion with her husband Luke and three children, Lincoln, Lynnley and Lillian. Monica attended SIU Carbondale and McKendree University Graduate School. She enjoys running the soccer program in Albion, running, skiing and coaching soccer and softball,

Page 31 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

Jenna Jones

High School math teacher at ECHS. Jenna grew up in Albion and currently lives in Sumner with her husband Tyler and son Liam. Jenna attended USI and enjoys traveling, playing board or card games, doing puzzles, reading a good book and spending time with her family.

Parker MItchell, center, was the lucky winner of the recent ECHS football raffle. He chose the $750 cash option and is contratulated by football coachs Russ Gerlach, left, and Michael Snidle, right.

October Birthdays JD Fritchley - 3rd

Happy Birthday October 9th

Hannah Collins

October 16th

Marilyn Groff Glen Meritt Jr. Trisha Mobley Jaycee Kolb

Wish someone Happy Birthday on the monthly birthday page in the Hometown Voice! 3 options: Name and birthday only - $5.00; Small ad - $20 (can include one photo) • Large ad - $40 (can include up to 3 photos). All options are due by the 20th of the prior month and must be paid for in advance. Contact Laurie Snidle at 618-919-1941; hometownvoice2019@gmail.com; or 1069 County Road 200 E Albion, IL 62806

The Hometown Voice is delivered to every household in Edwards and Wabash Counties. Page 32 • Hometown Voice • October 2021

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