Tri-County Press / oglecountynews.com • Friday, January 25, 2019
| POLO BEAT
6
LOCAL HISTORY
Cold winter days get rid of summertime bugs “Below zero” are unwelcome words BY BETTY OBENDORF Curator Polo Historical Society This morning when I heard the words “below zero” I knew we were in for a cold, cold day. But lately I heard someone remark that if we did not have some really cold weather, we would have all sorts of insects this summer. So today we are getting rid of next summer’s bug bites. Since it was Everett Brown’s funeral and burial would be at the Brick Church, I knew to wear my heaviest jacket and my long winter coat. Susan would be picking us up and I knew the stories of Eagle Point would be flowing before the day was over. We will miss those days of visiting with him. Everett had stopped by last fall when Susan was here and they got
Pine Creek News By Karen Merlak There has been so much activity outside between the several inches of snow that fell and the bright moon shining at night. There are so many wonders in creation. We pray to be kept safe during the winter season while we watch His creation in action. God is so good. This morning in church, we were greeted by June Schafer. Rev. Charlotte Hoppe gave a thoughtful message on tilling as we get ready to grow our church. Charlotte shared a story about gardens for our youth, Kaitlyn, Laura, Harper, and Jasmine. After church, we enjoyed a potluck dinner, with a small group in attendance.
Polo Historical Society to meet Betty Obendorf will speak on using quilts to send messages on the Underground Railroad at the Polo Historical Society meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Polo Public Library. The business meeting is at 6:30 p.m. and the program begins at 7 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Refreshments will be served following the program. to laughing at the Debbie, Connie, Susan stories that day. It was a good thing I did not know about all the exploring the Eagle Point kids did in those days. We did not worry and simply felt that the “good Lord” looked out for them as they tromped around the creek and the barn yards. Everett did mention the day he looked out and saw three little girls climbing up the silo and he moved rather quickly on that escapade. So following the funeral some of us Eagle Pointers sat and visited once more. We talked of coming into Polo to shop at several grocery stores, drug stores, clothing stores, and how they are all gone. People were
drawn to the big stores in nearby towns. Now we rarely shop in those big stores but instead use our fingers and order on line. Those big stores are a thing of the past and they are closing one by one. In Polo we are excited about getting one new grocery store after 10 years of being without. Lily, last week in Mt. Carroll, called to her mom to come look. Polo’s new grocery store sign, on a truck, was just going through the intersection at Mt. Carroll. It is a beautiful sign and stands E v e r y out as you drive by. thing is top of the line and I am ready for shopping in Polo. Last Friday before the snow started falling I decided I need-
Warm soups and casseroles and delicious desserts helped feed the group, body and soul. After dinner, Deb Ohlwine led our regular board meeting. This past Tuesday evening, our PEO Chapter DW met at the beautiful home of Gina Cole for our regular meeting. Gina’s co-host was her mother, Diane Kuhns and our program was given by Julie Sanders. Julie shared some interesting facts about our seven founders. This year marks the 150th birthday of PEO. The sisterhood started with just seven young women and over the years has helped countless women pursue their dreams of education. I am so honored to join with my sisters in this year of celebration. Joining us from Pine Creek were Jean Cunningham, Beverly Coffman, Maggie Henning, Vicki Hay, and Lisa Coffman. After our fun and educational program, we enjoyed dessert and visiting with a large group. Our church has sponsored the Luther Nordic Choir who will be performing a concert at St. Paul Luther-
an Church in Sterling on Friday, Feb. 1 at 7 p.m. A freewill offering will be taken to benefit area organizations. We hope you will join us for a night of outstanding music. Pine Creek Christian Church is joining with Faith Discovery Church for the monthly Our Table Free Community Meal on Monday, Jan. 28 starting at 5:30 p.m. at Faith United Methodist Church. We hope you will come warm up with a hot dinner and wonderful fellowship. While the weather is unbelievably cold outside, my thoughts turn to warmer days. Long, hot afternoons spent at the pool were a highlight in my younger days. One particular time, I finally got up the courage to jump off the diving board. I climbed the stairs, walked to the end of the board. Still scared, the lifeguard got into the pool to encourage me to jump. Looking down into the water, I couldn’t do it. I turned around, walked off the board, down the stairs, and I have never jumped off a diving
ed to get some work done at the museum. I had not even unlocked the door when two women stopped by to see what we had to offer in Polo and asked, “Are you going to be open?” While I checked up on things, opened some mail, and went into the computer they went through the first museum. Then I took them up to Aplington House and they enjoyed that part of our history. They were from Sterling and decided to see something closer to home. On Wednesday, Feb. 6 Polo Historical Society will be having its meeting at the library at 7 p.m. I will be giving the program. We will be looking at using quilts as a message on the Underground Railroad. It is Black History Month and we will hear about the book “Hidden In Plain View.” The book was written in 1999, and there is still controversy over this whole idea. We will have a board meeting at 6:30 and there will be refreshments following the meeting. Come join us at the library.
board. During my life, I have had many chances to jump and I have. I have jumped with willing abandon because I trust my lifeguard. Knowing that I have Jesus by my side to help me when I feel like I’m drowning or to cheer me on as I gracefully make my way to the surface. One of the great things about being a Christian is the comfort we find in Jesus. It comes from getting to know and trust Him each and every day. He is with us for all of the big and small moments. Recently, I started climbing the ladder once again. With legs shaking, I have headed out to the end of the diving board. Now, I am standing at the edge, my toes hanging over the end. It’s a bit scary, but I am calmed by His presence. I know He is with me. And now, it’s time to jump. I hope you will join us next week as we gather to worship. We are learning to walk with Jesus in every moment. This is a great time to get to know our great Comforter, Savior, and Friend.