Ta Dah..Wed. Last Day in the Month 09-30-09

WHOAAAAAA...WHERE DID THE MONTH GO??
I don't know about you, but another month passed by too quickly. It came and went so fast I, almost missed it. October comes tomorrow. Then November (brrrrrr) and December (more brrrrrr)...then a new year with spring on the horizon. Can you tell I hate winter?!?

TAKE TIME TO CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS
There are many people who really have a hard time in the winter. I've seen Angel tags on Walmart's Christmas Angel Tree which state the child needs a coat. That hurts me and makes me think of how many other people are out there without coats. The Petefish Skiles Branch bank facility in Greenview always has a wonderful Angel Tree in the lobby. Remind yourself to stop in this year and take a Angel Tag. Also....this year when your area or the Springfield area dry cleaners and various stores offer to accept good used coats, please help if you can. The Menard County Clothes distribution centers accept clothing donations all year long. There is one across from the old Petersburg city police building (3/4 block south of Petefish, Skiles bank) and also in the Farm Bureau building near the Dairy Queen. I also think there is another but not sure where. I will check on that and let you know the location. In case you didn't know, Menard county is a part of the Freecycle network. Check that site out and join today. You can offer stuff for free to get rid of it, as well as offer to take free stuff by emailing the person who has it.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/menardcountyilfreecycle/


MENARD COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A very recent conversation with a friend, reminded me that I had not mentioned the Menard County Historical Society. If you have vintage family items which you don't want to store any longer, check with the Menard County Historical Society. They accept donations of items with historical value to carry on the history of Menard County residents. Check out this site for phone numbers and location and while you're on that site check out other Menard County reference information.
http://www.visitmenardcounty.com/attractions.html#historical_society


For Hunters.
If you've never been to Site M or otherwise called Jim Edgar Panther Creek Wildlife Refuge, perhaps this is the year to check out the hunting possibilities. Panther Creek offers year round cabin accomodations, summer campground areas, boat ramps, hunting, mushroom hunting, picnic areas and just plain fun. We like to rent a cabin for $45 per night and fish from the lake bank. On the weekend the requirement is a two night stay, but once you're there, you might not want to leave. The cabins come with bunk beds in one room, and a full size bed in another with a table and chairs. Heaters are installed but no air conditioners. Cooking must be done outside and no smoking or pets in the cabins. We love it there. Site info is below. Reservations are made through Department Of Natural Resources and numbers are in the site information. http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/parks/R4/jepc.htm


***GOOD OLDTIME QUICK RECIPE****
Lemon Bars
1 pkg angel food cake mix
1 can lemon pie filling
Mix ingerdients together and put in a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 20 -25 minutes. Cut into bars. Lightly dust with powdered sugar if desired.

*******************

THINGS GOING ON - On the weekends of October 3 & 4 and October 10 & 11, you won't want to miss the Spoon River Drive and Knox County Scenic Drive/Craft vendors is also those same days. White Hall, Illinois also is having their Civil War Days October 3 & 4th, and Stockton is also having their Civil War Days too on those same days. And for you runners, Macomb is having the Paint the Town Pink race/walk in support for breast cancer cures, happening on October 3. There are many more festivals going on around us....be sure to check out your favorite.

FAMOUS MARK TWAIN QUOTE FOR THE DAY:

The more things are forbidden, the more desirable they become!

GREENVIEW ILLINOIS still stands among the best in Menard County. Visit home often or come live with us again if you have left. Life continues here everyday. We live for progress and a better tomorrow and the belief that tomorrow will come.

Good Morning Out There In Greenview Land!


If you are reading this, you made it to another day in Greenview, the land of farms, cattle, pigs, chickens, goats, corn, beans, wheat, clover,hay, straw, tractors, harvest equipment and 4-wheel drive pick-ups. Have you ever noticed how many people drive pick-ups in Central Illinois? When we were at the Jacksonville cruise Saturday night, I noticed that about 3 in every 5 vehicles were pick-ups. I think people like the status a pick-up brings. Of course I also drive a pick-up....a nice blue one with comfortable seats, rich in luxury and not a gas hog like the old pick-ups of yesteryear.


I say let's all drive pick-ups at least one day a week, just to show our Midwest farm heritage.



GHS CLASS OF 1964 HOLDS REUNION


Here are a couple of pictures from the recent 1964 class reunion. Thank you Charlotte for letting me use the pictures in the news blog. I vote that all these 1964 grads look pretty good.....we aren't getting older, we are getting better looking and the world is getting older!!





Back Row: Bob Streight, Bud Tice, Lawrence Wohler. Middle Row: Karon Lockhart, Sharon Lockhart, Larry Barnett, Roger Elliott, Bob Biggs, Steve Bradley, Bill DeHart. Front Row: Ginnie Pisoni, Doris Allen, Gayle Ann Eaton, George Merrihew, Ken Davison, Doug Hawkins, Charlotte Willis. Note: I didn't put the married names....these are the maiden names of the women.




Some of you might remember Mr. Bill Bauer, a mathematics teacher from the 1960's era. He and his wife Carole are pictured.



RECIPE FROM AN OLD MENARD COUNTY COOKBOOK

This is a recipe of my grandmother, Elva Montgomery. This identical recipe appeared in an old Menard Extension Cookbook. I remember grandma always had a big silver aluminum dutch oven filled with these cookies. She would freeze the cookies in the aluminum pan and get it out when us kids arrived. She would take out a couple of handsful and return the pan to the freezer. The good ole days are but a memory.

Sugar Cookies
Cream:
2 cups sugar
1 cup oleo (margarine)
1 cup shortening (crisco, lard, etc.)
Add:
4 beaten eggs 1/2 tsp salt
2 Tablespoons water 1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla 5 cups flour (about)
Make a soft dough. Take about 1 cup of flour to roll cookies.

(Note from me: I know she sprinkled with a tiny bit of sugar prior to baking. I bake these in a moderate oven... 350. These cookies don't get brown except for maybe a bit on the edges)



If you have an old family recipe you would like for me to put in the news blog, please send it and a short family history to:
Geenviewyagottaknownews@yahoo.com



In today's world, one must try to live for today as well as tomorrow. I have this posted beside my computer so that I can look at it everyday. A good way to stay focussed:
***Yesterday's gone. Tomorrow's a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why we call it the "Present".****** author unknown



Until we meet again in the cyber world, ariva derche!

September 28, 2009...A New Work Week Is Here!!

Good Morning Greenviewanites.


Another work week has begun, on this last Monday in September, 2009. October is almost here and with it the falling leaves will gather in your yard. Having about 100 trees in my rural area yard, the fall season is a time for a lot of yard work and leaf gathering. Some will be mulched and some will be burned (forgive me if you have breathing problems) and some will land in the compost pile. We have so many leaves that burning some is absolutely necessary.



NEW TEACHERS AT GREENVIEW SCHOOLS


Welcome to the new teachers for this school year. Rob Newbold, secondary special education; Heather Friedrich, third grade; Meaghan Morris, sixth grade; and Bruce Miller, mathematics.



A LONGTIME RESIDENT SELLS OUT/ TO MOVE


Many people in Greenview know John Tomlin. On Sunday, Ron Sanert conducted a closing out sale for John. I had the privilege of talking to John and to tell him goodbye, for he is moving. He tells me that he will live with his daughter Laura for a while, then will find a place in Texas closer to another daughter Joy. Unfortunately his wonderful wife Audrey passed on fairly recently, so to have the ability to be near family was a part of his decision. We will miss you John. As he said to me ...."you never know, I may be back."


GREENVIEW RESIDENT IN NEED OF HELP FOR INJURY/LIVING COSTS


Laurie "Rutherford" Wilson, who resides in Greenview, was in a head on automobile accident and suffered severe injuries to her leg. She has had multiple surgeries but still needs special equipment and general financial help. If you can help, a special account has been established at the National Bank of Petersburg. Laurie has been a Greenview EMT and a dispacher for the Menard County EMS.


DEATHS:


The Springfield paper carried a death notice for Merle Kirby's brother. We extend our sympathies.



The mother of Don Case, whose name was Marion Case (not to be confused with his wife Marian), died September 22, 2009. We extend our sympathies.


SCULLY LANE/FARM HAS HISTORIC HEDGEROWS


The Menard County Trails and Greenways Tree Protection program recognizes the Scully farm plantings of hedgerows as an outstanding example of the historic hedgerows once seen so commonly throughout the great plains. Apparently the hedgerows were established there in the 1800's. Scully Lane used to be a popular place to travel down in the olden days...I'm sure many of us admired those hedgerows in our travels down Scully Lane, for purposes not disclosed, of course.


Have You Ever Written Your Life's Story


I have seen the Athens library trying to re-establish the history of families in Menard County. Luckily I had a partial story written by my grandmother which I could furnish to them for inclusion in a book about my family. After seeing the lack of history information that's available on any particular family/person, I decided to write my story. I started that a while ago and have now completed six single spaced pages and I'm nowhere near done. I work on it as I feel bored, with nothing appealing to do. It's fun to recall things and write the thoughts down. It's also nice if you can gather information on your family and give a copy to the Athens Library...they will love it.


Just for enjoyment, I went over to the Greenview, IL facebook site (address of site is available in an earlier newsblog post) and put on a new topic concerning writing about your Kindergarten experiences. I listed my recall of these experiences. They might not be totally accurate but they are close. Be sure to visit the Greenview facebook site and tell us about your experiences, or, if you don't use facebook, tell us right here in the comment section or email me at my newsblog email so I can include it in the newsblog and I can also move it to the facebook site if you want. In my story, I remember taking my Darling Debbie Doll to the school. Here's a picture of some similar Deluxe Reading Grocery Store dolls which were available in grocery stores in the 1950's. Some of you might have had one like these. And the second picture is of my old coat which I still have. I might have worn it to Kindergarten but I can't remember but see the picture of me sitting on Santa's lap. My daughters Jen and Stephanie wore this coat as did my younger sister Patty and my cousin Joyce Kay. I wonder if it will last until my grandkids have kids.

May your day be perfect and result in something which will benefit you or your family. May you always go through life with a positive attitude rather than harboring negative thoughts. And may you love life, and give blessings for each moment spent on earth.

Later my friends.

Sunday, Sept. 27.... A Day to Give Thanks

Today I give thanks for all good things I have now and will have in the future. It's always good to show appreciation for even the smallest thing.

RAIN YESTERDAY, BUT CLEAR SKIES TODAY
Rain in the forecast and a sky which looked mighty threatening, caused many festival plans to change. Mine did. I was headed for the Pork and Apple Festival and decided to stay close to home on Saturday because of rain. So I went to Athens, then drove over to the Illinois River to eat fish at my favorite place to eat fish....the Barefoot Inn in Hardin. The rain stopped....then we went to Jacksonville to sit and watch the hundreds of cars thundering down Morton street during the 25th annual Jacksonville Cruise. I can just imagine what visitors to that city thought when they saw a gleaming piece of metal with 400 horses under the hood, bearing down on their car. The Jacksonville police were cool about everything and even watched some burn-outs right on the corner where I sat! Watch out next year....I plan to take my fast car too! LOL

Today is forecast for a high of 80 degrees and clear. So off to resume yesterday's plans.

GREENVIEW'S FIREFIGHTERS
The Athen's Fall Festival might not have been as long as Greenview's Labor Day parade, but there was plenty of candy tossed from windows and the backs of trucks.

I was impressed with the show of the mighty firefighting teams assembled for the parade. Athens, Petersburg, Fancy Prairie, Middletown and Greenview all participated to show their true "Red" firefighting colors. The many elaborate trucks gave me a feeling of "safeness" as I know that these firefighting teams will always help each other if the need arises during a fire. Take time to thank a Greenview firefighter. Without them, any loss might be much greater. THANK YOU!!

And for you former Greenviewanites, our newest fire truck is really a great piece of equipment!!

A Funny thing I saw...
On Friday I had to be in another city in Illinois. While there, I saw the funniest saying. On the side of a garbage truck, I saw these words painted along the length of the truck:

YESTERDAY'S MEALS ON WHEELS

shhhhhhhhhh...don't tell Sharon Davis about this.

THIS BLOG MADE THE NEWS....IN THE P'BURG OBSERVER

I am so proud that a small article about my blog appeared in the Menard County Tourism Section of the Petersburg Observer. Thank You for the article. This blog didn't make the Menard County Review, which is our town's newspaper, but maybe at a later date it will be mentioned. Fingers Crossed!!

Light a candle for World Peace. Give thanks for today. And extend your love of mankind to a friend, neighbor or enemy.

http://www.webshots.com/sp/peace_candle/

Peace!

Saturday's Child Works Hard 4 a Living 09-26

Yes, I am a Saturday's child....and I work hard ... at least work hard at writing this blog. So.... it's time for me to take a rest for this day....and maybe tomorrow too.

Whatever you're doing this last weekend in September, may you find joy in the day. Praise the Lord that you woke up another day and hug the world to your heart. Tomorrow may never come, but at least you will have enjoyed the love of one more day on earth.

HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND FROM THIS GREENVIEW FRIEND.

UP & AT 'EM..Friday's here!..09-25-09

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO KNOW ABOUT TODAY .... ONLY 86 MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS DAY. I WILL POST MY GIFT LIST LATER!


1. CLINTON PORK & APPLE FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND

2. ATHENS FALL FESTIVAL, SEPTEMBER 24 - 26.

3. CAR ENTHUSIASTS TAKE NOTE: The biggest and best car cruise in Illinois, featuring 1000's of cars, this Saturday night in Jacksonville. A do-not-miss if you like classic cars of all kinds. With burn-outs in the streets even. Take your lawn chairs, a heavy coat and a cooler. Park where you can on the main street coming from I-72 but somewhere near a rest room. This is the 25th anniversary of this cruise.

4. INTERNATIONAL ROUTE 66 MOTHER ROAD FESTIVAL, Springfield this Saturday and Sunday. 1000's of gleaming car from all over the USA and even foreign countries will line the streets downtown. You will not believe the gleaming metal in this Route 66 Festival. Many will travel to Jacksonville Saturday night for the car cruise.

http://www.familyevents.com/event/103


To Alicia...thank you for commenting yesterday asking me not to quit posting on this blog. At least I know someone is reading it.

Sign up for Greenview Garage Sales by September 28.

The Petefish Bank ATM has been moved from Casey's to the Lobby at Petefish Bank.

Could someone report on the status of the United Presbyterian Church remodeling project ... to repair the flood damage. I heard it's done/almost done. Info please!

I'm off for a fun day today. Life is too short to always be serious. Hug your children, hug your spouse or your parents and go do something for yourself!

Life is but a dream.

Have a good weekend. I might post or I might not have time....I'm going Festivaling and Car Cruising. :)

NO NEWS TODAY...SEPTEMBER 24, 2009

NO NEWS FOR TODAY. I am discouraged as I rarely receive comments in the comment section nor on the email. This makes me wonder if I should even continue to make posts on this blog. *******Sigh*********

HUMP DAY!! Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009

AS MR. ROBERTS WOULD SAY....A WONDERFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
I feel fall in the air. I see the fall festivals on the horizon and that means the smell of burning wood and burning leaves and kettlecorn and roasted marshmallows and smores of course. All of these thoughts make me want to go buy a package of hot dogs and start an open wood fire to roast 'em up.

Don't forget the Pork & Apple Festival this coming weekend in Clinton. The smoked ham sammiches are just too good to miss and, of course, the kettle cooked ham & beans might give me gas but who cares, a lot of the people at the festival will also have gas. You'll probably find something at the vendors that you can't pass up and might even buy a bag of kettlecorn. Save some for me!!

Then, on the weekends of October 3 & 4 and October 10 & 11, you won't want to miss the Spoon River Drive and Knox County Scenic Drive/Craft vendors is also those same days. White Hall, Illinois also is having their Civil War Days October 3 & 4th, and Stockton is also having their Civil War Days too on those same days. And for you runners, Macomb is having the Paint the Town Pink race/walk in support for breast cancer cures, happening on October 3. There are many more festivals going on around us....be sure to check out your favorite.

Soup Days Are Coming
I thought it might be fun for many of my followers to post their most favorite soup recipe under the comments section below this post. Any type of soup is always welcome at my house.....and sometimes I make big batches and freeze the rest for later on. I really can't eat canned soup due to the tremendously high sodium levels in canned soups. But I can always adjust a homemade recipe to fit my diet .... there's nothing like a big pot of vegetable soup, potato soup, french onion soup, taco soup, cheese soup, or homemade mushroom soup. I'm getting hungry writing this....and I'm smelling the pulled pork cooking in my crock pot right now so I am really getting hungry.

Here's my favorite Taco Soup recipe:


1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 medium onion - diced
1 package Dry Ranch Dip mix (Hidden Valley) or Dry Ranch Dressing Mix works too.
1 package Taco Seasoning
1 can mild Rotel Tomatoes
1 can tomato sauce
2 1/2 cups water1 can chili beans (do not drain)
1 can black beans (drain and rinse) or use red beans or pinto beans drained and rinsed.
1 or 2 cans of drained whole kernal corn (depending on your desire for corn)
Brown the beef and onion and drain. Add the rest and bring to boil..reduce, cover and simmer for 45 minutes. Note: You can extend the soup amount by adding more rotel tomatoes, more corn, more chili beans and it really doesn't affect the flavor too much when these are added. Upon occasion I have added an additional 1/2 pkg of taco seasonings when extending the soup amount. You can also add a bit more water if needed.

BE SURE TO POST YOUR SOUP RECIPES IN THE COMMENTS SECTION BELOW THIS POST.

Did You Know?? The Greenview Christian Church was first started in Sweetwater in 1825 under the name Sugar Grove Christian church. The first building was one mile southwest of Sweetwater. A group of this church's followers had a meeting at Sweetwater in March 1869 and determined that is was not convenient for them to meet regularly for worship at Sweetwater, and it was therefore agreed that the Brethren at Greenview should rent Sampson's Hall for one year at a cost of $150.00 (1/2 to be paid by the Grenview Brethren and 1/2 by the Sweetwater Brethren) and then the Brother Raney, who was in the employ of the Sweetwater church would preach for the Greenview Brethren once a month. On February 12, 1872, several members met to take preliminary steps to building a house of worship. And on Septemer 21, 1890 the first church building was dedicated. Charles Smoot was the first minister of the reorganized congregation.

ANYONE KNOW OF A DOWNLOADABLE "free" MALICIOUS SOFTWARE WHICH WILL RUN A CHECK ON A PC? NOT THE KIND YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR AFTER "x" DAYS. SOMEONE ASKED ME AND I DON'T ANYTHING ABOUT THIS.


HOPE YOUR DAY IS BRIGHT AND CHEERFUL AND FULL OF GRACE.

LATER ......

1st Day of Fall...Tuesday, Sept 22, 2009

Fall again. Winter Coming.
Wonderful fall. Today is the first day of Fall. The beauty of it is irresistible and the attractions of festivals and Sunday drives will put you in the best of moods. But when Fall comes in the Midwest, we know that the mighty winter is bearing down upon us. The winter could be a bad one or it could be a good one....in this part of the country we just don't know how the weather will be tomorrow.



Collection of Springfield Area Interesting Sites
Some of you have a thirst for history and will be interested in these sites. Some contain some very interesting vintage pictures which some of us/you will remember.

The first site is Springfield Rewind and is a great site to visit to learn things about Springfield's olden days.
http://www.springfieldrewind.com/

Another Springfield site, but it is older and not kept up:
http://lookbackspringfield.blogspot.com/



But the following site is the almighty best site of all. It indicates all kinds of history about Sandy's Restuarants which were bought by the Hardee's chain. I remember Sandy's in Springfield and Decatur....and I remember the Decatur Sandy's stood proud long after the Springfield Sandy's fell under the clutches of the Hardee's chain. Being a history buff plus my love of the old Sandy's burgers, I just love this site. Be sure to click on the section showing info on the Springfield (near the bottom) and Decatur sites.
http://www.captainerniesshowboat.com/sandys

A person can find really great information by just looking around the internet. One day when I was hunting for Orpheum Theater information, I found that Springfield once had a theater called the "Casino" and one called "Amuse U Theater" and one called "Lyric Theater" and one called Pantheon (I remember this building and marquee) and one called Pekin Theater" and one called "Royal Theater" and one called Southtown (I remember this building and Marqee and is still standing on South Grand) and one called "Tivoli Theater". The theaters I can remember and some are still in existence: Lincoln, Esquire, Cinema Arts, Orpheum, Pantheon, Route 66 Drive-In, Roxy, Senate, Strand, Southown, Springfield, Drive-In, Capitol City, White Oaks Theater (just announced a church is taking over this spot in the mall). The onslought of television really harmed the theater business. And in today's marketplace, dvds, rental, netflix and movies on the web have further harmed the business.

Here's some info on I found on very old theaters theaters in Springfield.
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/4252/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/23638/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/3179/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7040/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/6957/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7042/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7043/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/6279/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7042/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/7043/
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/6959/


Today's Quote....by Mark Twain
"To Succeed in Life, you need two things: ignorance and confidence.

May we all succeed in life or come close to it.



Light a candle to show your support of world peace.

A Start of a New Week .. Mon. Sept 21, 2009

Another week beginning today
I have always liked Mondays. Monday seems to give me renewed spirit to begin the week. I typically feel rested on this first day of the week. And, I know that in four more days, the weekend will again arrive.

When I think about Monday, I usually think of the old "Monday's Child". If you have forgotten how that goes, here 'tis:

Monday's Child is fair of face

Tuesday's Child is full of grace

Wednesday's Child is full of woe

Thursday's Child has far to go

Friday's Child is loving and giving

Saturday's Child works hard for a living

But the Child who is born

on the Sabbath Day

is fair and wise

and good and gay

To find the day you were born on and other interesting facts about that day, here is a fun site you can easily find which of the Monday Child descriptions fit you!

http://www.isd12.org/gle/DayYouWereBorn/index.htm

Greenview BLS Receives Donation

The National Bank of Petersburg presented a check to the Greenview BLS team which will used to help with the costs of training, equipment, insurance and other needs. If any of you have ever had to call the BLS into action, you know how caring and concerned these volunteers are. This team could be the difference between life and death. When you call 911 on your home phone or if you are home and call 911 on your cell, and you have a medical emergency, you may get to meet some of the fine members of the BLS team. These are highly trained people who want to help in your medical emergency situations. These people come from all walks of life, and include persons with medical training. A fine organization. Donate to the BLS when you can.

GREENVIEW GARAGE SALES....OCTOBER 10

Sign up by September 28 to be on the map. $5.00 charge. Sign-up sheets available at Casey's.

Recipe From a Menard Extension Cookbook

This happens to be my most favorite recipe in the whole cookbook. I have been making this Texas Cake recipe for years and it is wonderful. Sometimes I make 1/2 the frosting recipe for any Chocolate Cake that I make.....I just love the frosting. This recipe was submitted by 3 fine Greenview women - Ruth Simmering, Gladys Dennis and Lora Dowell. Mothers of my friends, with at least one still living.... and one of my followers' husband's grandmother.

Sift Together and set aside:

2 cups flour

1/2 teasp. salt

1 teasp soda

Cream Together:

1/2 cup sour cream

2 cups sugar

2 eggs

Bring to a boil:

2 sticks margarine

1 cup water

4 tablspns cocoa

Add the hot mixture to the creamed ingedients and mix. Blend in the sifted dry ingredients and mix. Pour into a greased jelly roll pan 10.5 by 15 by 1 inch. Bake 375 for 20 minutes or until tests done. (Batter will be thin). Ice cake when hot...with:

Bring to a boil

1 stick margarine

6 tblspns milk

4 tblspns cocoa

Quickly mix in 1 box SIFTED powdered sugar and beat fast till blended. Quickly add 1 tsp. vanilla and 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts. Spread on hot cake. Note: this icing sets up fast after adding the powdered sugar....can thin with a little more milk, but it's best to work fast. YUMMY!

OUR PAST IS A MEMORY, OUR FUTURE IS WHAT WE MAKE OF IT. Greenview is here....it may be your memory, but it holds your past if you were ever a part of it.

Have a good day my friends.

Sept. 19, 2009.....It's Saturday....R U Sleeping In??

THE WEEK FLEW BY!
How did we get to Saturday so quickly? I'm tired this morning. It's still early and I haven't heard the Roosters shouting "time to get up". So....I think I might just say "I'm going back to bed and I'll see you on another day". With that, I'm taking a fishing day.

Take care everyone. Don't forget Petersburg activites and Athens Garage Sales. Toodles!

'Tis a Fine Morning - September 18, 2009

THE COUNTY IS IN A FLURRY
This weekend is one which offers extreme activity. Not only is the Harvest Fest beginning tonight in Petersburg, but Athens is also holding its fall garage sales starting tonight at 5 pm....although I have always found that those people who sell on Friday evening, usually open earlier than 5 pm. Nowdays the almighty dollar in the till is pretty important to a garage sale!

Be sure to go see the Petersburg Harvest Fest parade tomorrow morning. And be sure to purchase your 50 inch Television (drawing) tickets - $5.00 each or 6 for $25.00. See our former Greenviewanite Betty Ratliff Winchester for details and be sure to visit her store on the corner - Esteps & Associates Mercantile.

Terror on the Square will be open September 19 during the Harvest Fest. For those of you who have never been through this, this haunted house is known all over the United States .... be sure to visit this season.

On Sunday the PORTA Ministerial Association is presenting a Gospel Sing at New Salem park, beginning at 6:30 pm.

Greenviewanites will warm to the news that Elmer Cramer will be celebrating his 95th birthday on Sunday. Elmer now resides at Sunny Acres. His family will be joining him for a huge celebration of his many years and his many accomplishments. Happy Birthday Elmer!

COUNTY COURTHOUSE PARKING LOT RESURFACE
Be sure to park somewhere other than the courthouse parking lot on Monday, September 21. If you forget, your car might become a tarbaby. Resurfacing will begin early!

FLU SHOTS
The county health department will be holding a walk-in flu shot clinic in mid-October....date to be published before long.
Cost is $30.00 or can be obtained free by State of Illinois employees/retirees, or, those with Medicare Part B - bring identification cards to receive free shots. Call the county health department @ 632-2810 for more information.

AREA BUSINESSES
To give credit where credit is due. Here are some more businesses operated by current or former Greenviewanites. These are in addition to the others listed previously.

Larry Montgomery Electric (G'view)
Figgy's Motorcyle Repair (G-view)
Mark Tripp Landscaping - Springfield
Pinecrest Auto Body - Bob Ratliff - Petersburg/Curtis Blacktop
Gen Tech/Mower Repair - Steve McLaughlin - (G'view)
FS
Growmark
Horizon - Reggie Dowell/Jim Miller - Mason City
Kyle Killebrew Real Estate - The Real Estate Group
Two Farmers, Inc Landscaping - Mark Becker (G-view/Athens)
Hurley Funeral Home - (G'view)

WINTER IS COMING
As much as we don't like to think about it, winter is approaching. Be sure to have your furnace cleaned. Call the service people now to schedule your annual furnace check-up rather than waiting until it breaks down.

New Greenviewanites
Recently I had the privilege of discussion with people who have joined our fair village. New residents here! They are becoming a part of our history just like those of us who were here from the days of our youth. If you see someone new in town, tell them hello and welcome them to the history of a great little village.

HAVE A SAFE WEEKEND.
If your parents are living, give them a call and tell them you love them. And for you parents, likewise is true. If the kids are still at home, give them a hug. We never seem to know when a hug is really needed and we never know if tomorrow will arrive.

Greenview, IL....a place to be....a place to grow....a good place for us.

September 17, 2009

Today is a day of rest for me. Overnight the stars didn't fall over Greenview. And we didn't have a landing of Alien creatures so I really have nothing to report until I see the new weekly county blab. Then I will put it in down to earth Greenviewanite words and tell you what's going on or will be going on.

Route 29 Project. As one of my dear friends pointed out, we Greenviewanites have, for years, referred to this highway as the "Hard Road". I like that name so I will continue to call Route 29 the "Hard Road". Just for kicks.

I was nosey yesterday so I made a trip north of town. Yikes it looks like the bumps and roughness will still be with us....it appears that we are getting only new shoulders of smooth as glass blacktop. I guess, for smoothness, we will all need to drive on the shoulders henceforth!

I hope you will join in me in my prayer:
I pray for a cure for cancer and heart disease. Amen.

BE BACK LATER MY FRIENDS.......

What's Up in G'view...not a thing on 09-16-09

I know you will be surprised, but there's nothing going on in Greenview....at least nothing anyone will tell me or anything that I can report beyond a theft, speeding tickets, etc. Maybe tomorrow will be a better news day.





THE FACEBOOK GROUP ENTITLED: GREENVIEW, IL is waiting for you to visit. Some of us Greenviewanites have been having some good old conversations on that site. Talking about days of old. Just join facebook and come on over to the group called "Greenview, IL". I just told those people over there in the Greenview, IL group about how the fish stories get bigger and so do the noses of the storyteller ..... you should see some of the noses on Greenview people...they are about 10 inches long from all of the storytelling.





ROUTE 29 IS GOING TO BE RESURFACED. THAT MAKES ME HAPPY AS IT WAS ROUGH ROUGH ROUGH! THE MACHINES ARE OUT NORTH OF TOWN AS THIS IS PUBLISHED.





IF YOU HAVE NEED FOR SOME GOOD OLD PIANO MUSIC AT A FUNCTION, CONTACT MARK VINCENT. HIS CONTACT INFO IS ON THE GREENVIEW, IL FACEBOOK GROUP.





DON'T FORGET HARVEST FEST IN PETERSBURG THIS WEEKEND. Show your support of county businesses. Be sure to go see Betty Ratliff Winchester at Estep & Associates Mercantile ..... tickets for the drawing for a 50 inch plasma HD television are on sale....$5.00 each or 6 for $25.00. See Betty at Esteps for your tickets. And don't forget the firemen's drawing for a peddle car.





OLD MENARD COUNTY COOKBOOK RECIPE


When I was growing up, I remember going to my great-grandma's house for Christmas Dinner. My Aunt Marie always made Date Pudding with Hard Sauce. I have her recipe someplace, but after looking at the Date Pudding recipe in the old Menard County recipe book, I think it is about the same. I plan to make this at Christmas .... just because it's sentimental....but the best reason is because it is so good.





DATE PUDDING


1 cup sugar

1 cup boiling water


2 beaten egg yolks

1 lb. dates, chopped small


1 tsp soda

1 cup flour


1 cut nutmeats

2 beaten egg whites


2 tablspns melted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract


Cream the sugar and butter, add beaten egg yolks and beat well. Add soda to hot water and pour over dates and stir well, then let cool. After cooling add to creamed mixture. Mix in flour and nutmeats and vanilla, then fold in the beaten egg whites.


Bake in a moderate oven (my guess is around 350). Serve cooled & don't remove from pan until served.





HARD SAUCE


1 1/2 cups brown sugar


1 cup cream


2 eggs, well beaten


1/2 cup dates chopped fine


1/4 cup Irish Whiskey or Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey or whatever...or omit but it's great with it!!


Cook all together (except whiskey) until thickened, stirring constantly. Add the whiskey after removing from the heat. Put the hard sauce on each piece as served and top with real, sweetened whipped cream. Shake the sauce a few times before serving. Note from me: Get fat and be happy!! Another childhood memory for me.





I LOVE TO TELL THE STORY ...


Some of you might remember the old gospel song called "I Love To Tell The Story". I remember it so well from my childhood days while sitting in the Presbyterian Church pew. As I write this news blog everyday, I recall that song. I'm actually telling the story of Greenview .... the past, the current or the future. It's our past and future. Greenview's story will remain with us as long as we are alive because we are a part of it.





Think of that song as you go through life. Don't be afraid to tell the story of Jesus and don't be afraid to tell the story of your life in Greenview. I am currently finishing my life story of growing up in Greenview, and some of you are a part of that story. A life's story....here and now, to pass on to my family and the annals of history.





Here's Emmy Lou Harris's guitar site with the words of this wonderful song. Play it, sing it and remember it!


http://www.classic-country-song-lyrics.com/ilovetotellthestorylyricschords.html

Greenview Early 1900's

NOT MUCH OF A NEWS DAY 09-15-09

NO BAD NEWS IS ALWAYS GOOD NEWS...
I really don't have anything exciting for today so we will use this is a simple history lesson.....all about Greenview.

1. The first graduating class of which there is any record was the Class of 1880. This consisted of Ada, Lula and Arthur Hughes, Anthony Austin, Scott Payne, Frank Petrie and Etta Rule. Mr. Williamson was Supt. and the teacher of these seniors.

2. The following families were FOUNDING families of Greenview (you might find your name here -- some of you know that your families were here from the start): Adams, Aldebrandt, Alkire, Allison, Amerkamp, Anderson, Anson, Applegate, Austin, Ballard, Banister, Barkley, Barnett, Blane, Bogardus, Boyer, Bracken, Bradley, Brewer, Brown, Burrus, Calloway, Chapman, Cleaveland, Chamberlain, Crowder, Davis, Denton, Dockum, Donaldson, Eden, Eldridge, Ellis, Engle, Estill, Evers, Faus, Fulton, Gaddie, Gibbs, Ginn, Godbey, Goff, Graham, Grant, Griggs, Grimsley, Grogan, Gunstan, Guyer, Haden, Hankins, Hardin, Hartwell, Hatch, Hayden, Henry, Hicks, Hill, Hornback, Hughes, Hurst, Jenison, Johnson, Jones, Killion, Kincaid, Knoles, Knowles, Leech, Lloyd, Ludlow, Lukins, McAtee, McDonald, McDougal, McGary, McLemore, McNabb, McNulty, McReynolds, Marbold, Markwell, Meadows, Meekr, Mills, Montgomery, Morse, Onkreid, Paine, Parkhurst, Patterson, Peeler, Philbrick, Pierce, Pond, Potter, Powell, Propst, Ray, Reed, Rhodes, Roberts, Rogers, Rourke, Royce, Rule, Russell, Rutledge, Sanert, Saunders, Simpson, Smoot, Smick Snodgrass, Spence, Sprouse, Sullivan, Swiney, Sykes, Taylor, Thomas, Tice, Trent, Trumbo, Turner, Voss, Warnsing, Warren, WEbster, Wernsing, Wilcox, Wilkinson, Williams, Woodruft, Work and Yowells.

3. April 25, 1963 - Fire destroyed the K&K Market, the skating rink which was on top of the market, the old locker plant building, and Kincaid's Tavern (the old Smitty's tavern). The building which housed the market was known many years ago as the Opera House building where shows, dances, indoor fairs, revivals,etc were held.

4. 1968 started out to be a tragic year for Greenview residents. Just a short five years after the K&K Market fire, on January 2, 1968, the Corner Cafe was damaged by fire. West Food Store also closed in January of 1968. Then in February, Marty Pippin was notified her husband was wounded in Vietnam and then died. Reverand Otte who was the jovial pastor of the St. John's German church resigned on May 31. Just a year with too much happening for a small village.

5. Johnson & Denton closed their doors in January 1970 after operating since 1933. Does anyone remember the soda fountain tables and chairs and the coolers where you could get a bottle of coke or my favorite, a bottle of Chocolate Soldier. The ceiling was so ornate in that building. I remember the two older gentlemen wearing "Sunday Clothes" everyday of the year. Even in summer, they were dressed in long shirts, with a vest or a sweater. I don't know about the rest of you but, I thought Johnson and Denton smelled better than West Food Store.

For those of you who were late comers to Greenview, here's some history you might remember:

1. 2005, Greenview received their new 911 mailing addresses.

2. Jim Broch, age 59, died July 18, 2004.

3. Cuzins Restaurant and Lounge was completely destroyed by fire on January 25, 2003.


A SMALL TOWN ALWAYS SUFFERS GREATLY WHEN ANY TRAGEDY HITS, A LIFE IS LOST, A BUILDING IS BURNED, OR A FAMILY MOVES. THINGS LIKE THIS HAVE MADE GREENVIEW A STRONGER TOWN. ONE WHICH HAS SURVIVED ANOTHER DAY IN HISTORY. ONE DAY WE ALL WILL BE ONLY A PART OF THE HISTORY AS WE LEAVE THIS WORLD AND LEAVE OUR HISTORY BEHIND.

Hello...Another Day in G'View 09-14-09

Another Fine Day.....
in greenview. It's almost the middle of the month. Just where did this month go.....I personally think the calendar gobblins are stealing days from us. I also think this happens as we age, as time passes faster at my current age than it did when I was waiting to be age 21.

Speaking of Greenview, does anyone know for whom this town was named?

Answer: Named after William Greene, a Menard County pioneer. Greenview was laid out in the year 1857 by a company of six men: George Blane, William Engle, Leonard Alkire, Milen Alkire, John Alkire and Lynn Greene. Willian Engle was seleced as trustee for the company, Mr. Greene was not a resident of Greenview at any time.

Charles L. Montgomery was the very first settler in Greenview precinct (before it was even Greenview). An 80-acre plot was purchsed by the land company mentioned before from Charles Montgomery for $8560, and another 80 acres from George Blane for $4800. Surveyed and recoreded October 2, 1857. Blocks were established as 300 feet square, streets 70 feet wide, alleys 16 feet wide, lots were 50 x 142 unless otherwise specified. But Greenview didn't become an incorporated town until May 6 1869.

And you know the rest of this story. Our families were either the first settlers (mine were) or your family came along and settled here, a few more ancestors were born, and then it came time for us to be born, and we lived here for a spell and some of us are still here and some of you left and Greenview remains Greenview.....the same place on the map as it was back when it started. Thank Goodness! I kind of like this little village.

Greenview Death/Anniversaries of Deaths

A fine Greenview resident died late last week. She lived in Homestead Valley near Sweetwater Road. Bessie "Dee" Weidhuner was a joy to know and as sweet as she could be. Rest in Peace Dee.

Death Anniversary: Rose Merrihew, age 95 died September 4, 2004. Gone but not forgotten. Her memory will remain with village of Greenview residents.

Tallula Fish Fry
Tallula firemen will hold a fishfry on Saturday September 26, at the Fire House. Lunch from 11am till 1pm and dinner from 4 to 7pm.

Fall Festival at Oakford
A fall festival will be held in Oakford on October 3-4 and October 10-11. Held at the Oakford Town Hall. Some space is available for vendors. Crafts, homemade candy and a bake sale. These dates coincide with Spoon River Drive so plan to make this a stop on your way.

Greenview Town Wide Garage Sales

October 10. Register by September 28. $5.00 fee.

New Salem Country Opry Still a Good Thing

Yes, the New Salen Country Opry still operates. And what a bargain for live music and great singers and band members. Ticket prices are still $8.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Children under age 12. Show begins at 8pm every Saturday Night. Presenting Music since 1983!

Greenview Businesses You Might Want To Use
Hopefully I didn't leave many out. If you know of another business, I will be glad to list the business....just email me at: Greenviewyagottaknownews@yahoo.com

Casey's
Janssen Concrete (A.J.)
Kevin Janssen Homes
Zip & Zap
The Pub
Johnston Window Film
Tuttles Autos
Tuttles Service
Corner Tap (what is the name of this???)
Rolfs Implement
Sanert Auction
Lisa Janssen Beauty Operator
Chilli Bears
S&H Trucking


Please tell me if I left any out.

Basketball Before Long - Support Your Local Bulldogs

BE BACK TO POST

BE BACK TO POST LATER
--------------->>>>>>>>

Out being a ---newsgatheringpersonindisguisesonooneknowsme!

Sunday, September 13, 2009

GOD BLESS YOU TODAY.

Prayer For The Day

Let's forgive ourselves and our relations of all transgressions

Let's bless ourselves and our global family with unconditional love

Let's magnify our group love to embrace mother nature and the earth too

Let's hold the perfected image of life and love for humanity within our hearts

Let's share our glowing presence of love with every person we meet

Let's invite others to experience the blessings of forgiveness and love individually and as a group

Let's invite others to experience the blessings of forgiveness and love.

Amen

I humbly ask for your prayers for the American service men and women who are proudly serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. God Bless America.

SOME THINGS ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR

SATURDAY IS FOR REST .. SEPT. 12

TODAY IS A DAY OF REST. But, the blog is still here for you to read about what's been going on in dear old Greenview.

I'm not getting very many comments and I sure don't want to stop posting......please leave me comments so that I know if this is worthwhile. If you have ever made something, sent something, done something, and didn't get comments, then you know what I mean.



IN GREENVIEW TODAY, THE SKY IS STILL BLUE. THE WATER TOWER IS STILL STANDING THOUGH IT IS A VERY BLUE COLOR AND IS SHAPED DIFFERENTLY THAN THE DAYS IN THE 30's, 40's, 50's, 60's, ETC THAT SOME OF YOU MIGHT REMEMBER.

AND, YES KEN, THE SIREN WILL PROBABLY RING AT NOON TODAY AND TOMORROW AND THE DAY THEREAFTER. LORDY, LORDY......WOULD WE KNOW WHAT TIME IT WAS IF THE SIREN DIDN'T RING AT NOON?


SAY A PRAYER TODAY FOR THOSE PERSONS WHO DIED 8 YEARS AGO YESTERDAY. OUR NATION IS THANKFUL NOTHING SIMILAR HAS THREATENED OUR FREEDOM.

AND WHEN YOU GO TO THE STORE TODAY, BUY ONE EXTRA CAN OF SOMETHING AND DONATE IT TO YOUR LOCAL FOOD PANTRY/FOOD BANK. I JUST CAN'T PASS UP SOMEONE AT A STREET CORNER WITH A SIGN WHICH SAYS "I WILL WORK FOR FOOD". I ALWAYS THROW A COUPLE OF DOLLARS OUT THE WINDOW....BUT I DON'T LET THEM COME TO THE CAR WINDOW TO MAINTAIN MY SAFETY....BECAUSE YOU JUST DON'T KNOW.

If your parents are still living, be thankful and give them a hug if you live close, otherwise call them up and tell them you love them. If your parents have joined the Lord, be sure to remember them in your prayers, and let them know you care and will join them someday. And give praise to your pet and let the pet know you care.

• Havana Oktoberfest Today.
• Harvest Fest - Petersburg Sept 18 & 19th. Buy your raffle tickets for a 50 inch Plasma HD television at our friend Betty Ratliff Winchester, Estep & Associates Mercantile
• Greenview Garage Sales October 10....sign up today.
• Christmas is 105 days away. K-mart has lay-a-way.

KEEP SMILING. I'LL TALK TO YOU ANOTHER DAY

:>)

A Tribute To 9-11, Eight Years Later

9-11-2001

Today marks the 8th anniversary of 9-11. Please take a moment of silence to honor the reported 2,973 who died. A nation challenged. A nation which survived. A nation which felt the loss of fellow Americans. Grief and sorrow remained with us for weeks. Today we remain a free nation dedicated to life, liberty and freedom. The memories linger. God Bless America.

Harvest Fest In Petersburg, Sept. 18th and 19th

A former local resident, Betty Ratliff, is quite involved with the plans for Petersburg's Harvest Day celebration on Sept. 18th and 19th.

These are just some of the great and fun things which will happen:

1. Tickets are now being sold for a 50" Panasonic Plasma-HD FLat Screen TV. The drawing for this huge TV being held on Saturday, between 5 and 5:30 pm under the main tent in the courthouse parking lot. Tickets are $5.00 each or 6 for $25.00. For your tickets, stop by Betty (Ratliff) Winchester's store, well known as Estep & Associates Mercantile, on the northwest corner of the square (located in the old Robbins store).

2. Parade starts at 10:00 am Saturday morning.

3. After the parade, the Firemen will auction a Pedal Car Firetruck....just right for that special grandchild's Christmas gift.

4. The VFW will have a beer tent on Friday night and Saturday for anyone who becomes thirsty for a brewski.

5. Friday night will feature Hollywood Square - tic tac toe - as the entertainment.

6. Entertainment, good food, and specialty/informational vendors will abound during the fest. Something for everyone.

Our friend and former resident Betty tells me the committee is still looking for a few more food vendors, and specifically a kettle corn vendor is desired. Call Betty Ratliff-Winchester at 217-632-4154 if you know a vendor who might want to participate. Or, call Betty to say hello and be sure to stop in her store. I always find something I have to buy when I visit her. Plus it's just good to see a friend from yesteryear.

NEW PEOPLE IN TOWN

Our friends Roger and Sue (Gaddie) Elliott returned to Greenview to live in a house on the old grade school lot. Their move prompted their son and his wife to move back from Ocala, Florida (I'm sure they are going to love the winter's blowing snow, ice and cold better than Florida weather - Just kidding). Ty and Ginny Elliott will be living in the little house on the farm out on the hi-way, right by the newly remodeled big farm home of Leonard and Michele (Elliott) Branson. And I must say, I am one of the lucky people who have toured the newly remodeled farm house and it is a dream come true. I have been told that almost every member of the Elliott family has live in the small house on the farm. Welcome back to all of the Elliotts. And Sue's sister also moved back several months ago so a welcome to her and her family too.

Countryside Estates to Celebrate 10 years

Countryside Estates is the independent living facility locatd on the grounds of Sunny Acres. It doen't seem possible but they are celevrating their 10 year anniversay. An open house will be held Sunday, September 13, 1 to 4 pm.

Bluegrass And Traditional Music Festival - New Salem

A jam session on Friday night kicks of this year's festival. With music on the stage starting at 6:30 pm Friday night. Then on Saturday the 12th and Sunday the 13th, get ready for some bootkicking bluegrass music. The fun starts at 10am through 5 pm each day. See you there - it's a favorite of mine!

Breaking News!!

Tami Tisdale Walters has a new baby in her house! Evelyn Jean just arrived and a new brother or sister will be joining Evelyn sometime around April 1. Congratulations to the new parents and we will be awaiting news of the other new little one in a few months.

SPECIAL NOTE TO BLOG VISITORS:
Thank you for coming. You don't have to register to post. Your post will come up as Anonymous....but I would appreciate at least your first name at the bottom of your post (you don't have to give your last name). I just wanted to tell you that there is a comment section at the end of each day's post so that you don't have to keep going back to the original post....unless you want to go back there. I have been getting great responses. Keep visiting. You are welcome here. Carla




Happy Weekend....it's TGIF!






If you could, please repeat after me:
Dear God, I pray for a cure for cancer and heart disease. Amen