BOO! 10-31-09 ~~~~Waving at the Ghosts and Goblins

Boo!

Today Greenview is filled with haunted houses

and Ghosts of all kinds.

I'm ghost hunting.

Be back soon!

Freaky Friday Is Here My Friends 10-30-09

Will you walk into my parlor

Said the spider to the fly;

Tis the prettiest little parlor that you ever did spy.

The way into my parlor is up a winding stair,

And I have many curious things to show you

When, you are there.

"Oh no no" said the little fly,

"to ask me is in vain"

For who goes up your winding stair

can never come down again.

~~~Mary Howitt

Tis The Day Before Halloween...Freaky Friday

Today may be the best day to learn all about Halloween and why we have this special occasion. Halloween has ties to the Celtic celebration called Samhain (pronounced as "sah win". This festival is a celebration of the end of the harvest season in Gaelic culture.

Ancient Gaels believed that there was an overlapping between the dead and the living and the dead would come back on October 31. There were always bonfires which attracted insects and bats. Masks and costumes were worn to mimic the evil spirits or appease them. In Ohio, Massachusetts and Iowa, Halloween is known as "beggars night". Halloween history appears to show that trick or treating was not actively practiced in America until the 1930's although it was practiced by the Irish, British, Scot-Irish many generations earlier.

~~The Greenview Christian Church will sponsor a Halloween Maze, from 6 to 8:30 pm. Games, pictures and refreshments available. Parents are welcome.

~~The First Baptist Church of Greenview will be handing out treat bags and serving hot cocoa for trick-or-treaters as well as parents at the pastor's house during the community trick-or-treat hours. Bonfire, hot dogs and marshmallows too if nice weather. Near the Intersection of Engle and Douglas, 235 S, Engle.

~~Greenview Trick-or-Treat adventures are only permitted in the community on October 31, from 5pm to 8pm. If you wish to received trick or treaters, leave your porch light on.

H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Set Various Classes of Eligibles.

The first week of November is set for the vaccines to begin at the County Health Department BUT for certain risk classes of persons only. The clinics will be held at various community sites, public schools and dayscares within the county. If you don't meet the eligibility risk class, you will not be given the vaccine. The risk classes are: pregnant women with physician proof of the pregnancy; people who live with or provide care for infants younder than 6 months (eg, parents, siblings and day care providers); healthcare providers and emergency medical service personnel. Students will be given information to take home relative to dates, times, locations. Children under nine will need two doses. The first dose will be at the various vaccine clinics, with the second available only with an appointment at the County Health Department. Vaccines are free of charge. Please remember...do not even go for the vaccines until your eligibility class is announced.

25th Anniversary.

Our former postmistress, Dawn Rena Thompson, and her husband David, just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. Happy Anniversary Dawn Rena (and David too). Dawn is now postmistress at Williamsville.

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

Until I return, I remain the ghost who writes this.

Thursday's Lesson ~~ October 29, 2009

All About Thursday!

We all know what is said about Thursday's child ~~~ Thursday's Child has far to go.

The contempory name for Thursday comes from the Old English "Thunor's Day", meaning Thor's Day. Thor is the God Of Thunder . Today I have great faith in the local weather forecasters that we will be seeing the God of Thunder roaring across our skies. Especially later this afternoon.

A couple of other things about Thursday which I just learned are:

~~ In Thailand, the color associated with Thursdays is orange.

~~In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Thursdays are dedicated to the Apostles and Saint Nicholas

~~There is a band named Thursday.

~~There is a product named Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Toothpicks, which are actually Australian Tea Tree chewing sticks.

~~In Judaism, the Torah is read in public on Thursdays.

~~In Central Illinois, since the early 1990's it is most common to eat a Snack Pack on Thursdays. (Snack Pack defined as Hunt's Pudding Cups....which I eat any old day).

So I must say, I guess today we can all eat our Snack Packs and use Thursday toothpicks to chew on the rest of the day. It will help our diet to chew on sticks .... maybe, do ya think????

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

Things to remember:

Middletown Presbyterian Church Brunch Sunday morning

Greenview Christian Church Halloween Maze Saturday night

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

Greenview History 101

Many of our town's early residents were of German descent. The history books indicated these were reliable thrifty men and were definitely an asset to the community. These are the names the history story relate to: Kaiser, Deverman, Koester, Kemper, Busch, Dirks, Onken, Myers, Keest, Amerkamp, Dencker, Eggers, Hagney, Miller, Wilken, Winkleman, Wilhelm, Simmering, Evers, Weidhuner, Elstrodt, Marbold, Hildebrand, Behrens, Wohler. These people formed little neighborhood communities when they settled. The school which served many of thse families was Salt Creek School which was centrally located within the properties of these families....I presume on the North side of Greenview proper.

I'm sure there are more German family names which were erroneously omitted from the history documentation. Without these fine families, Greenview may not have survived. Many of these families still remain an integral part of Greenview.

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

Storms Predicted For Today

There is the possibility of thunderstorms for this afternoon, and the possibility of heavy rain. Please be careful if you find water on the roadway. Water can be deceiving and, it's very easy for your vehicle to float if you attempt to drive through water. Stay safe and go around the water even if it means a few more miles, blocks, feet, etc.

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

Who's picture is on the $50 bill?

What is featured on the back of a $50 bill?

The average time a $50 will be in circulation before replacement is 55 months.

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

We accumulate our opinions at an age

when our understanding is at its weakest.

~~~Georg C. Lichtenberg

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

Arrivederci!

I will return another day.

Get Over The Hump Day, Wednesday, 10-28-09

Wednesdays can be great days or a Wednesday can get you down.

**Bosses like to have meetings late Wednesday afternoons to announce changes. They introduce new procedures with a start date on the following Monday. This way the employee has two days to bitch at work and two days to "stew" at home.

**Once Wednesday gets here, and after the day is complete, there will be only two more days until the start of the weekend.

**Ash Wednesday is on a Wednesday.

**Stores send out new advertising supplements on Wednesday.

**The State Journal-Register always has good recipes on Wednesday.

**Gil's restaurant in Minier has a 1/2 Chicken Special for $6.10 (I don't like the potato salad nor the iced tea there).

**It must be a good day, as you are reading my newsblog....:>)

So.....have a good Wednesday. Wednesdays will come again. It's a sure thing....just like taxes and death....it will come!

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

Daily Bread Menu

Wednesday: Hotdog on a bun, baked beans, cucumber and onion salad, diced pears, milk.

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

Middletown Presbyterian Church Brunch

The annual Middletown Presbyterian Church brunch is this Sunday, November 1 from 10 am to 1 pm. The all you can eat menu includes: bacon, ham, sausage, Belgian waffles, breakfast pizza, scrambled aggs, sausage gravy and biscuits, fried potatoes, ham & beans and cornbread, desserts, coffeecakes, fresh fruit, and drinks.

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

Dinner With The Shephard Supper At Baptist Church.

Everyone is welcome to go to the Greenview Baptist Church free supper, tonight, starting at 5:45 to 6:30 in the church fellowship hall. And a prayer meeting to follow from 7-8 pm. Reservations for the supper would be appreciated but not necessary.... call 968-7083. Free Supper but donations will be accepted. The menu for tonight is: Chili, cornbread, salad, beverage and dessert.

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

Recipe From Old Menard County Resident

This recipe is from our family and is one I use all the time. It's pleasing to the taste!! And, makes huge amounts, so this is a good recipe to take to a function where lots of people will be there.

French Cookies

1 cup white sugar

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup shortening (I use Light Parkey margarine)

1 cup very hot water

1 tsp baking soda....add to hot water

2 eggs

3 cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

1- 1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 cup Raisins (boil raisins in a couple cups of water then drain and use some of the water for the 1 cup of hot water)

1/2 cup chopped nuts

Cream the both sugars with the shortening. Stir in the cinnamon and eggs then alternately add the flour, baking powder, and hot water. Add raisins and nuts last. Grease a jelly roll pan or fairly large cookie sheet with at least a 1 inch side. Bake 350 and check with a toothpick after about 10 minutes..it doesn't take long to bake. Make a glaze with powdered sugar and milk and put on the cake while the cake is warm.

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

Smile and the whole world smiles with you!

Later, my friends......

Tuesday....October 27, 2009...Weekend's Coming

Morning Greenviewanites :>)

It's supposed to be No Rain for today. Whoopee!

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

Thanksgiving Is One Month Away.

For some of the younger readers, who might be cooking turkey for the first time, there are several web sites which tell you how to do it. The best way is to do a search for "How to cook Thanksgiving turkey" and start reading. A word of caution from a person who has cooked hundreds of these big birds...be sure the turkey is thawed and be sure to take out the neck and giblet pieces which might be inside the body cavity or down the neck cavity. Sometimes these are sealed in plastic.....so get them out!!

Most sites will tell you to thaw the turkey in the refrigerator....I always start out this way about 3 to 4 days ahead....I have forgotten before and then I had to throw him in the bathtub still sealed in his package and made sure he was covered with cold water.....not recommended longer than 5 or 6 hours....and this really isn't the best way to thaw because of bacteria ....be sure to make your own decisions after reading the informative web sites. Turkey prices will start to get cheaper and cheaper....watch the newspapers.

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

Recipe From An Old Menard County Cookbook.

This recipe belonged to a fromer Greenview resident, Miss Helena Deverman.

Pecan Cookies

3/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cup brown sugar

1 egg

2 cup cake flour

1/2 tsp. soda

1/3 tsp salt

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1 tsp vanilla

Cream butter and sugar, add egg, mix thoroughly, sift flour, salt and soda and add gradually. Let stand overnight. Roll into small balls and press pecan half on top.

NOTE: Although the recipe doesn't say put in the refrigerator overnight, I think that's what she meant. Also there were no oven temperatures or time....I imagine 350 oven and check after 6 or 7 minutes.

If any of Helena's relatives have this recipe and know what the oven temp is, please comment below.

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

Anyone Interested In Starting A Bunco Club?

***********

I am as bad as the worst, but, thank God, I am as good as the best.

~~~~~Walt Whitman

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

~~~Until we meet again~~~

Monday Morning ~~ October 26, 2009

Get Your Halloween Costumes and Candy....it soon will be here. The Greenview Christian Church Halloween Maze will be open on Saturday October 31 from 6 - 8:30 pm. Games, treats, food and refreshments....mom, dads, older siblings are also invited to watch. Pictures are available.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Greenview Daily Bread Menu.

The menu for Monday and Tuesday:

Monday: Baked ham, sweet potatoes, California blend vegetables, pineapple slices, wheat bread, cookie and milk.

Tuesday: Baked fish fillet, baked fries, succotash, applesauce, wheat bread, milk.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Athens Library.

The Athens library recycles inkjet cartridges. Storytime for toddlers every Thursday morning at 10 am. If you haven't visited the library, take time to visit. Greenview residents are subject to a yearly fee to check out books. In the month of November, the special collections room display case will feature a variety of items orginally belonging to deceased Greenview resident, Elvia Montgomery. Library Hours: Monday - Thursday 9am - 8pm. Friday Closed. Saturday 9am -12pm. Sunday 12pm - 4pm. Closed Veteran's Day, November 11.

~~~~~~~~~~

Wash Your Hands For Health. Use plenty of soap and warm water. It doesn't have to be antibacterial soap. Wash between your fingers and while washing your hands, sing the Happy Birthday song all the way through, then thoroughly rinse with lots of warm water and use a clean towel or a throwaway paper towel. Good hand washing habits might prevent a horrible flu germ/virus from attaching itself to you or a member of your family.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Today is Hillary Clinton's Birthday (born 1947)

Today is Pat Sajak's Birthday (born 1947)

Today is Jaclyn Smith's Birthday (born 1947)

Today was Mahalia Jackson's Birthday (born 1911)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A friend is one who knows you and loves you just the same.

~~~~Elbert Hubbard

~~~~~~~~~~

Until we meet again, be healthly, get wealthly and be wise!

Sabbath Sunday ~~~ October 25, 2009

Good Morning on this Sabbath Day.
Say a prayer for all of the nation's troops, fighting for the liberty and peace of the world and our right to remain free. Sometimes our soldiers are only protected by the power of prayer, thus it is important to say a short prayer of protection each day. Our soldiers are important people and we must not forget them.

It doesn't matter if we are young, old, man, woman, white, black, republican or democrat, We Are The People Of The USA. God Bless America.

I pledge allegience to the Flag of the United States of America

And to the republic, for which it stands

One nation, under God, indivisable,

With liberty and justice for all.

~~~~

I pray for peace and the love of mankind.

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

Until Tomorrow I Remain

Your Greenview Friend

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

Top of the Morning To You. Sat. 10-24-09

Bittersweet October.

The mellow, messy, leaf kicking,

perfect pause between the opposing

miseries of summer and winter.

~~~Carole Bishop Hipps

Changes Made.

I'm sure you've noticed I've made a few adjustments in the layout of the newsblog. I had to delete some things on the side, but I think the history of our town is an important feature to show to any reader. Let me know if you have suggestions which might enhance the newsblog. Look for the comment section below this post. Feel free to comment about anything you wish. Questions are welcome and I will do my best to find the answers. Derogatory or hate based comments will be deleted of course.

No Rain Forecasted for today, with a high of 57.

But, unfortunately, the rain is scheduled to return tonight and tomorrow, and also forecasted to be with us on Monday, but no rain on Tuesday, but perhaps returning on Wednesday. Positive thinking is what we need.....NO MORE RAIN FOR A WHILE!

Neighbors.

Typically persons can depend on your neighbors for many things. A cup of sugar perhaps, or maybe to borrow a movie. Or, even if an emergency occurs, usually neighbors will be there for you. At this time, I have good neighbors, but that hasn't always been the case. I've had some real weirdos in my lifetime. One was a person who FALSELY accused me of stealing certain items, but the funny thing is.... she had borrowed several things from us and when she moved she didn't return those items (is that stealing?). Those who knew about the false accusations she made against me laughed at her. She became the laughing stock of the town and most likely still is as she also made a fool of herself on other things she did or said to others. I also dislike neighbors who have to lie about everything....I guess to make themselves look better. But, for the most part, people have wonderful neighbors. If you haven't seen your neighbor for a while, call them up to say hi. Or, take them a plate of cookies or a dish of something. Good neighbors can be a life saver. And, I suppose it's always possible to even become neighborly with those who have wronged you in life. By the way.....When I think of neighbors, I think of the television show Deperate Housewives. ~~~~~giggle~~~~~

Local Student Wins Medal At State Golf Finals

Julia (JBro) Browning competed at the state finals in Marion last weekend. Participating were the best 100 golfers in class 1A schools. She had a combine score (for the two days) of 175 which tied her for the 9th place medal. Congratulations JBro.

Middletown United Methodist Church Soup Supper.

The annual Soup Supper Fundraiser is tonight at the Middletown Methodist Church with serving between 4 and 7 pm. The menu will feature the church's famous chilli and vegetable sup, delightful desserts....my souces say free refills. Country store also open with crafts and goodies.

Athens Classic Car Show Today.

At the high school from 10am to 4pm. Registration today is $7.00 or 7 canned food items. All proceeds will benefit the Athens Food Pantry.

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

Greenview

My Town, Your Town, Our Town

It's Here~~TGIF~~~October 23, 2009

Long Awaited Weekend Almost Here!


Time and clock watchers....never fear, as Saturday is almost here.

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

RAIN, RAIN AND MORE RAIN

We've had enough rain for a while, but it's still raining at my house. One of the Peoria weather channels yesterday said we are 15+ inches above the normal rainfall for the year. Here's the forecast for today for Greenview from NOAA weather.

Today: Rain, mainly before 7am. Temperature falling to around 48 by 5pm. South southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming west southwest between 14 and 17 mph. Winds could gust as high as 24 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%.

Tonight: A chance of rain or drizzle before 1am, then a chance of drizzle. Cloudy, with a low around 38. West wind between 13 and 15 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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

DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ENDS NOVEMBER 1, 2009. Say goodbye to Daylight Savings Time until next spring. On Saturday night, you might want to set your clocks for the new time change. A good way to always remember if the clocks go forward or backward is ::::: Spring forward, Fall Backward. So based on this, your clock needs to be set back one hour for Central Daylight Time. The time change goes back officially at 2 am Sunday, November 1. This means 2 am becomes 1 am. But, most people set the clocks back when they go to bed on Saturday night. The following web site is interesting to find that most countries experience time changes but on different dates than the US.

http://www.timeanddate.com/time/dstevents.html

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

Don't forget the Athens High School Classic Car show Saturday, October 24.

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

Not Much Of A News Day

I just don't have much in the way of news for today. But life goes on in Greenview. Maybe tomorrow will be a better news day.

One thing I want to give to you is a quote from the memoirs of the mother of one of Greenview's leading historians, Mary Graham Bradley. Thanks to Mary, we have wonderful documentation of the old Greenview from years past. Her mother's memoirs included this description of Greenview:

"Greenview is friendly, jealous, mean, humorous, generous and natural. We talk about our friends, we have squabbles in the church. The younger generation is probably as wild as we were - but no wilder. This village is renowed for its loyalty and good fellowship among its businessmen. In case of sickness, trouble, or death, we can depend on our neighbors to come in and help us, and sorrow with us when our loved ones leave us."

Mary Graham Bradley gave us her mother's memoirs in our 1957 documentation for the celebration of Greenview's 100th anniversary centennial. Her mother wrote this quoted description in 1940. Today the description still fits our town. People have come and gone, died or otherwise left the town, but the attributes of the town remain.

Have a good day!

Thinking Thursday - 10-22-09

Today is 10/22.....What does 10/22 mean to you?

For some of you it might make you think of that first rifle you owned...the Ruger 10/22. An easy to handle and cheap to shoot rifle.



For some of you it might be recalling the words of Luke 10:22.

"All things were delivered to me of my Father..".



For some of you it might be your birthday.



For some of you, it might mean nothing except this day is the day before Friday.



This day, October 22, is the 295th day in 2009. There are 70 days left in 2009. Live this day as it might be your last. One never knows about tomorrow. Tomorrow is always a mystery.

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

GREENVIEW SEX OFFENDER INFORMATION

Because of a law called "Megan's Law", you have the right to know about persons who are registered sex offenders living in your area. I am bringing you this information for no other purposes than for you to become informed. This is from the Illinois State Police registry information. Please take time to look around this site and see why these sex offenders must register as well as the restrictions on the use of this information. One such restriction is: "Anyone who uses this information to commit a criminal act against another person is subject to criminal prosecution". As stated previously, this is for informational purposes only, under the terms of Megan's Law.

Note: On the left side of this site's page, enter Greenview's zip code of 62642, then hit find. To know about Petersburg, enter 62675. And for Athens, enter zip code 62613. Mason City zip is 62664.

http://www.isp.state.il.us/sor/sor.cfm

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

Thanksgiving Recipe

Thanksgiving is rapidly approaching. Some of us will cook a huge dinner and some will go out to eat. For some reason, cranberries always seem to make the dinner table even if not many seem to like them. One of my family member's mother made this "Cranberry Stuff" and it was just wonderful, thus I've been using this recipe ever since that time many years ago. Perhaps you will find this useful for your dinner.

Cranberry Stuff

Boil 2 cups cranberries and 1 cup sugar in 1 1/2 cups water until the cranberries pop open. While hot, stir in one 3 oz box of cherry jello until dissolved. Add 1 small can drained crushed pineapple, finely chopped celery and 1/4 cup nuts. Pour into a clear dish to show off the pretty colors. Chill and serve.

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

YESTERDAY'S POST ON POTENTIAL LIBRARY

I didn't receive any comments on the feasibility of a town library. This subject will remain open for discussion at any time anyone wants to bring this up. I hope this isn't a dead issue....I feel strongly on this, but I can't do it by myself.

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

HIDDEN MYSTERY PRIZE RULES AND CLUES TO BEGIN SOON!

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

Yesterday's Picture ... What Is This?

This is a picture I took on the Utah Salt Flats ... Utah's Tree of Life. If you have ever driven through the salt flats, there is absolutely no plant life. So a famous sculptor made this tree of life to adorn the scenery.

Please email me pictures about Greenview which can be included in this blog. In case some of you didn't see my blog post of this link (to a State Journal-Register article about Greenview), I'm posting it again for your perusal as well as the sj-r blog article which contained more pictures.

http://blogs.sj-r.com/behindthecurtain/index.php/2009/07/26/greenview-greenview-greenview-not-greenville/

http://www.sj-r.com/homepage/x695079309/Greenview-residents-value-trust-in-neighbors

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

The H1N1 Flu is dangerous. Especially for children and those with chronic health conditions. Be sure to get your H1N1 free shot as soon as it's available. I will post those dates as soon as I know.

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

Quote For The Day

Gray Hair is God's Graffiti

~~Bill Cosby

October 21, 2009 .... Wacky Wednesday

Another Good Wednesday Morning in Greenview Land. Welcome to the blog with pizzaz.

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

BAPTIST CHURCH ~~~ FREE MEAL WEDNESDAYS

According to Debi and Steve O., it's Meal Time every Wednesday night at the Baptist Church.

The First Baptist Church hosts a Free dinner on Wednesday evenings from 5:45 - 6:30. Dinner With The Shepherd is for anyone who would like to come and get a good, hot, homemade meal and meet up with friends and neighbors doing the same. There is no charge for the meal, but donations are accepted.

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

Sweetwater Church Chilli Supper

The Sweetwater Church will be holding their annual Chilli Supper on the first Saturday in November. Good Chilli is their trademark!! Mark your calendars.

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

Caution Drivers: Police agencies are warning about a new scam. Here's the scam:

BEWARE OF PAPER ON THE BACK WINDOW OF YOUR VEHICLE-- NEW WAY TO DO CARJACKINGS . You walk across the parking lot, unlock your car and get inside. You start the engine and shift into Reverse. When you look into the rearview mirror to back out of your parking space, you notice a piece of paper stuck to the middle of the rear window. So, you shift into Park, unlock your doors, and jump out of your car to remove that paper (orwhatever it is) that is obstructing your view. When you reach the back of your car, that's when the carjackers appear out of nowhere, jump into your car and take off. They practically mow you down as they speed off in your car. And guess what, ladies? I bet your purse is still in the car. So now the carjacker has your car, your home address, your money, and your keys. Your home and your whole identity are now compromised! BEWARE OF THIS NEW SCHEME THAT IS NOW BEING USED. If you see a piece of paper stuck to your back window, just drive away. Remove the paper later.

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

History Info Needed

A question has been asked about the original owner of the house once known as the Meehan house, which is located across from the northwest corner of the pasture joining the Stone Mansion (Karl Downing house). Another person who lived there is Daphne B. We are trying to find if this was a Sears or Montgomery Ward house and who the original owners/builders were. Any info would be appreciated.

Did You Know??

Here are some businesses which graced the streets of Greenview in the 1930's. During this depression time, many businesses opened but some didn't last due to the depression: Allison Grain; Rodemers Dry Goods; Albert Pisoni Cafe (which had an ice cream mixer); Ward Ella Ennis Beauty Shop; Bill Schoeneweiss Insurance; Dr. Charles Hamil; Oscar Schoeneweiss Electric and Radio Shop; Gard's Grocery; Tripp Brothers Hardware; Petrie's Print Shop; Greenview State Bank; Gard's Bowling Alley; Gard Clover Farm Store; Barnett Grocery; Johnson & Denton Grocery Store; Earl Ramsey Barber; Zack Pittman Blacksmith and Wagon Repair; Mathews Exchange and Insurance; Eldridge Hatchery; West Food; Greenview Review; Skating Rink; West Shoe Repair; Dr. Willis Beard Veterinarian; Ennis Funeral Home.

I'm sure I missed a few businesses which might have been mentioned in a previous section of the Greenview History book. One tidbit stuck on my mind while I was reading the old books......the Corner Cafe which is now known as Richard's Tavern, was once known as the Lone Star Cafe.

Greenview is your town and I hope you enjoy knowing a bit of history which brought us to today in Greenview. Remember you are now part of the history of Greenview.

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

LIBRARY QUESTION!!

Would it be feasible to think that we could start a library for Greenview? I remember when the Athens library was in a very small building located near their Post Office....and look at the nice building they now have. If they could do it, could we?? Do we have a large enough resident base to have one?? Does anyone know anything about writing grants for projects? I'm sure we would need a huge grant, property, etc. There is currently a building for sale behind the Masonic Building (the old fertilizer/Streight building). Would that be a feasible building? Could we also have a museum of artifacts about Greenview? Would residents support it? Would estates leave money to the library fund. Anyone want to help me look into the feasibility of this HUGE project?? Just wondering and speaking out as a concerned resident looking forward to the future of Greenview. We need more here and no one seems to do anything about that need. :>(

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

Does Anyone Know What This Is?

You Might Be Surprised

I Sure Was

Thought for the day

Staying Together Is A Progress

And Working Together Is Success!

Tuesday..Day 2 of the Week...10-20-09

Good Morning In Greenview Land! Time to wake up and smell the fall leaves, or the coffee or just the fresh air.

Tuesdays are always good days. It gives meaning to the "I can't wait 'til the weekend". Only 3 more days after this day ends.

Hope your day goes well. Make lots of money, gets lot done or just have fun lazing around as I plan to do today.

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

Old School Questions. On yesterday's post, a reader asked if I knew the locations of the historical schools I put in yesterday's post. I answered that reader in the comments section, so you may want to read the comments from yesterday. Also, I found more names of schools in an old Greenview history book. In addition, I found where the old school buildings were sold in 1951. I found the following site which has some information on locations, but I'm not familiar with the county longitude/latitude information. More to come on old school locations as I find out that information....or if any reader knows locations, please email me or post that info in the comments. Thanks.

http://geonames.usgs.gov/pls/gnispublic/f?p=116:2:1555915019930076::NO:RP::

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

Casey's Convenience Store in Greenview has the best coffee. It's better than Petersburg's and Mason City's Casey's stores. And now they have pumpkin slices....think they are cheesecake but haven't tried them yet. I think Casey's want all Greenviewanites to get fat.....pizzas for breakfast and lunch, potato wedges, doughnuts, danish, sandwiches and now enticing pumpkin slices will definitely make us fat! But at least we have some where to go in Greenview ...... and Casey's is always busy! If we keep going there to eat, it will become known as the "Waddle Inn"!

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

Restaurants From Yesterday.

Does anyone remember a cafe which once stood just past Smitty's/Kincaid's Tavern but before the lower tavern (Steinmitz's). It was on the west side of the street and was very small..... I barely remember it.

Also, we had the Corner Cafe, fondly called Emma's. Later, other persons operated it.....Tommy Smothers, Frank Mason, Patty Hudspeth, Mother's (Bea Smith), Swede. During my high school years, I worked in this cafe.....cooked, cleaned, fried burgers and fries, served as a waitress ..... all for 50 cents an hour at first, then I got a raise to 75 cents. Big money back then!! HA HA HA But I loved the chocolate soda's.....choco syrup, vanilla ice cream and carbonated fizz water. After ballgames, the bus would let us off here! And how could I forget that the Greyhound bus picked up passengers here and the fire alarm phone was answered here......Geeze....I worked and did all of this for 50 cents an hour???

While working at the Corner Cafe, one day I went to work at about 5:30 am on a weekend and lo and behold there were rats sitting on the counter. Roedemer's next door had sewer pipe repair done the day before so it stirred up the sewer rats and they ate through the wire mesh in the water drains in the Corner Cafe. The HUGE rats made themselves at home in the bread wrappers, on the counter, and how they loved the strawberries we had for banana split topping. When I opened the door, turned on the lights and saw all of those HUGE RATS, I closed the door and went home and called the owner .... he came and shot the rats. YIKES....I was so scared I couldn't work that day after rat removal was accomplished. You've heard of "rat patrol"..... everyday after that, I was on rat patrol! Just another exciting day in Greenview!

The Village Inn was also a favorite after school place. Operated by Peazy and Marilyn Beard .... it was always clean and they had good vanilla cokes.

Then came Joe Simmering's Tavern Food, Swede's/ Cuzins, Nance's (now Chilli Bears). Joe sold out to Soupy Thomas who sold to Coonrods who moved, came back and left again, Cuzin's burned and now we have one left.....besides Casey's food.

If I left any out, please tell me!!

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

G'view Daily Bread Menu For Tuesday & Wednesday

Tuesday...Pepperoni Pizza, pea & cheese salad, picled beets, fruit cocktail, white bread, milk.

Wednesday ....Meatloaf w/brown gravy, whipped potatoes, carrots, butter beans, banana cake, wheat bread, milk.

Full cost to persons under age 60 yrs of age is $5.27. The suggested donation for age 60 and over is $3.00 per meal.

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

Greenview Schools Offers Student Assistance Program. If your child is experiencing difficulty succeeding in school, Greenview School System offers an early intervention, prevention and support program for students. Contact the school for more information.

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

Thought for Today

Three things cannot be hidden. The sun, the moon and the truth. ~~~~Budda

With That I Leave You With A Smile

WAKE up WAKE up = Monday's here! 10-19-09

Is Monday Your Favorite Day?
Every 7 days begins another Monday. It will come around, you can count on that. These are some good things about a Monday.

a. Laundry usually was done on the weekend so your drawers are full of clean clothes.
b. You had 48 hours of R & R (rest and recuperation) just prior to Monday.
c. It's a good day to start a new project. If the new project fails then there is always a new Monday coming in a few days so you can start yet another new project. I think it's proven by someone (don't ask me who) that Monday is the best day to start things.....kind of like a "trigger day".
d. Like I spoke about in a post the other day, some Mondays are what I call fake holidays since the government moved most Federal holidays to Mondays to allow for 3 day weekends.
e. I always liked Mondays at work because I was renewed in spirit, had more energy and could face that awful deskful of icky stuff.
f. Many stores start sales on Mondays.
g. Monday night football for some (and for some wives, it's Monday night widow night as they don't see their husbands till the season is over).


Let the Monday's of the world come each week. Greenviewanites will be waiting and wondering what is around the corner for our little town.

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

History In General In Greenview

I tried to remember back to my school history classes at Greenview High School. I loved world history and if I remember correctly, I had Mrs. Dodson for world history. Her son Rob was one of my classmates and somewhere down the line, Mrs. Dodson was a relative of mine. (In the olden days, lots of people in Greenview were related.....and I've heard many people say "In Greenview, if you get a divorce, you're still cousins.")

American History was ok, but there was so much memorizing, just so we could pass the Constitution test during that class. We didn't have a Government class back then in Greenview, so everything was thrown into the American History required course. Jack Biggs was my instuctor and I liked him as he was new to teaching and was easy going. He sure made memorizing the presidents (in order mind you) easier as he told stories about each.

We all are a part of history in general. Most us are not famous people and our names won't be in highlights in the history book, but we are famous in our own legend.

The Athens Library has a Special Collections Room which houses wonderful information about Menard County families. Volunteers take care of all of this information, including the gathering, catagorizing and maintenance. My brother is the volunteer for Greenviewanites. It's surprising how little information can be resurrected for each family, so history buffs like my brother and me, constantly advocate documenting your family history and giving the Athens Library a copy to store. My brother is trying to get copies of each Greenview resident's funeral pamphlet to store in the annals of history. He takes extra copies you might have, or he will make copies of the pamphlet and return the original to you. Please email me if you have any funeral pamphlets or other documented information for any of your family. We would be glad to copy those and include the information in the Athens Library collection.

email: Greenviewyagottaknownews@yahoo.com

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

How Do You Say It?

If you live in the country around Greenview, do you say "I'm going to town" or do you say "I'm going into Greenview". And, if you live in the village proper, do you say "I'm going uptown." or do you say "I'm going downtown."

I never know the proper way to say where a person's going. So I guess I'll just keep on saying what I say, whatever that is. This reminds me of an old 1940's song "Get Along Down Town". The words will just put a smile on your face.... I think of this song when I say "Going To Town". Here's the words.

I wouldn't marry in the wintertime

Or the spring when the birdies call

Court them girls in the summertime

Leave them in the fall

Refrain: *

Get along down town

Get along down town

Get along down to Newport town

To lay my money down

Rich girl uses cold cream

Poor girl uses lard

My gal uses axle grease

But she rubs it twice as hard

* Refrain

Beefsteak when I'm hungry

Whiskey when I'm dry

Greenbacks when I'm hard up

Heaven when I die

* Refrain

I'd marry up with that girl of mine

Try to settle down

But everytime the wild goose calls

Get along down town

* Refrain

The End.

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

OLD SCHOOLS IN GREENVIEW

It might surprise some younger readers, but there were once upon a time many school buildings in the Greenview area, beginning in the 1850's era with some remaining operational for many years. These were rural schools which were more for convenience of the rural school children so a long cold trip to town would not be necessary. If anyone has any pictures of these schools, please send them to me at my email (listed above) so I can include them in the blog. Here's some names of some old schools.

Bee Grove; Crawf Knowles (later was called Hog Corner); Douglas; Hedge Row; Honey Heart; Indian Point; Pancake; Pleasant Hill; Smoot Point; Walnut Row.

A new brick school house was built in Greenview in 1870-71 at a cost of $10,000. High school courses were laid out so the high school began. Note: the current brick high school was built around 1949 with the elementary part being added many years later. A bond issue of $300,000 was voted on favorably in the 1948 election to buy land and build the new high school. On April 13, 1973, a referendum passed for an addition to the high school to be used for the elementary grades.

Some other school tidbits: Mr Wayne Dimmick resigned as Superintendent August 1, 1970 and Mr. C. R. Thayer accepted the position as Superintendent of Greenview Schools.

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

Today has been more of a history lesson than anything. I guess you could say I was newsless so when that happens, I become a historian and give you things I think you might like to know about good old Greenview. Be sure to visit the blog another day. The fine village of Greenview has been here a long while and will remain here a long while too!

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

Have a Good Day My Greenviewanite Friends

A Sabbath Day, October 18, 2009

Sundays ... A Post About Things Related To Sunday In My Life


Do you think that your time, your money, your attributes or your talents go unnoticed by God, or that they don't mean much? They mean many great things to God. Don't doubt that! Sundays are good days and I have many things I'm thankful for. Here's some things that I did as a kid or things I think about when I think about Sundays or about the church I grew up attending.



1. I had perfect attendance at Sunday School for 7 years in a row and I still have the Presbyterian Church attendance pin with all of the bars hanging from it. I was sick with the mumps and couldn't go to church so that broke my perfect attendance. I was fighting mad!



2. Mrs. Virgie Tripp was one of my Sunday School teachers. I gave her a Christmas present one year and not long ago my brother had the occasion to visit Virgie and the present still hangs in her house.


3. I wrote a poem once about a bird and my Sunday School teacher sent it to the Presbyterian Nationwide Magazine and my poem was published.



4. I had to sing a solo one Easter morning for the sunrise service at the St. John's Church. This was when the churches were just merging. I got up late and had to hurry. I forgot to do the family laundry on Saturday so I had to go to church without my underwear underneath my pantyhose (I said to myself...guess that's why we have pantyhose). My hair stood on end and I didn't brush my teeth either and here I was in front of a crowd of church members. This is the first time I admitted this in public.



5. One time I sang a solo at the Presbyterian church and Mrs. Emma Peters told me she didn't know any person could sing notes that high. She made my day. Sometimes just a word of encouragement to a person, can make lasting memories to that person...it did me.



6. I remember the church Halloween parties where the attendee had to go in the little curtained areas in the basement and feel the eyeballs (peeled grapes) and the veins (cooked spaghetti). But I thought it was real.



7. I remember going to my mom's and dad's funerals and feeling the love and sorrow within the church.



8. I remember attending many weddings at the church, including my own.



9. I remember the small chapel in the church, which was so beautiful.



10. I remember the warmth of knowing God was close to me in the church.




Just a few memories of my own. I can imagine we all have many similar memories. Sometimes it's good to let our mind take us there. Perhaps you will look back at those memories....it does a soul good.

Feel free to tell us your memories in the comments section below this post.

History of the old St. John's Evangelical Church which merged with the Presbyterian church into the present day Greenview United Church.

http://www.genealogytrails.com/ill/menard/church/stj/stjohns.html
http://www.genealogytrails.com/ill/menard/church/stjohns2.html

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

Greenview Now and Then

Many of you left Greenview when the old Marbold Mansion was surrounded with weeds and growth two feet high. It doesn't look like that now. These pictures show the then and the now. Visit Greenview someday to see the wonderful restoration which has occurred. Many hours and many dollars for restoration are still needed, but what an improvement.

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

River Float on the Sangamon River is next Saturday. See previous blog posts for details.

Terror On The Square Is Open Weekends Now.

H1N1 Flu Shot Clinic Will Be Held By The County Health Department When The Vaccine Comes In. The Shot Will Be Free.

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

HAVE A GOOD DAY MY GREENVIEWANITE FRIENDS. UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN, MAY YOU ENJOY GOOD HEALTH AND BE SAFE.

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

Saturday..Rest For The Weary...10-17-09

Good Morning Fellow Greenviewanites. The chickens are crowing out in the country. The frogs have buried themselves in deep mud as it's colder here than an ice cube. It's so wet here in Greenview that fish are beginning to find their way to the new ponds in my yard, but Greenview is still a nice place to be. So come on back to visit if you've left. But pull up a chair and join us here on the blog. You might learn a thing or two that you didn't know!''

Greenview Student of the Month
Jeslyn, the daughter of Greg and Shelley Roat has been chosen as the September, 2009 student of the month at GHS. Congratulations to Jeslyn.

Halloween Maze At Christian Church
The annual Halloween maze will once again spook the spooks. The maze will be open on Saturday, October 31, from 6pm to 8:30 pm. Lots of games and fun awaits the little trick or treaters as they find their way through the maze.....and moms and dads and big siblings can come too to watch and also eat hot dogs and other refreshments. Make your calendars.

Ron Sanert Auctions:
1. Today, Saturday, October 17, 11am. Real Estate only. 812 N. Williams St., Athens. Arthur Tomlen Seller.
2. Saturday, October 24, 9am. Multi Family Sale. At Sanert Auction Center, Greenview.
3. Sunday, October 25, 11am. Antique Shop Closeout.
Peddler Antique shop closeout. West side of the square, Petersburg.


PICTURES OF GREENVIEW REQUEST. Someone has asked for me to publish pictures of Greenview. If you have any, please attach them to your email and send them to me at the news email Greenviewyagottaknownews@yahoo.com
I will be glad to put them in the blog. Pictures of parades, school, fires, etc.
New Cafe in Athens. The Blue Duck cafe has opened in the old Laundromat building, south of the post office.

ATTENTION GEENVIEW RURAL AREA PEOPLE WITH CITY WATER FROM ATHENS WATER SOURCE. Something is causing leaks in water pipes in houses which have Athens water. If you have water from the Athens water system and find an unusual leak in your pipes, call Athens City Hall 636-8429.

CLASSIC CAR SHOW AT ATHENS.
The Athens High School Leadership Committee is sponsoring a classic car show on Saturday, October 24 from 10am to 4pm. It will be held at the Athens High School. Pre-registration is $5.00 or 5 cans -- canned food items per vehicle by calling 636-8314. Registration the day of the show will be $7.00. All proceeds will benefit the Athens Food Pantry. Rain date is November 7, 2009.

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

Saturdays are days when each person should rest your body from the trials and tribulations of everyday life happenings (from the preceeding work week). Life will go on as long as you take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, exercise, and keep your stress level DOWN! Hope you slept in today.....if not, then take a nap later. Greenview will still be here when you wake up!

IF YOU COULD, REPEAT AFTER ME: I pray for a cure for cancer, heart disease and the common cold. Amen.

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

Later my friends...