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Category: Opinion / Columns

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day for the remembrance of those soldiers lost in the Civil War. General John A. Logan, and leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. The date of Decoration Day was chosen because it wasn’t the anniversary of any particular battle.  Many states observed their own day of remembrance rather than May 30.

For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. As the United States found itself immersed in other conflicts, the holiday evolved to commemorate those American military personnel who died in all wars. The last Monday in May was established as Memorial Day in 1968 when Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, although it didn’t go into effect until 1971.

Across the United States communities host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Many Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Each year on this day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. local time.  On a less somber note, many people throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because it unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

As the school year draws to a close many of you are looking forward to summer fun. Congratulations to all who are graduating this year.  If your club has any recent activity or news please share it with me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 618-272-3022

May 18: 4-H Day with the St. Louis Cardinals

May 28: Night with the Southern Illinois Miners

June 1:  Deadline for QAEC Training

June 3: Clover Buster meeting 6:00

June 10: Deadline to enter IL State Fair Junior Horse

June 23-26: Illinois Summer Academy

June 24-27: Western KY 4-H Camp

July 13: Pope-Hardin & Gallatin Horse Show

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Omaha News

Category: Opinion / Columns
Former White County Coroner Carl McVey remains hospitalized after suffering a heart attack Sunday.
A spokesperson with Deaconess Hospital said McVey was listed in critical condition.
He was initially taken to Hamilton Memorial Hospital in McLeansboro but later transferred to Deaconess.
McVey retired in 2012 after 32 years as coroner. He worked as an anesthetist at Carmi Township Hospital before running for the coroner's office.
Let us keep Carl McVey in our prayers.
　
Who opened that door for you.
John was at Jim Hayes Inc. in Muddy the other day and he noticed that as the customers were coming and going and older gentleman in a regular shirt and pants was opening the door for them. After looking a little closer he noticed it was Jim Hayes himself.
Now it’s not very many large car dealerships that the owner is standing there opening the door for you.
　
Band Concert Friday:
John and I attended the NCO Grade School Band performance last Friday. Grandson Gabe was in the beginners band and Granddaughter Julianne was in the regular band.
All of the groups played very well. The group made up of volunteers who practiced on their own did a “Superfantastic” job of playing their selection.
I can tell you when this group gets into high school, NCOE is going to be one of the star bands on the parade routes.
Keep up the good work kids.
　
Omaha Town Board Meeting:
The village board held their monthly meeting on May 13th starting at 7:00 P.M. After dispensing with the required business they then closed the meeting at 7:15 P.M.
After swearing in the new board members they then opened the meeting with a full board, the first time in a few years.
Visitors were Janet and David Vickers, Rosemary Beam, Gene and Carolyn Pack Diane Taylor and son, Jacob Taylor.
The highlight of the meeting was when Omaha resident Jacob Taylor asked for permission to repair, paint, clean up, and add sports equipment as well as picnic tables at the former Omaha tennis/basketball court.
This community service was one of the ways he was going to earn badges toward his goal of becoming an Eagle Scout. He had a written proposal of his plans and when he would accomplish his goals.
After hearing this, the board graciously accept ed Mr. Taylor’s plan and rewarded him with a $250.00 check to help him with his goals.
Jacob Taylor then thanked the board for their interest and informed them that there would be other Boy Scouts helping him with the project.
Since food is important to all growing young men, Mr. Jacob Taylor informed everyone that his Mother and Grandmother would e feeding the group as they worked on the project.
So, I say “Thank you” to the group for making Omaha a better place to live.
The board received a thank you note from the NCOE class of 2013 for their donation to the graduation party .
There was a discussion on who the town can get to survey some of the town property.
It was brought up about someone parking on the levy at the reservoir by Supt. Andy Pritchett. It is illegal. And signs will be posted in two locations around the reservoir.
The budget and refunds on motor fuel tax will be checked on.
Problems with water standing in areas after the heavy downpour last Friday were discussed.
There was a discussion on raising the amount of pay to the person cleaning the civic center and town office.
The town was given a refrigerator for the civic city building donated by Beverly Loderbach’s daughter, Glenda Fleck.
Some patch work will be done on Washington St. due to reoccurring water leaks last winter and this spring.
Next meeting will be Monday June 10, at 7:00 P.M.
　
Omaha Friendship Club:
　
The Omaha Friendship Club met on Tuesday May 14th at 11:00 AM. at the Ponderosa in Harrisburg, IL. We all had a great time visiting and catching up on each other’s activities during the last month. There were eight ladies present, Marie Brockett, Irma Black, Joye Franks, Judy Ellis, Brenda Rister, Joan Poschard, Aileen Crayne, and your Omaha News reporter and club member Rosemary Beam.
Marie Brockett was the hostess. Two ladies had birthdays this month, Lucille Rowlen on the 1st and Judy Ellis on the 10th. Judy opened her cards and thanked everyone who sent her a card. Lucille was unable to attend since she was going in the hospital in Carbondale for some tests on her heart. We sent her birthday cards and signed a get well card for Lucille, too.
Marie had some mouth watering chocolates for each lady. Joye Franks won the door prize. Aileen read the thought for the month, “When you need a hug, a friend won’t give you the cold shoulder”.
Marie read some facts on aging and riddles everyone enjoyed.
We got caught up on a few of are member who have moved away, such as, Eva Mae Armstrong, Nevella Jones and Joyce Graves who are not living at home. Also, the group sent cards of thinking of you to others.
Aileen Crayne had our programs made out for the coming years. We all picked our month to be hostess.
Next meeting will be a picnic at the Omaha Reservoir. Plan to attend and bring what you want out at the reservoir in Omaha at 11:00 A.M. on
June 12th . We hope to see some new ladies for our picnic. Mark your calendar for Tuesday June 12th .
　
Hazel Hazel has passed away:
Hazel Hazel passed away last week in Owensboro, KY. Many of the older Omaha residence will remember her and her family. They lived om the south edge of Omaha, when they lived in Omaha. For many years she has lived in Owensboro.
Mrs. Hazel was at the Vickery Funeral Home from noon till her funeral last Saturday. She was buried in Palestine Cemetery in Omaha.
Now Leon Noel knew his name was always going to be unique. But, could you ever imagine as a young girl growing up that you would marry a man named Hazel and that would make your name Hazel Hazel. Isn’t that unique.
　
Here we go:
Former Omaha resident, Lucy Gayle (Lyles) Berard has been blessed with her seventh grandchild last week, a little boy.
When Lucy and her sisters were growing up they lived here with their grandparents, Bob and Flora Beam.
Now she is a senior citizen of 55 years old.
Members of the seventh grade class were at the Miner’s ball game last week at “Rent One” park in Marion.
John and his employee, Rich Archambeau, were at the monthly meeting of the Marion Chamber of Commerce and had lunch at the ball park the same day as the NCO group.
Bob McClusky is doing a good job keeping the village neat and trim.
There has been a lot of people fishing at the local reservoirs. And, a few new cars have been seen around town. So, the economy must be improving.
And, all is well and on schedule for the birth of the new grandaughter around July 24th.
　
　
　
Birthdays for the week:
Becky West May 22
Hedy Sadler May 23
Tina Bailey May 29
Julianne Elise Largent May 30
Carolyn Boston May 31
　
Anniversaries for the week:
Keith and Janet Lamb May 26
David and Janet Vickers May 31
Comments

New Haven News

Category: Opinion / Columns

"Greetings" from our little town down by the Little Wabash River. The river just keeps rolling along and now because of the flood water it is full of trash from the fields and banks of the river. It should be noted that our fishermen should be very careful of things floating in the water and the fish that jump out of the water at the sound of the boat engines!!

It is possible, I hear that the Homework Help will be canceled until school resumes in the Fall. The students should check with the Homework Help Leader to know for sure. The person to call is Amy Lashley at 265-3571, she will know for sure about the schedule!!!

We all know that USPS has been making some changes. One thing that we all should take to heart is - your personal mail. We all need to double check our bills etc. - those things we want to be sure to get and make sure that it is being mailed correctly to us. Your correct mailing address will be located just above your town,state & zip code. The Post Office should also have a list of all the persons receiving mail from that address. The zip code should always be correct, there are lots of communities across the country with the same name as New Haven. There are plenty of other communities with the same problem. If the person working at the Post Office does not know you and your family, the address is all they have to work with!!

I want to say a special "congradulations" to all of our graduates. Those from 8th grade as well as the Senior class who are moving on to higher education or work. I have a grand-daughter(Mariah Weir) who is graduating from 8th grade this month and will be going to High School in the Fall!!
It is wonderful to hear about all the accomplishments these young have already made! I wish them well as they go forward to make their mark in this world!!!

Betty's Bits......................It is a wonderful thing to always be able to say the Right thing at the Right time. The hard part is knowing when to say your sorry,when you stick your foot in your mouth!

Comments

New Haven News

Category: Opinion / Columns

"Greetings" from our little town down by the Little Wabash River. The river is still out of it's banks and the ditches are still full,as well. As I write today the sun is shining, so maybe some of the water will dry up. The fishermen are still able to get out on the river to fish. I heard of some pretty good catches reported!

I hope all of you MOM"s were treated nicely by your family and friends! I received calls from all five of my children and got to see three of them on Mother's Day and received nice gifts from them too! Some of the grandchildren even wished me happy Mother's Day and my husband took me out to eat and got me a really sweet card. I also received nice cards from my kids, some made me cry and some made me laugh!!! I hope your day was as good as mine!

Our community had town wide rummage sales this past Saturday. I heard that folks got rid of some of their stuff and others found some treasures and that's what makes for a good sale. So I guess it was a pretty good event and maybe a good idea to do again!!

The village has ordered a dumpster for residents of New Haven(only) to use to clean out the stuff we all seem to acummulate over the winter. Please remember there are some things like paint cans and chemicals that should not be put into the dumpster and also be careful around the dumpster the items inside can be unstable!!!

The Homework Help program is in need of volunteers to help our young keep up with what they have been learning. If you have the time on Monday evenings, Amy Lashley can put your knowledge to good use as the kids get some support with their homework. You can give Amy a call at 265-3157 and volunteer to help,she has lots of ideas,but refeshments and helpers are always welcome. The group is still meeting at the Presbyterian Church basement!!

Betty's Bits.....................A proverb for today--Gentle words cause life and health; griping brings discouragement!!!

Comments

Omaha News

Category: Opinion / Columns

 

Thanks Pat Bryant:
Gallatin County was declared a disaster area by the USDA, giving Pat Bryant the opportunity to choose two organizations to receive $2,500 donations. Bryant selected Gallatin County FFA and the Omaha Fire Department.
"We plan to use the money to help rebuild three town parks in this county —Ridgway, Shawnee and Equality," said John Sutton, Gallatin FFA adviser, in a prepared release.
According to Sean Martin, Omaha Fire Chief, the donation will go toward purchasing new pagers.
"I'm so excited that I get to help two organizations in my community," Bryant said in the prepared release. "I know both could use the money, and I just appreciate the opportunity to help so much."
The grant is sponsored by the Monsanto Fund, the philanthropic arm of Monsanto Company, Grow Communities provides farmers in eligible counties the chance to win a $2,500 donation for a local nonprofit organization of their choice, according to a release from Monsanto.
Over 76 % of firemen in the United States are volunteer. They receive no monetary funds for their work they do, and all the times they put their selves in harms way.
From all of the Omaha Firemen to Pat Bryant “Our hats are off to you.”
　
Welcome Home:
Don Williams, owner of Omaha Furniture, that covers most of main street in Omaha, was seen driving around town the other day.
Since suffering a medical condition a while back he has been in rehab, but now is back home and doing quite well.
He said that he is getting back to normal and is feeling good.
So, when you see him scurrying across the street or standing out in front of the store take time to stop and say “Hello”, I know he will appreciate it.
Welcome home, Donnie Ray.
　
Throw up the flag:
Here lately there has been an increase of motorcycle riders and bicycle riders on the highway. They are really hard to see sometimes, especially the bicycle riders.
So, let’s keep a sharp eye out for them. And if you’re a rider follow the rules of the road, so people can see you. Lots of time bicycle riders have a flag waving on their bicycles to attract attention and to help avoid an accident.
And as a another suggestion, if you are a flag person on a road project, please, keep your sign moving. It will get a drivers attention quicker.
　
Omaha Baptist Church News:
The Omaha Baptist Church had a large crowd to listen to the music and testimonials of the River City Singers from Henderson, KY. Last Sunday , April 28th .
The group sang a wide variety of gospel songs. Many of the songs they sang the group had written themselves. It was truly a blessing for all those in attendance.
After the singing the cooks of the church served a good old fashioned fried chicken dinner with all the trimmings. Also, there were an ample abundance of salads and desserts.
A big thank you for all that brought food and joined in a great Sunday meal.
Some of the ladies of the church are in the planning stages of summer bible school. Rumor has it it will be in July.
　
Town W i d e Rummage sale:
May 10 - 11
People in the community are getting ready for Omaha’s Town Wide Rummage Sale on Friday andSaturday the 10th and 11th of May.
I have seen David and Janet Vickers at the old senior citizen building, where they have been having sales these last two weeks, in Omaha, despite the cold rainy weather.
　
Omaha Ladies Aid meet:
The Omaha Ladies met Wednesday May 1st at 1:30 P.M. in the church annex.
Those in attendance were Amy and Andrea Gleason, Maria Gross, Betty Goforth, Christa Conrad, Alta Lee Welch, Rosemary Beam, and Christa’s son, Landon, who joined us for a snack.
Amy Gleason was the hostess for the meeting.
President Alta Lee Welch opened the meeting with Amy Gleason giving prayer.
There were not any minutes read or treasure’s report given due to Brenda Rister being unable to attend the meeting.
In new business we decided to send cards to individuals in the community.
　
Christa read a story about a women who lives her life as if it were her last. It reminded all of us God doesn’t promise us another day, it could be your last in a twinkling of an eye.
We played traveling bingo. All the young girls helped with all the bags. There is always a bag that everyone seems to want. Everyone went home with a gift.
The door prize was won by Alta Lee Welch and the gag prize was won by Christa Conrad.
The hostess, Amy Gleason, served three flavors of lemonade and sweetened ice tea, an assortment of chips, nachos, salsa, and some special sweetened pecans.
The pecans reminded me of Florabelle, my mother-in-law. Someone, probably, Ethel Starks, would bring her pecans and she would make them even better with sugar and butter. Then she would share them.
Next month, Alta Lee Welch will be the hostess.
We hope to see everyone back and bring a friend next month.
　
Kallie Lee Beam has passed away:
Last week, John and I lost a nephew Kallie Lee Beam of Enfield. I know a lot of my readers will remember Kallie helping his dad, Bobby Joe Beam, in the family business known as Beam’s Sales and Service.
Kallie, although not in the best health, I am sure expected to live many more years than his 52 years that he was given. He was a good man that will be missed by many.
Kallie Beam was buried under a thriving Oak tree on the hill at the old Sharon Cemetery close to where he lived most of his life.
R.I.P. - Kallie Lee Beam
July 30, 1960 - April 25, 2013
　
Mother’s Day is May 12th .
This being a few days before Mother’s Day, I have some poems for everyone to enjoy.
To My Other Mother
You are the other Mother I received.
The day I wed your son.
And I want to thank you Mom,
for the loving things you’ve done.
You’ve given me a gracious Man,
With whom I share my life.
You are his lovely Mother,
And now I hold his hand.
You raised in love a little boy,
And then gave me the Man.
*******
Mother
God made a wonderful mother;
A mother who never grows old.
He made her smile out of sunshine;
And he molded her heart of gold.
In her eyes He placed bright shining stars.
In her cheeks fair roses, you see…….
God made a wonderful mother;
And he gave that dear mother to me.
*******
Remember your Mother and Mother-in-law on Mother‘s Day.
　
Birthdays for the week:
May 8 Carolyn Dudley
May 12 Kyle Sauls
May 13 Taryn Sadler
May 15 Tom West
May 15 Amy Nevious
　
　
Anniversaries for the week:
May 11 Larry and Cathy Murphy
May 15 Jim and Lena Durbin
And “Be careful out there.”
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