Thursday, September 29, 2016

Sesquicentennial Coin Winner

The first of the five cash drawings for the Chatsworth Sesquicentennial Commemorative Coin was held during Patriot's Day on Saturday, September 17. 
The winner was Kevin Scanlan of Louisville, KY. Congratulations Kevin! He was awarded $250. 
These coins are still available to purchase at a cost of $25 and an additional $5 for shipping. The four remaining drawings will be help on: Black Friday - $250; Valentine's Day 2017 - $500; April Fool's Day 2017 - $500 and the final drawing on June 10, 2017 - $1000 during the Sesquicentennial celebration. 
These coins make great souvenirs and also gives you a chance to win some money! 
Upon winning, your name will remain in the drawing for all cash awards. So... Kevin is eligible to win again!! The proceeds from the sale of these coins helps the Sesquicentennial Committee to plan some wonderful events. 
We will continue to keep you informed of future winners.
 Anyone interested in purchasing a coin can do so by mailing a check payable to: CAB Sesquicentennial Fund and mailing to: PO Box 151, Chatsworth, IL 60921 
Thank you everyone for your continued support!
    

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

New Website Link about Veterans

Check out this new website "Patriot Guard Riders"

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) is an organization whose members attend the funerals of members of the U.S. military, firefighters, and police at the invitation of a decedent’s family. The group forms an honor guard at military burials, helps protect mourners from harassment and fills out the ranks at burials of indigent and homeless veterans. In addition to attending funerals, the group also greets troops returning from overseas at homecoming celebrations and performs volunteer work for veteran’s organizations such as Veterans Homes.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Obit of Joseph Leland Johnson, Jr.

CHATSWORTH — Joseph Leland Johnson Jr., 85, of Barefoot Bay, Fla., passed away on June 14, 2014, in Vero Beach, Fla. He was born May 13, 1929, to Leland "Joe" and Thelma Johnson. Joe was raised in Chatsworth and lived there most of his life, owning his own business as a plumbing and heating contractor. An avid golfer and sports enthusiast, he could win any sports trivia quiz and loved a 1-0 pitcher’s dual. Joe enjoyed a good poker game, especially when he was winning. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War in combat operations on the aircraft carrier USS Essex (CV-9). He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Joan Johnson Huels; cousin, Mary Ellen Alverson; and his wonderful partner and wife, Ruth Davis. He is survived by sister, Jean J. Holcomb; stepchildren, Daniel (Mary) Davis, Richard Davis, Edward (Patti) Davis, Timothy (Marianne) Davis and Kathleen Dixon; and nephews, Larry Holcomb and John (Julie) Holcomb. A brief family and friends farewell will be conducted graveside at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Chatsworth-Charlotte Cemetery, Chatsworth.
Joseph L. Johnson Jr.

Thursday, September 22, 2016

Cowboy Treks to Capitol

From The Blade
August 17, 2016

CHATSWORTH — A lone cowboy from Fort Pierre, S.D., with a message, has been trekking across America since June 5. In the past week, he has been staying in places like the Circle K Ranch in Fairbury and at a micro house on the property of Merle Bates in Chatsworth. 
Tony Jones is on a mission for veterans awareness, specifically veteran suicide prevention, but he sees the treatment of veterans as a piece of a bigger issue, the lost unity of America. At some point each day, Jones calculates how many veterans have committed suicide. 
"Right now, it's more than 1,400," Jones said. "On average, 22 veterans commit suicide per day. What is that? That's a problem and we're not solving it. I see it as a symptom of a big problem, we're not taking care of these people." 
Jones' motivation comes from his belief that America is a country defended by heroes and if Americans are not willing to take care of those heroes, they aren't deserving of the soldier's sacrifice. Instead of looking down on Americans, Jones' mind is full hope. "Traveling at three miles per hour, I've had a lot of time to think. Although my mission hasn't changed, my expectation has," Jones said. "I thought America was lost, but it took me about 20 miles to figure out that America is still the same great place it's always been. 
"I came across the country thinking, "if I found one person that would do something for someone else, I was successful. It turns out, I've found hundreds — I've done well. I've talked to the people and they've proved to me that we're better than that." 
Jones' goal is to make it to Washington D.C. and tell congress that the government isn't doing enough to help its veterans. "I know that veterans are not the only group with issues in America, but if we could love each other enough to take care of this one issue, think of what that would motivate us to change next," Jones said. "Why not do that? You don't have to ride across the country to get something done, all you have to do is go over to your neighbor's house and start a conversation."
"Find somebody who needs you and help them, why not? What's the difference? I believe if one person in your family has a problem, you've got one, too. I promise, if you just go out and help somebody, it will change your life forever. I know what it feels like to be helped and I'm not that lucky. In some cases, I shouldn't even know. I'm not that good of a person. I'm not a prophet and a saint. I'm just a messenger with a message for Washington D.C. and they will hear it when I get there.
Jones stopped in Chatsworth for a few days because of the heat and to switch out his horse for one of the four horses he is using for the journey. During that time he was able to talk to the local legion chapter, as well as other residents in the area.
"I never knew much about Illinois, I had visited a couple places years ago, but Illinois has been so great since the minute I rode across the border into Warren." Jones said. "Actually the police escorted me into Warren. I told them that was the first time I'd ever been police escorted into a town, usually they are escorting me out."
" While traveling through Illinois, I've met a lot of people and I can't believe how good they are. I've sat and listened to them talk, I've heard their fears and their issues. I know that America can be greater than it is because I've met the people of Illinois and I know how good they are."
When asked why he decide to ride a horse across the county, instead of traveling by care or some other means, Jones said, "Horses discovered this country, horses settled this country. There's just something about a horse that still impresses people. When I ride by schools or daycares, the little kids come running and pet the horse."
"I might be a cowboy, that's what I did for a living, but first and foremost I'm a human being and a citizen of the United States. It doesn't matter how I get from one place to another, or what I ride, people see me and realize that I'm no different than they are- that's my hope for America."

Touch-a-Truck Event Results

From The Blade
September 7, 2016
Chatsworth--Main street in Chatsworth was a busy place on the morning of Aug. 27 because of the weekly farmer's market, monthly Junk in the Trunk and the Touch-a-Truck event, sponsored by the Citizens Advisory Board.
Local farmers, businessmen and community members participated, bring 15 different vehicles to line the street. Participants allowed children to climb on, sit in, honk horns and even take photos with the vehicles. 
SELCAS ambulance was open for viewing and the Chatsworth Fire Department was giving rides. children also participated in "weed pulling" in the community flower gardens. For their goods, the children were allowed to play in the fire department's water hose. children were given a free meal, ice cream cone and an allowance to purchase something from the vendors.
The CAB sponsored a food tent, serving pork chip, chicken and hot dog sandwiches, chips and drinks.

Elery Perkins turns 101

 From the KKK Daily Journal
Elery Perkins, of Chatsworth, is celebrating his 101st birthday with a card shower being planned by his son, Ronald Perkins, in Bloomington. Please send cards to 307 S. Fifth St., Chatsworth, IL 60921. He was born on Sept. 9, 1915, in rural Chatsworth. Elery was married to Margery Hoff until she passed away. They had two children: Ronald Perkins, of Chatsworth; and the late Judith Green. He is also blessed with four grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Obit of Anna S. (Dohman) Deany

CULLOM — Anna S. “Anne” Deany, 100, of Danforth, formerly of Cullom, passed away at 9:20 p.m. Sept. 8, 2016, at Prairieview Lutheran Home, Danforth. A Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. John’s Catholic Church, Cullom, with the Rev. William Keebler officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery, Cullom. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Cullom, and also for one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials in her name may be left to St. John’s Catholic Church or the Prairieview Lutheran Home, Danforth. Anna was born Oct. 28, 1915, in Chicago, the third of eight children, a daughter of Frank and Anna Drenkelfuss Dohman, who had immigrated from Germany to Chicago. She married Donald C. Deany Sr. on June 30, 1934, in Cullom, and he preceded her in death on May 19, 2007. Surviving are five sons, Donald (Joyce) Deany Jr., Watseka; Jerome (Carol) Deany, Richton Park; Bernard (Dorothy) Deany, Bloomington; Raphael Deany, Chebanse; and Thomas (Mary) Deany, Louisville, Colo; one son-in-law, Dennis Clark, Fairhope, Ala.; 18 grandchildren: 35 greatgrandchildren: three great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary Louise Teel, Pontiac. She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Barbara Clark; daughter-in-law, Mary Deany; and siblings, Elizabeth Wallrich, Francis Dohman, William Dohman, Richard Dohman, George Dohman and Gary Dohman. Anne attended Chatsworth and Cullom schools and graduated from Cullom Community High School in 1934. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Altar and Rosary Society. Anne taught religious education classes for many years. Anne lived with her family in Ovenhausen, Germany, for one year in 1920, when her family moved to Germany. When they returned to America, her father became a farmer, mostly in the Charlotte area. Anne and Donald farmed for 20 years southeast of Cullom, then moved to a farm near Charlotte. Anne cherished her many wonderful friends and enjoyed visiting with them. She loved spending time with her family and was an excellent cook who also enjoyed baking and decorating doll cakes for her grandchildren. Anne enjoyed watching birds and taking care of plants, and became an avid bingo player after she moved to Prairieview in 2009. A highlight of Anna's recent past was her 100th birthday party last October. She enjoyed reminiscing with the 100 family members and friends who attended, and perusing the 200-plus cards she received for the occasion and, since the party, sharing them with her many visitors. This obituary may be viewed and guestbook signed atwww.calvertmemorial.com.

Thursday, September 15, 2016

Obit of Betty (Jepsen) Franklin


CHATSWORTH — Betty Irene Jepsen Franklin, 73, of Chatsworth, died at 11:56 a.m. Tuesday (Sept. 13, 2016) at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington. Service: 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Chatsworth, with Pastor Brian King officiating. Visitation: 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. According to the family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded following the service. Memorials: SELCAS (South East Livingston County Ambulance Services). Survivors: her husband, Lewis Franklin, Chatsworth; her children, Cathy Carlock, Carbondale; Kevin (Cheryl) Carlock, Chatsworth; Kris Carlock, Shelbyville; Bobbie Jo Rodrick-Woods, Dwight; and Sherry Franklin, Chatsworth; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marilyn Ehrlich, West Lafayette, Ind.; and one brother, Robert Jepsen, Downs. Condolences may be left at calvertmemorial.com

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Obit of Judith (Conibear) Davis


NORMAL — Judith M. Davis, 76, of Lake Wildwood, Varna, died Wednesday (Sept. 7, 2016) at her home. Born Nov. 27, 1939, in Normal, to Joseph and Leona White Conibear, she married George Davis on Jan. 27, 1963, in Chatsworth. George passed away on Feb. 24, 2015. Judith was an amazing cook and great with floral design. While raising a family, she worked at many floral shops, eventually running her own, The Flower Cart, in Chatsworth for many years. She was part owner of S&J Catering in Chatsworth, and later Three Sisters Tea Room in Bloomington. In retirement in Lake Wildwood, her family, friends and her church, the First Baptist Church of Sparland, took importance. Judith would drive people to appointments or help run the church kitchen for events. She enjoyed the Herb Guild and The Red Hat Society. Judith is survived by her daughters, Maureen Miller, Normal, and Suzanne (Mike) Schall, Cullom; brother, Grant Conibear, Northport, Fla.; sisters, Jan Yoder, Normal, and Julie Schultz, Reddick; grandchildren, Jeremy Dockery, Lake Wildwood; John Schall, Urbana; Rachel Schall, Effingham; Daniel Schall, Melvin; and Jared Miller, Normal; and family friend, Steve Medearis, Chillicothe. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Barbara Dockery; and son-in-law, David Miller. Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, with visitation from 9 to 11 a.m., at First Baptist Church in Sparland. Private family scattering of ashes will be at a later date. Memorials can be made to her church. Condolences can be left at lenzmemorialhome.com.

Obit of Linda (Schroen) DeLong - July


CHATSWORTH — Linda Schroen DeLong, of Louisville, Ky., died July 20, 2016, in Louisville, Ky., after a long battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 8, 1949, in Fairbury, the eldest daughter of Glenn and Rita Schroen, and was raised in Chatsworth. She graduated from University of Illinois with honors and taught for many years as well as ran a successful business, Burrow Bluegrass Productions, with her first husband. She is survived by her six siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial mass will be at 9 a.m. Saturday at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church, Louisville, Ky.

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Tribute to 9.11.01

 

TRIBUTE TO 9-11-01
 
Let your flag fly, for all to see,
As we wonder what the future will be. 
Let there be prayer and let there be praise,
As around this country,  
Our flags do raise.
To honor the fallen and brave rescuers too, 
Oh, God, we wish, we had only knew.
But it was not to be, no knowledge had we. 
So we must come together in many ways,
To make sure there's a future for those we raise. 
As we realize, we all can hate,
Don't let that be our children's fate. 
Let them learn of honor, patriotism and love,
As we raise our flags to the heavens above.  
 
COPYRIGHT:MARY RUNYON HANSHEW
SEP.17,2001