Lots of treats for tricksters

Published: Friday, November 20, 2009
Updated: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 12:08 PM CDT
Big and little Halloween spooks will make a bonanza treat haul starting on Friday, Oct. 30 with the Chamber of Commerce Harvest Night. The fun begins at 4 p.m. with downtown trick-or-treating at participating businesses. City Hall and Harrison Street between the library and fire Station will be the sight of numerous event for kids to enjoy, including the popular costume contest at Long Hall for kids ages 23 and under. The judging starts at 6 p.m. The library staff will again have spooky tales on the font lawn and a free book for every child. There will be games, pumpkin and face painting and, of course, treats for all. Businesses and organizations can still sign up to sponsor an activity by contacting Beth at the Chamber office.

Then on Saturday night, along with the traditional house-to-house stops, The Memorial United Methodist Church hosts their annual “Trunk or Treat” on the church parking lot. Decorated cars and trucks will be there loaded with treats for young visitors between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.

A Haunted House and Trail ... The Matkin Farm Inn is hosting their 2nd annual Haunted House and Trail on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from now through October 31. The walking trail in about 1/2 mile long through the woods and the two- story farm house built in the 1800’s includes 8 rooms where the original owners still roam the halls late at night. Frightening acts still occur each October. The Haunted House is open from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Adult tickets are $15 and children 12 and under are $8. On Thursday nights kids get in for 1/2 price.Hayrides are also available on Sunday nights from now until November 15 by advance registration only. The cost is $10 for all ages with kids under 3 free. For more information or to register for a hayride call

747-0564.

Back home ... Larry and  Rebecca Lacy of Pinnacle Management Group recently returned from a trip to Indonesia where they delivered training to the senior leaders of a multi-national textile company. On their return they spent a few days in Bangkok to meet with company executives about presenting similar training at the Thailand facility. They did get in a little sightseeing while in Bangkok. They anticipate that they will be returning to Thailand early next year.

Brothers three ... The three Effrein brothers recently revisited their “growing up years” when Ed Effrein of Chicago, Ill., and George Effrein of Quincy, Ill., traveled to Farmington with members of their families to visit their brother, Don Effrein. The three had a great time visiting their former homeplace and the sites of other favorite places here.

Pedal Pushers ... The Parkland Cyclists Bicycle Club have organized a bicycle ride for  Sunday afternoon October 25 for individuals and families. The ride of 3, 6 or 9 miles starts at 2 p.m. in the Pim Day Use Area at St. Joe State Park  Riders are invited to participate in a short bicycle equipment check prior the start. At the end of the ride there will be hot chocolate and a chance to socialize.

Memories of a WWII pilot ... Richard Lewis, a former resident of Farmington, has published his book “Angel On My Wing.” In the book Lewis relates his experiences of flying combat over Germany with the 493rd Bob Group, 8th Air Force from January 1943 to July, 1945.  Lewis flew 35 missions in B-24s and B-17s in the months immediately following the D-Day invasion. He calls his book “Angel On My Wing” based on a letter he received from his mother while he was still in combat where she told him that her late mother came to her in a dream and told her not to worry about him. From then on he knew he had an Angel with him. The story begins when his parents brought him to Farmington from Illinois in 1937 as a sophomore in high school. He was married to the former Margie Pogue and had a young son when the war began, and he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. On completing his training, he eventually piloted his bomber over Farmington on the way to England. Lewis retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after service in the Korean War and reserve time during the Vietnam War. The book, which also contains numerous pictures, is available at the Oasis Christian Bookstore or from his brother, Bob Lewis.

Thai it up ... Free tickets are available at the Mineral Area College Bookstore for the Thai Music and Dance Performance on Wednesday, Oct. 28. An introduction to the country and its culture starts at 6 p.m. followed at 7 p.m. by a demonstration of authentic Thai dancing, with colorful, traditional costumes and music.

St. Joe meets Old West ... “A Night in the Old West” is the theme of the 4th annual Dinner Auction for the St. Joseph Catholic Church this Saturday, Oct. 24. Tickets are $25 each and free babysitting is available. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the chuckwagon dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Among the many items on the auction block will be a Family Disney Trip and an afternoon barbeque for 25! Call or stop by the church for ticket availability.

Promenade des Arts ... The art of Bette Geraghty of Ste. Genevieve and a former resident of Farmington, was featured at the Promenade des Arts. Bette and her late husband, “Bud” Geraghty, restored three historic homes in Ste. Gen and operated the “Little French Hen” Antique store. The showing was of a collection of artworks in mixed media produced by Bette over the years.

A Day at the Museum ... A train ride, a tour of one of the finest museums in the country, and the opportunity to meet one of the people who make it all happen, who could ask for more? The urge to see the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum was finally satisfied recently when my friend Barbara Hartshorn and I hopped the Amtrack train in St. Louis and headed east to Springfield, Ill. We immediately headed for the museum and started our fascinating journey to a past time, based on historic fact. We were moved by and immersed in the life and drama of Lincoln’s life and the time he helped to shape through his vision and tenacity. We followed the suggested route moving through galleries, historic displays and theaters that led from his youth to the time of his presidency, the brutal Civil War and to his assination. The performance of “Library Ghosts” is one that haunts the mind for days with its amazing technology and moving dialogue. It’s as good as Harry Potter and more powerful for making this tragic and crucial period of our country come alive. We met Phil Funkenbusch, nephew of Mary and Murphy Thomas, who is on the staff there and brimming with enthusiasm for his job. Visiting with him was an added bonus to a wonderful day. I’d give the museum and its staff five stars and recommend it for all ages. Take a hankie.

 

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