Russell Community Club Elected Officers for 2013-2014

The Community Club elected new officers on July 25th for the coming year.  They are President-Deb Mason; Vice President-Don Sellers; Secretary-Karen Werts and Treasurer-Mike Beaty.  New members are always welcome.  They meet the last Thursday of every month at the Community Building,  usually at 6:30 p.m.

July 4th Chariton Parade

Russell High School Class of 1973

The Russell High School Class of 1973 met for their 40th class reunion on May 24, 2013 at Carpenter's Hall for dinner and reminiscing.
Front row L-R:  Carol (Fenton) Ziel, Melodee (Jeffries) Irving, Wendy (Werts) Blue, Pam (Huntsman) Sandy, and Mike Gookin.  Second row L-R:  Mike Bear, Bill Messamer, George Norris, Lee Sandy and Steven Fuller.

Peanut Day Celebration in Chariton

"1948"

The following is a poem that was misplaced at the Russell High School Reunion on May 25, 2013.  

It was written by Margaret (Wilson) Ruby, classmate of "1948" Russell High.  This poem was written September 20, 2007.

A Tribute to Classmates of 1948

To live in the hearts of those left behind is not to die,

We cherish the memories of our classmates of Russell High.

Namely Stanley, Wendell and Barbara Lou.

The class of "1948" gives special tribute to each of you.

You were all special, each in your own way;

We cherish the memories from day to day.

We know our journey, here on earth, will someday end,

We were honored to have each of you, as a classmate and friend.

We bid Stanley, Wendell and Barbara a farewell and good-bye, 

As our classmates of "1948" from Russell High.

Russell Cheerleaders

This is from Facebook by Wanda Frye Horn  June 2013 

Russell Class of 1963 at 2013 School Reunion

The Russell Class of 1963 celebrated their 50th reunion at the Russell all school reunion on Saturday, May 25, 2013.  Pictured above are:  Bottom from left:  JoAnn Miller Hoffman, Linda Sellers Christensen, Rosemary Atwell Jeffries, Ann Boldt Dilley, Cody Green Koch and Bonnie Palmer Knust.  Top left to right:  Bill Callahan, Dennis Garton, Ray Wilson, Gary Collins and Richard Arnold.

Farm Bureau Hall of Fame

Lucas County Farm Bureau President Danielle Van Ryswyk presented Robert "Bob" Cain, pictured below, with Retired Teacher of the Year Award Monday June 10th.  Bob is known for his stellar coaching career.  Cain is another longtime resident of Lucas County.  He is a familiar face through his teaching career in the Chariton School District.

Max Arnold, pictured below, was also honored as the 2013 Agribusiness man.  Arnold is a longtime Lucas County resident.  Arnold and his wife Gwendolyn ran the Russell lumber yard for thirty-five years.  He has owned a farm since 1941 and currently owns 660 acres with a mix of cattle, corn and beans and hay pasture.

Martha Milnes Receives Award

Pictured at left is Martha Milnes, the 2013 recipient of the Presidents Volunteer Services Award which was presented at the recognition luncheon held at Lucas County Health Center April 27. This award can only be presented to a volunteer who has given over 4,000 hours of volunteer time. Pictured at the right is LCHC CEO Veronica Fuhs.  

Emery and Sherry McDonald Celebrated 40th Anniversary

Emery and Sherry McDonald celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary with their children hosting them with an open house at the Cornerstone Community Church on Saturday, May 11th.

Celebrate Service Month

Alma Vander Woude giving Wilma Reynolds a manicure.

Having your manicure done is something that women love and have been doing since the 1920's.  Manicures assist with keeping nails healthy, but they are also a way to pamper yourself.  Residents at the Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center are treated to manicures every Wednesday thanks to three volunteers:  Kathleen Dittmer, Alma Vander Woude, and Carey Thompson.

Kathleen Dittmer has been a volunteer with the Lucas County Health Center's Volunteer Office for two years.  She volunteers in three capacities - doing manicures at the Nursing and Rehab Center, helping out in the Volunteer Services office and together with her granddaughter, at the Historic Museum.

Alma Vander Woude says she has no idea the number of hours she volunteers, but also says there is a great need in the county.  Currently, Alma accompanies her husband, Stan, also a volunteer with LCHC, in his Life Line support work.  She helps with manicures at the Nursing Center and she volunteers as a CHIIP counselor (Senior Health Insurance Information Program).  SHIIP helps educate seniors on the various Medicare programs.  Historically, Alma's busiest time with SHIIP is when Medicare recipients can change their Part B insurance.  She helps them make decisions regarding benefits and changes.

Wilma Reynolds Celebrates her 95th Birthday

Please join Wilma Reynolds and her family for her 95th birthday.  Her children Doyle, Marilyn, Dixie, Steve, Donna, Jim, 9 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren are hosting an open house in her honor on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at the Chariton Nursing and Rehab Center.  The open house will be held from 2-4 p.m.  Please no gifts.

If you are unable to attend the open house then please send greetings to Chariton Nursing and Rehab at 1214 N. 7th St. Chariton, IA 50049.

Rodgers Sisters Donate Hair

Trinity, Jackie and Jayden Rodgers all decided to donate their hair from their first official haircuts to Locks of Love.  3'2" of hair was donated in all.  The girls even wanted to pay for the haircut themselves from money they earned doing their chores.  The girl's proud parents are Jake and Shanna Rodgers, Russell, Iowa.  

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

Alpha Theta Sorority Donation

Pictured are Donise Altenhofen and Vonda Michael both from Alpha Theta and Linda Baynes LCHC Volunteer Services Director.  Alpha Theta Sorority donated $100 to the Lucas County Volunteer Services Program.  The money is to be used to help the volunteer program with services that they provide.  Alpha Theta has been a long time supporter of the LCHC Volunteer Services as has been the Beta Sigma Phi Area Council.

Private TJ Love Graduated Marine Boot Camp

Private TJ Love, graduated from Marine boot camp at the Marine Core Recruiting Depot in San Diego, California on December 7, 2012.  TJ is a 2012 graduate of Chariton High School.  He enlisted in December of 2011 on the delayed entry program.  He left for boot camp on September 10, 2012.  TJ is the son of Jim and Becki Neer, Russell and Brother of Jessica Love, of Russell.

Ugly Sweater Contest Winners

Ugly Christmas Sweaters



Cody Carroll shows off his ugly Christmas sweater. 
We would have printed it in color, but we feared reader
vision issues.



From left:  Carlee Carroll and Ashley Bedford show their unique and
very ugly Christmas sweaters.

Barbour-Keough Wedding

Jacqueline Noela Barbour became the bride of Jesse Lloyd Keough Saturday afternoon, Sept. 8, 2012 at the Club View Gardens in Kaneohe, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu.  Parents of the couple are Tammy and Joe Keough of Kapolei, Hawaii and Deborah and David Barbour of Kanehohe, Hawaii.  The bride's attendants included her sisters, Catherine, Elena, Angelica and Gabriella Barbour; the groom's sisters, Ashley and Micaiah, and friends, Natalie Van-Rensburg and Angeleca Hiromoto.  The groom was attended by friends, Nick Van-Rensburg and Adam Stephan.  The groom's brother Jeremiah was the ring bearer.  Attending from Russell were the groom's grandparents, Don and Ginger Sellers.  A reception and dinner followed the ceremony at the Club View Gardens.  The couple honeymooned in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Jesse, Jackie and son Nathaniel vistited with grandparents, Don and Ginger Sellers, in Russell, the later part of November, as well as many other relatives in the area before moving to San Antonio, Texas.

2012 Russell Volunteer Fire Department

Pictured are the members of the 2012 Russell Volunteer Fire Department.  Front row from left:  Ryan Atwell, Rae Evans, Mike Beaty, Brian Beaty, Mike McCurdy, Chris Feehan, Jeff Neer, Corey Paige and Steve Neer.  Back row from left:  Shawn Werts, Mose Bear, Jim Carroll, Randy McSparen, Kenny Gwinn, Marshal Schlutz, Todd Atwell, Chief Jim Neer and Asst. Chief Craig Alexander.  Not pictured:  Karna Alexander, Scott Bingham, Buddy Davis, Richard Dittmer, Chris Knust, Kevin Knust, Rick Krutsinger, Mark McCurdy, Mark Morrison, Jim Noble, Brant Paige, Chad Phippen and Jason Pardock.

Meg Prange's Appliqued Wall Hangings

Meg Prange, who lives south of Russell, stands by her hand appliqued wall hangings, which were displayed at the recent Lucas County Arts Council's Arts Festival at the Freight House in Chariton.

Paul Smith Celebrated his 85th Birthday

Paul Smith celebrated his 85th birthday on October 19.  Send cards and greetings to 3167 Hwy S56  Promise City, IA  52583.

Americorps VISTA Gave Back

Pictured:  Members of the Russell Fire Department Randy McSparen, Scott Bingham, Shawn Werts, Brian Beaty, Jim Carroll, Cory Paige, Chris Feehan, Jim Neer, Marshall Schlutz and Americorps VISTA member Kyla Glover.

Local AmericCorps Vista member Kyla Glover gave back to the volunteer fire departments in Lucas County by making them cookies and thanking them for the service they do in Lucas County.  Kyla is serving her second year with South Central Iowa Community Foundation.

Stork News

Wesley and Erin Johnson  of Ames announce the birth of their son, Kenneth Guy Johnson. Kenneth arrived October 4, 2010 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa.  He joins two sisters, Abigail and Lucille.  Local grandparents are Linda Johnson of Russell and David and Gail Lockridge of Russell.  Great-grandparents are Guy and Evelyn Buttz of Russell and Norma Dene Thomas of Centerville.

Russ and Joann Harris Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

Their 50th wedding anniversary was celebrated on Saturday, October 20, 2012 from 2-4 p.m. at the Russell Community center in Russell, Iowa.  Friends were invited to join them.  If you could not make it, please send greetings to P O Box 475 Russell, Iowa  50238

Healthiest State Initiative Walk

From Left: Natalie McGee, Sandra Knebel and Shantel Dow enjoy a laugh together while on the second annual Healthiest State Initiative Walk this past Wednesday.  On the walk walkers walked two laps around the inside of the Chariton square.  (Bill Howes photo).

Atwell's and Swigart's Winners

Years and Years Ago

September 27, 2012

20 Years Ago
Tracey Thompson was chosen as Russell High School's homecoming queen.  Freshman attendant was Trace Peterson; sophomore attendant was Heather Hermann; junior attendant was Kelly Elmore and senior attendant was Desiree Sibert.

Sibert Family Reunion

They met at the Russell Community Building for a basket dinner at noon.  Those present were Richard and Shirley Sibert, Faith Sibert and Melissa Dixon, Sara, Davidson and Hope Sibert, Donna and Paige Hundley all from Russell.  Out of town guests were Larry and Pat Etter, Newton; Liz Pelock and Jim Marconi, Newton; Jeff Pelock, Olivia Pelock, Newton; John and Gayla Sibert, Polk City; Gelene Sibert, Chariton; Bob and Barb Chase, Boone.

Russell's Wayside Garden Club

The Wayside Garden Club met September 4 with lunch at "Get Mugged" in Chariton.

Members present were Martha Allen, Jackie Andrews, Betty Cross, Ellen Hawkins, Pat Lindeman and guest Carrie Brown.

Discussion dwelled on the lack of fruit due to the spring freeze and the drought effect on lawn, garden and flowers this season.

The October 2nd meeting will be at the home of Martha Allen.

Mary Sandy's Twin Great-Grandchildren

Each of Mary Sandy's three sons has twin grandchildren.  Pictured are Bill Sandy kneeling beside his twin granddaughters, Isabella and Gabriella, held by great grandmother, Mary Sandy.  Their parents are Brock and Erin Sandy of Holdrege, Nebraska.  Standing is Jim Sandy behind his grandchildren, Jimmy and Vegas.  Their parents are Josy and Jason Stapleton of Corydon.  Lee Sandy is standing behind his grandsons, Chase and Taylor.  Their parents are Brett and Maria Sandy of West Des Moines.