December 2010 - Ashland Scoop Newsletter

The Scoop NEWSLETTER

December 2010 — Volume 3 - Issue 12

THIS NEWSLETTER IS A WORK OF LOVE BY A COMMITTEE OF FOLKS IN ASHLAND. THE NEXT ONE WILL BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY AFTER THE FIRST OF EACH MONTH. IDEAS OR ITEMS FOR THE NEWSLETTER? DROP OFF OR CALL NANCY HEATHER AT PRINTERS INK AT 217-476-3764, OR GIVE THEM TO NANCE BRYANT, LINDA DEVLIN, JUDY FULTON, CYNTHIA GUTMANN, BOB HEATHER, OR LIZ WALLBAUM. ITEMS CAN ALSO BE EMAILED TO MATT HOBROCK, ASHLAND.SCOOP@SBCGLOBAL.NET. DEADLINE WILL BE THE 25TH OF EACH MONTH, FOR THE FOLLOWING MONTH‘S NEWSLETTER. YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS APPRECIATED. OUR WEBSITE: http:// ashlandscoop.tripod.com

$126,900

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Baptist Church 5:30 pm - Service

22 Horseshoe Drive Ashland, IL

Catholic Church 6:00 pm - Service at Virginia 7:30 pm - Christmas Carols at Ashland 8:00 pm - Service at Ashland Midnight - Service at Beardstown New Beginnings 6:30 pm - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Methodist Church 7:15 pm - Christmas Carols 7:30 pm - Service CHRISTMAS DAY SERVICES Catholic Church 8 a.m. at Arenzville NEW YEAR‟S EVE SERVICES Catholic Church 5 p.m. at Virginia

Christmas Food Baskets Community food baskets for the Christmas holiday will be offered again this year.

If you would like to donate to the program, please contact any member of the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department or call (217)4769147. Thank you!

Well maintained bi-level featuring 4 bedrooms, 2 baths with beautiful in ground pool equipped with a diving board and slide. Many updates have been done including; new roof in ‗03, new pool liner RE/MAX & filter in ‗08, new stick built shed in back yard in PROFESSIONALS ‗03, and new sump 2475 West Monroe pump in ‗09. The sellers Springfield, IL 62704 are offering a year (cell) 217-741-1865 home warranty for your piece of mind. Call for soldbydawns@gmail.com your private showing today!

Toys for Tots Our community Toys for Tots program is in full swing. Drop off a new toy at the boxes located at West Central Bank, Prairie Skies Library and Caseys. For other donations, contact any member of the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department or call (217)4769147. Thank you!

Dawn Stremsterfer Realtor®, Broker Associate

Bethlehem…

Nothing Ever Happens Here You are invited to Berea Christian Church on Sunday, December 5th at 3 P.M. for the Christmas Production of ―Bethlehem...Nothing Ever Happens Here.‖ Audience members will sing and feel a part of the action as two bored citizens of ancient Bethlehem wonder why nothing exciting ever happens in their town. Little do these Bethlehem residents realize that God is about to do something amazing in their hometown. Gather your family for the show and afterwards, join us in fellowship, cookies and punch.

Hope to see you there!

Morgan Wessel named Student of the Month at A-C Central Congratulations to Morgan Wessel for being selected Student – of – the – Month for October at A-C Central High School. Miss Wessel is the daughter of Brad and Shelly Wessel of Chandlerville.

Morgan is a leader both in and out of the classroom as evidenced by her involvement in various school activities. She is a member of STAR, Concert, Marching and Pep Band, Student Council (President), National Honor Society, FFA (Vice-president, Spring Musical, Project 2000, Yearbook, Golf, Basketball and Softball.

Away from school Morgan is involved in the blood drives that occur, Union Corner 4-H Club as President and is the Treasurer for the Cass County 4-H Federation.

Miss Wessel plans on attending Culver Stockton College, with a double major in Accounting and Finance. She then would like to become a CPA and work for a large company somewhere in Illinois.

Congratulations to Morgan Wessel on this significant honor!

Haley Pfaffe named Student of the Month at A-C Central Congratulations to Haley Pfaffe for being selected Student–of– the –Month for September at A-C Central High School. Miss Pfaffe is the daughter of Jeff and Lana Pfaffe of Ashland.

Haley is a leader both in and out of the classroom as evidenced by her involvement in various school activities. She is a member of STAR, Concert, Marching and Pep Band, Student Council, National Honor Society, FFA, Spanish Club, Fall Play cast and Spring Musical cast.

Away from school Haley is heavily involved in the New Beginnings Christian Fellowship Youth Group.

Miss Pfaffe plans on attending Western Illinois University, with a major in Ag Science and a minor in Botany. She then would like to work for a major seed corporation working in the area of crop science.

Congratulations to Haley Pfaffe on this significant honor!

The Awards Banquet for the 2010 racing season for Jacksonville Speedway was held on Saturday, November 13th. Three of the Ashland street stock racers placed in the top ten and were recognized and presented with a trophy. Roger Smith got 1st place in points with 504, Shannon Eskew got 2nd with 488 points and Travis Wallbaum got 4th place in points with 426. Shannon also received a Certificate of Recognition for winning the most features in 2010. Congratulations guys, your family and friends are very proud of you!

Travis Wallbaum, Shannon Eskew, Roger Smith

101 Yates Street (217)476-3317

December, 2010

Please note that our office hours have changed slightly. Office hours are 8:30am to 12:00pm and 1:00pm to 4:30pm Monday through Friday.

Elections next April 5th will include three openings on the village board. If you have a desire to serve your fellow citizens, this is your opportunity. Petitions may be picked up now and MUST be returned by December 20, 2010. You will need between 16 and 66 signatures on your petitions. Please come to the Village office for a packet.

Street Regulation #33-2-18 addresses burning on public streets as follows: “It shall be unlawful for any person to burn any leaves, paper, rubbish or other substances upon any of the public streets, sidewalks or alleys in the Village.�

If you see a street light out, the Village office (217/476-3317) and we will contact CIPS for repair.

Utility Rates:

First 1,000 gallons Per 100 gallons after first 1,000 EPA Testing Fee Minimum monthly charge Total water, sewer and EPA for 3,000 gallons

Water $22.00 92.5 cents $ 1.05 $33.25 $60.05.

Sewer $10.20 41.5 cents

We can now send you your water bill electronically via e-mail. You can choose to continue receiving your bill as you have in the past, or receive a printed copy and an e-mail, or e-mail only. If this is of interest to you, please send us an email stating your wishes to Ashland@casscomm.com If you have any questions you would like answered in a public forum, please forward them to the Village office and we will try to answer them through this page in The Scoop.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Village of Ashland Board Members & Staff: Dave Handy, Mayor Fadra Birdsell, Trustee Jim Birdsell, Police Chief Ron Cave, Public Works Director Stan Fulton, Trustee

Alicia Hager, Village Treasurer Dave King, Trustee Nancy Kyrouac, Trustee Seth Thornley, Trustee David Troxell, Trustee

A-C Central Junior High School was proudly represented at the Illinois Music Educators Associations District 4 Festival On Nov 6.

This annual event was held on the campus of Western Illinois University and students from west central Illinois were selected via an audition to participate. The students are privileged to be able to work with nationally recognized composers or well recognized teachers for an entire day.

Two students were chosen to participate from A-C Central JH. Emma Lynn, an eighth grade clarinet player from Chandlerville and the daughter of Shawn Lynn & Sylvia Stone was one of the hard working musicians that survived the audition and received the honor of participating. The other students from A-C Central chosen to participate was tuba player Ronald ―Hoaby‖ Hoagland. Hoaby is also an eight grader and the son of Dawn and Hoagy Hoagland of Ashland.

These lucky students had the honor of working under the direction of Mr. Tim Loest. Mr. Loest is a composer and educator. The group performed a couple of Mr. Loest‘s compositions and several other selections for a large crowd that gathered for the concert at Western Hall on the campus of WIU. Congratulations to both students for an outstanding honor.

Gardner Construction Co. 2878 Panther Grove Road Ashland, IL 62612 Remodel Kitchen & Baths Replace Roof & Room Additions

Cell: 217-341-3415 Leave Message 217-476-8135 The Chicago Sun Times ranked the schools in Illinois based on the state standardized test scores and A-C Central is in the top 100!!!!

Please click on the link below to read the article and see the rankings. This is very exciting for the school and everyone that is involved.

Congratulations to the students and the teachers!!!

If you look at the schools listed we are in pretty good company and I'm sure we are definitely if not the smallest, one of the smallest schools on the list. http://www.suntimes.com/news/ education/1854961,top-100-high-schools-1009.article

December School Calendar Dec. 1 Dec. 2 Dec. 3

ACV JH BBB Tourney @ Home ACV HS GBB vs Pleasant Hill ACV HS BBB vs Carrollton Homecoming Coronation at Game Dec. 4 A-C Central Homecoming Dance Dec. 6 ACV HS GBB vs West Central Dec. 7 HS Winter Concert 7:00 pm ACV JH BBB vs Rushville Dec. 9 Elementary Christmas Concert 6:30 pm ACV JH BBB vs Greenview ACV HS GBB @ Beardstown ACV HS BBB @ Pittsfield Dec. 11 ACV HSG @ Riverton Shootout Dec. 13 ACV HS GBB @ Routt Dec. 14 ACV JH BBB @ ISD ACV HS BBB vs N. Greene Dec. 16 JH Winter Concert 7:00 pm ACV Pre-K Christmas Program ACV HS GBB @ Porta Dec. 18 ACV HS GBB vs. Calhoun 2:00 pm Dec. 21 ACV HS BBB @ Triopia Dec. 22 School Dismiss @ 11:30 am Dec. 23-31 NO SCHOOL – Winter Break Dec. 27-30 ACV HS GBB @ Riverton Tourney ACV HS BBB @ Waverly Tourney

ALL ACTIVITIES TAKEN FROM THE ACV ACTIVITY CALENDAR You can purchase one for $2.00 at any of the school offices or from the ACV Boosters at any sporting event.

Prentice Farmers Elevator 2303 Elevator Avenue Ashland, IL 62612 217.476.3516 or 1.800.255.8659 prenticeev@casscomm.com prenticeelevator.com James R. Blakeman, Manager 4 locations to serve you: Prentice, Philadelphia, Strawns Crossing, and Tallula.

Dealers in Grain, Seed and Kent Feeds.

A Christmas Quiz

By Rev. Edward J. Moretto, Minister Berea Christian Church, Ashland, Illinois Christians often chuckle at some of the media events, in print or broadcast, which appear around Christmas time. An item making its way onto the Internet recently was a condensation of a live interview across the Atlantic between a talk show host and a high ranking clergyman (hereinafter: HRC). In that article, a sensational supermarket tabloid type summary of the actual article, the HRC is cited as claiming that the nativity of Christ is a legend. Guess what? That‘s not a fair representation of what the HRC said! He did answer some questions posed by his interviewer who, like some on the so-called TV learning channels, asked questions in such a manner as to cast doubt on many Christian ―beliefs‖ in speculations and on misconceptions about the Nativity. Speculations are not always true and misconceptions are, well, misconceptions. So, let‘s go to the nativity scene, Biblically, and search for all that‘s been proposed down through the ages through such venues. Why do Christians get caught up in these trappings? Could it be that we need to get back to the Bible?

Just for the fun of it (and some Bible study), here‘s a little exercise in Christmas Story details. Here are a few of the kinds of questions ―interviewers‖ (insert the word ―skeptics,‖ or ―agnostics,‖ or ―other nonbeliever types‖) like to ask Christians around Christmas time concerning the typical pictures seen on typical Christmas cards showing the typical nativity scene. Try to answer them. Then, search the Scriptures to support your answers. No fudging now! Use only the Bible. No other sources allowed.

1. How many wise men came to the stable where Jesus was born?

(Be Careful! This is a loaded question.) Ask yourself these questions first. a. Do all versions of the Bible say they were ―wise‖ men?

(Ask your preacher for help here with the Greek word ―magoi.‖) b. Does the Bible say there were three of them, wise or not? c. Does the Bible say they came to a stable? d. Does the Bible say that Jesus was born in a stable?

Mary placed the newborn Jesus in a ―manger‖ but where was it?

1) In a stable?

2) In a cave?

3) On the first floor of a typical Judean house where cattle were kept?

4) Does the Bible give us the answer?

2. Did Mary ride a donkey from Nazareth to Bethlehem?

3. Was Jesus born in December?

4. Does any of this matter? NO, unless you‘re a student of details!

Study is fun.

What matters comes in Question #5.

5. Do you know Jesus, the Christ/Messiah/Anointed One, the Word Who is God, Who became flesh and died for you?

More questions! Have you accepted Him as your Lord and Savior? If not, have you read what waits when you do? Read John 1:1-17. This is the Christmas story you won‘t find on a Christmas card. This is the meaning of Christmas. God Himself became a man, to die for you, to pay the penalty for your sin, so that you would have the ―right to become children of God....‖ (John 1:11, New American Standard Bible.)

Need some help? Check our website at www.bereachristianchurch.com Go to our Leadership page and then contact one of us (most of us are in the phone book!) We‘ll be glad to help you find Jesus, the Babe of Bethlehem, and then we‘ll help you find a church near you.

Now, enjoy your Christmas cards. They are not statements of doctrine, but simply something to remind us of Jesus‘ holy birth.

Merry Christmas!

In the New Year, celebrate the birth of Christ every day!

By the way, at Berea Christian Church, “WE‟RE OPEN ON SUNDAY!”

Illini

Propane LLC 220 N. Yates - Ashland Office: 1-866-225-8126 Garrett Savage - Bob Savage Ron Ahlers - Salesman cell: (217)691-5492

**GIVE US A CALL**

A-C Central is proud to have a student representing them at the Bradley Frosh/Soph Honor Band this year. This event, hosted by the music department at Bradley University invites freshman and sophomore musicians to come together and under the direction of Dr. David Vroman prepare a concert for the public.

Allyson Quick, a horn player from A-C, was selected to participate on recommendation of her band director. Allyson traveled to Peoria on 11/9 for an evening rehearsal and will go back for an all day rehearsal on 11/16. The group will then present a concert for the public on the evening of 11/16 at 7:30 PM in the Dingeldine Concert Hall.

Allyson is the daughter of Dee and Gary Quick of Ashland.

CHURCH DIRECTORY BEREA CHRISTIAN CHURCH Minister Edward J.Moretto bereacc@casscomm.com www.bereachristianchurch.com Sunday Christian Education Hour - 9:30 pm Sunday Worship - 10:30 am Wednesday Eve. Prayer Mtg. - 7:00 pm We‘re Open On Sunday!!

CHURCH OF CHRIST Minister Howard Chartier Sunday School - 9:00 am Sunday Worship - 10:00 am FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH Pastor Rev. David L. McHenry ashlandfbc@casscomm.com Sunday School - 9:30 am Sunday Worship - 10:30 am Youth Group - Third Saturday of month - 9:00 am Choir Practice - Wednesday - 7:00 pm ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH Father Chris Brey 476.8856 Ashland Sunday Mass - 9:00 am Beardstown Sunday Mass - 11:00 am Sunday (Spanish) - 12:30 pm Virginia Saturday - 5:00 pm UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Rev. Patricia Hutton 476.8858 www.ashlandunitedmethodist.com Sunday Worship - 8:45 am Sunday School - 10:00 am Wednesday Prayer Service - 6:30 pm Choir Practice - 7:00 Youth Second Saturday - 10am - 2pm NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH, s.b.c.

Pastor Terry Beauchamp www.newbeginningschristianfellowship.net Sunday‘s 1st Service @ 8:00 am Sunday School for all ages@ 9:10-10:00 am New Adult Singles Ministry @ 9:10 - 10:00 am at 308 West Washington, Ashland 2nd Service - 10:15 am YOUTH4TRUTH @ 6:30-7:30 pm Tuesday Corporate Prayer @ 7:00 pm Saturday‘s Men‘s Prayer Breakfast @ 8:00 am

NEW BEGINNINGS CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS

December 2010 Our Savior‟s Birthday Party Friends, When we think of birthdays, we think of two things: people and presents. That‘s what Christmas is, a birthday celebration for our Lord, Jesus Christ. Jesus‘ birthday, however, is quite different from any party we‘ve ever been to.

At this great party ALL are invited! Each of us have felt the pain of being left out! However, at this party all the people in the world are invited! That is why when Jesus invited people to come to Him, He used the word ―whoever‖.

During this party Jesus, our guest of honor, would be giving gifts instead of receiving them. Jesus‘ gift to you is the gift of Good News! The Good news is that ―God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while wee were yet sinners, Christ died for us.‖ (Romans 5:8). Jesus was not born simply to die; but to die as our substitute. Jesus‘ gift to us was to take our punishment for sin that we deserved and die on a cross in our place. After Jesus, the perfect Son of God, died in our place and took our punishment, He then on the third day rose again! With the price for our sin having been paid, God can now forgive us and extend to us eternal life as a FREE gift!

This is the greatest gift ever given to ANYONE! However, this gift has to be received. The Bible used one word to explain how the gift of eternal life is received. It is the word BELIEVE! In John 3:17 we are told ―God did not send His son into the world to condemn it, but to save it.‖ The word believe means understanding that Jesus Christ died for me and rose again; I‘m trusting Jesus Christ ALONE as my only way to heaven!

If you have not yet received that free gift of eternal life, doing it now would make this Christmas the greatest you‘ve ever had!!!

Have a great December! See you in the New Year!

Keep Your Eyes Fixed on Jesus B.G. John 3:16 John 6:47

Romans 10:9 Psalms 106:8

Luke 1: 26-38 Luke 2: 1-20

Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Eunice Watkins and her family upon the death of her daughter, Carole Rumple (Ashland Class of ‗64). Carole, her husband Verne, children and grandchildren lived in Indiana.

COOKBOOKS

Have you seen “Hometown Layton Howerton Christmas Concert memories,” the new cookbook the Baptist ladies put together?

Wednesday, December 15th There are over 150 recipes of at 6:30 pm (Community Invited) favorites from members, family, and friends, as well as some wonderful phoLearning to Hear God's Voice tos from the past. For $20, they make great gifts Sunday Sermon Series and Ashland keepsakes - think Christmas! Call continues thru the church at 476-3678 or December 19th at 10:15 am Judy Fulton at 476-3488 to get yours.

Dreaming of a White Christmas?

The Jacksonville Theatre Guild will be presenting the Irving Berlin musical White Christmas at the Sophie Leschin Auditorium located in the Jacksonville Community Park. This holiday classic is based on the 1954 Paramount Pictures film of the same name. White Christmas is filled with many beloved standards including ―Sisters,‖ ―Count Your Blessings,‖ and the title song.

Cast members are from towns all over the Jacksonville area.

They include Ashland (Cathy Ward), Auburn (Shannon Lawler as Judy Haynes), Beardstown (Alexis DeSollar, Dillon Paul, Sergio Perez, Jacob Upp, and Allison Wilson as Betty Haynes), Jacksonville (Dakota Beavers, Cathy Doyle, Meredith Durall, Grand Estes as Phil Davis, Cindy Herrera, Nathan Peak as Bob Wallace, Zach Pickens, Donielle Purdue, Sean Rose, John Steckel, and Brian Tonry), Murrayville (Brianna, Kendi and Kevin Klein), Petersburg (Becky and Josh Bertram), Virginia (Jordan Miller), Waverly (Cayden and Steph Sharp) and Winchester (C.J. Acree).

White Christmas is being directed by John Woodruff. It will be presented on December 9, 10 and 11 at 7:30 pm, and on December 12 at 2 pm. Tickets costs are $13 for adults, and $8 for children 12 and under. For tickets call the Jacksonville Theatre Guild office at 217-245-1402.

Wallbaum Development Inc.

Plumbing - Heating - Air Conditioning Backhoe - Trenching 115 W. Freemont St. PO Box 136 Ashland, IL 62612

We Do It All In Just 1 Call!

Jim - Todd Travis

Phone: (217)476-3595

“A Full Service Bank” WCB Adventure Club Christmas luncheon December 14th at noon, Baptist Church Hall.

Sign up sheet at West Central Bank.

400 E. Buchanan St. P.O. Box 467 Ashland, IL 62612-0467 PH. 217.476.3325 FX. 217.476.3342

Kendra Nichole Escudero Mr. & Mrs Vahl Escudero

METHODIST CHURCH SENIOR DINNER ANOTHER SUCCESS!!

This was our 32nd year in serving another well attended and delicious dinner for our community senior citizens. (It doesn‘t seem possible it has been that long.) the United Methodist Women (along with help from a few willing volunteers—to whom we offer a big ―THANKS‖) shared another wonderful dinner in honor of our local seniors.

We served 93 guests (68 at the hall as well as 25 carry -outs). Isn‘t that great? Last year we served 86 so we had a few more than last year.

Following the meal Kaye Parsons led the diners in a few ―old‖ songs. The group were pretty lusty singers too!!

We especially want to thank the Catholics for providing the use of their hall for the dinner. Since it has handicapped accessible it is a lot easier for all of the old people (the ones attending and the ones serving.) Also our thanks to the Cass County Health Dept. for their help with flu shots and blood pressure checks.

God willing, we‘ll be back again next year.

Happy Holidays from your friends at the Ashland Scoop Amity Nail Spa 116 N. Yates Ashland, IL Phone: 217-476-3475 Lana J. Pfaffe, Nail Technician

Gift Certificates are available for Christmas!

Call for an appointment today and get Shellacked!!

WCI

Norm Bryant Enterprises

West Central Insurance A SUBSIDIARY OF THE WEST CENTRAL BANK E-mail: wcins@casscomm.com

Furniture

Carpet Cleaning Car Interior

Cell (217) 741-3758 Phone: (217) 476-3508

108 W. Editor Street Ashland, IL 62612 217.476.3354

NEAL‘S BARBER SHOP

Other Locations: 210-A Washington St. Beardstown, IL 62618 217.323.3018 Debbie Jones

815 W. Clinton Rushville, IL 62681 217.322.6230 Kala Peacock

608 W. Franklin Ashland, IL 62612

217.741.3874

Jeffrey A. Donnan - Kay Handy Ora Lee Campbell

117 S. Front Street Virginia, IL 62691 217.452.7717 Kristen Arthalony

Distributor of Fine Quality Vacuums

Ashland, IL 62612

Happy Holidays Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm Tuesday - Saturday

Closed Sundays & Mondays

Junctions 123 & 125 - Ashland, Illinois 62612

Monday - Saturday 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Sundays and Holidays 8:00 am to 6:00 pm

Closed Christmas

For 50 years we have been wishing the people of Ashland and surrounding area a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and we are proud to do so again this year.

Harold Allen & Family

is exploring

God’s Creation!

God created the Heavens and Earth - all you see, all you don't see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness.

God's Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss.

God spoke: "Light!" And light appeared. God saw that light was good and separated light from dark. God named the light Day, he named the dark Night. It was evening, it was morning - Day One. God spoke: "Sky! In the middle of the waters; separate water from water!" God made sky. He separated the water under sky from the water above sky. And there it was: he named sky the Heavens; It was evening, it was morning Day Two. Then God said, "Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear"; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. It was evening, it was morning - Day Three ASHLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 300 WEST EDITOR STREET 10:00 – 2:00 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11TH AGES 3 YEARS – 5TH GRADE LUNCH PROVIDED - NO ADVANCE REGISTRATION REQUIRED FREE OF CHARGE LIBRARY HOLIDAYS AND CLOSINGS

Prairie Skies Library District

Saturday, Dec. 25 Libraries Closed Christmas Day Saturday, Jan. 1 Libraries Closed New Year‘s Day

UPCOMING EVENTS

DECEMBER 2010 is also our “Books with Bows” program. You may purchase a book here at the Library and have it donated in honor/ memorial to anyone having a birthday / anniversary, or a memorial for a loved one.

January 2011

February 2011

March 2011

Trivia Night Pleasant Plains Branch Jan. 25th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Author Taylor Pensenaue Speaking on the Depression Era Pleasant Plains Branch Feb. 16th, 6:00 pm

Sound Celebration Chorus Ashland Branch time to be announced

Trivia Night Ashland Branch Jan. 26th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

“Big Read” Book Discussion „The heart is a Lonely Hunter‟ Ashland Branch Feb. 28th, 7:00 pm

Jazz Band Pleasant Plains Branch time to be announced

BITS-N-PIECES ASHLAND VFW POST 3546…

Meets monthly at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 498...

Meets monthly at 7:30 p.m. on the 3rd Monday at the Firehouse.

ASHLAND WOMAN‟S CLUB...

Meets December 7th @ 1:30 pm, Baptist Church Hall. Program is ―Holiday Entertaining‖, by Mindy Schleyhahn Gilbreth.

THANK YOU… Thank you so much for the resque squad and everyone else who helped. With Fred Jones, Allen Smith, and Ann Schaddel. Your prayers, cards and concerns were really appreciated. Thanks again! ~ Jack & Pam Schaddel

ASHLAND U-HELP...

Any student may apply for up to $500 loan with an interest rate of 3%. Applications are available at West Central THANK YOU… Bank in Ashland.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to our church family, & SENIOR SAINTS… Senior Saints are going to see white Christmas in Jacksonville on December 12th. Need to make reservations and pre-pay by December 2nd. Price is $13 per person. Call 476-8848 to make reservations.

LOOKING AHEAD… In January of 2011, The First Baptist Church of Ashland will be celebrating the 125th Anniversary of it‘s founding. Plan to hear ―The Chosen Ones‖ in concert on the afternoon of Sunday, January 23.

HOUSE CLEANING… Home, Office or Apartment Cleaning. $45 will clean any size. For more information, call 971-7411

Seasons Greetings to all persons to my can recycle again this year. Thanks to all to brought them to my home, put them in my truck, calls for pick-up, and to all anonymous that bring them to my can shed. Best Wishes for the New Year!

Jim Edwards

others in the community, for the many cards, phone calls, food, visits, prayers & gifts. A special gift from Lil Hultquist—also thanks to the people who stayed with my family during my surgery. All was greatly appreciated. ~ George Jokisch & Family THANK YOU… Thank you to my family, the emergency personnel for everything. Also, thanks to Father Chris for the hospital visit.

Thanks to all who prayed for me, called, sent cards, food & flowers or came by for a visit. All of these kindnesses were greatly appreciated. ~ Judy Walters ATTENTION: FORMER ASHLAND FIREMEN...

Hey, all you former Ashland firemen! We want you to be aware of an upcoming event. There is going to be a party of some sort, to bring all you guys together to rehash old stories and to meet people whom you have not seen for awhile.

We will be in touch with time and date later.

THANK YOU… Pack 125 and Troop 125 want to thank everyone who help support us by buying popcorn again. Thanks to everyone we had a great sale. This money helps the cub scouts plan fun activies and the boys scouts go to summer camp.

In November the Pack and Troop went to the City Museum in St Louis. We had a great turn out of both groups. In December the cub scouts will be having their santa's workshop and also be going caroling at the nursing home in Virginia. The Troop will be finishing up on the carpenter merit badge and having their christimas party.

Any boy from 1st grade thru 18 years old can join.

The A-C Central PTO is asking the community members of Chandlerville and Ashland to start clipping Box Tops for Education. This is a great way to bring additional funding to our schools. The money earned from Box Tops goes straight into A-C Central classrooms!

You can help by clipping Box Tops from products you purchase and dropping them off at the following locations: A-C Central Middle/High School Office – Ashland A-C Central Elementary Office – Chandlerville Allen‘s Market – Ashland West Central Bank – Ashland Peoples State Bank – Chandlerville Verna‘s Home Cooking – Chandlerville The A-C Central PTO appreciates your support!

Christmas Gift Certificated are Available

Holiday Greetings from Alaska Polly & Rusty Lewis & Tinkerbell

Another year almost to a close, and our Pottery Sale over as well.

Tim and I want to thank all of you for coming and making it a great success.

But most of all we want to thank our family for all they do to make it possible.

If you didn’t make it this year, we hope to see you next.

Until then, have a safe and happy Holiday Season!

Christmas Blessings

Ashland United Methodist Church

Pam & Tim Frye December Birthdays 2 - Shawn Eskew 5 - Julie Jokisch 6 - Travis Wallbaum 9 - Jim Heather 10 - Alex Gardner 16 - David Bryant 18 - Harry Blakeman

December Anniversaries

18 - Ramona Douglass 25 - Baby Jesus 28 - Jim Handy 29 - Judy Cosner 30 - Charlee Ratliff 31 - Kelsey Gardner

Email us: RPAFARMERS@CASSCOMM.COM Richland Office 3090 Richland Elev. Rd. Pleasant Plains, IL 62677 217.626.1551

Pleasant Plains Office 300 N. Washington Pleasant Plains, IL 62677 217.626.1331

Merry Christmas from

Ashland Office 220 North Niagara Ashland, IL 62612 217.476.3318

RPA Farmers Co-op

12 - Forrest & Carol Duncan 29 - Don & Kaye Parsons

Holiday Greetings Ashland Scoop now has gift cards available , just in time for your holiday gift shopping.

The Ashland Scoop Committee would like to offer the newsletters by subscription. This would be great for out-of-town people who can‘t make it in to pick one up. It also would be make a great gift for those relatives who have moved away and want to keep up with local news. Cost is $20.00 per year. Newsletters will be mailed out the first week of each month.

Please send requests to:

Ashland Scoop c/o Printers Ink PO Box 193 Ashland, IL 62612 217-476-3764

A Christmas Blessing Thank you Dear Lord for Eyes to see The Beauty of a Christmas Tree, For ears to hear the music sweet, For family and friends to greet.

And help us Lord, to do our part, by keeping Christmas in our heart!

Judith Cosner