Russell Veterans Memorial Service

Written by Marilyn Yoakum

    A group of Veterans from the American Legion Post 108 and loyal citizens gathered on Friday, May 27, in a beautifully decorated cemetery to memorialize the efforts of many Veterans and to establish the Circle of Honor to all Veterans who served the wars.

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     The Circle of Honor includes a plaque for each of five wars: Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean Conflict, and Vietnam Conflict. They are meant to honor all veterans who served the wars as memorials of their service.

   

     Bob McCurdy, the Legion Post Commander led the service, along with Veterans Don Sellers, Jim Werts, Ervin Burton and Roy Mathias in remembering all military personnel and loved ones.  The group was urged to pray for the safety of troops, our nation, its people and peace.  "Prayers are the most powerful assets we have."

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     The American Legion and the Auxiliary put up the Avenue of Flags three times a year. They also put small flags on all burial sites of Veterans.

   

     It takes a mindful America to help its citizenry remember the price some of our citizen's pay for freedom at this time of year.

    Please take time to check out the cemetery while the flags are still flying.

   

Memorial to Private Lyle Shelton

A Veterans Day Memorial appears in the  "Russell People Blog Page 5 Selection to the far right on this blog.  Or click on the following link:  Veterans Remembered .  It is dedicated to Private Lyle Shelton and was submitted by Wanda Kells Calderon.

Get-Well

Get-Well wishes go out to Pastor Harris of the Baptist Church who is recovering from heart surgery. 

Horizons Tour

By Karen Werts

On May 10, 2011, Joann and Russ Harris and Karen Werts met a bus load of other Horizon members from Iowa at the Chariton Carpenter's Hall for a day long trip to several towns in Southern Iowa.  The purpose of the trip was to learn what other communities had done in the Horizon's Program.

When everyone gathered at Carpenter's Hall, we had refreshments.  We then learned about Chariton's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program and Russ Harris spoke about the Russell Horizon's group.  We then all boarded the bus for Corydon and there found out about the Housing Trust Fund and visited the Welcome We Help and Iowa Career Access Point.

We boarded the bus once again and left for Leon where we had lunch at From The Ground.  Then we visited the Leon Clothing Consignment Store that was established as a result of Horizons.  Leaving Leon we headed to Humeston.  Our tour began at the Public Library to learn about Humeston's projects and their community owned grocery store, and the Front Street market and other specialty shops.  We enjoyed dessert at the Grassroots Café and then started for home.  While we were on the bus we viewed videos from several Horizon's Groups.  It was a fun filled day and we thought it was very interesting learning about other communities and what Horizons doing. 

Horseshoe Tournament at Russell Community Center

May 21, Saturday at 9:30am there will be a Horseshoe Tournament at the Russell Community Center.  Everyone is welcome.  There is an entry fee.  If anyone is interested in pitching horsehoes on Tuesday nights at 6pm, contact Harold Garner at 641-203-2719.

Open House for Joann Harris

Joann will be celebrating her graduation from Faith Baptist Bible College with an Associate of Arts Degree in Biblical Studies with an open house being held at the Russell Community Center.  Please join her on Saturday, May 7th from 2-4pm, for this special occasion.

Russell Blood Drive

The Russell Blood Drive will be held Thursday, May 19 from 3-7pm at the Russell Community Center, sponsored by the Russell Community Club.  This has been changed due o the building being used by someone else.  Call Deb at 203-0681 or a member of the Community Club with questions.  If you don't have time or know what their schedule is going to be , you can stop in and be worked into the schedule.

Russell Cleanup Day - May 14

The annual Russell Cleanup Day this year will be held on May 14th from 8am to noon.  Dumpsters will be located on West Shaw St.  The cost will be $10 per car or pickup load.  Tires 17" and smaller will be accepted at $5 each.  The City clerk will be there to collect fees and make out receipts.  For large appliances (such as TV's, refrigerators, microwaves, computers, dehumidifiers that use Freon, washers/dryers, copiers, fax machines, etc.) the charge will be $15 per item.  You must come to the City Hall to list the large appliances you wish to dispose of and pay the fee  for those items before May 14.  It will be the individuals responsibility to bring those large appliances to the pickup site.  Direct questions to City Hall 8am - noon, Monday-Friday, 641-535-2494.

Wayside Garden Club will Hold Annual Flower Sale

The Russell Wayside Garden Club will hold it's annual Flower Sale on April 30 (same day as the City wide Garage Sale) starting at 9:00am in front of the Russell Museum/Library.  Be sue to get your spring flowers at this great sale.  This is the only fund raiser the garden club hosts.  The proceeds are used to help promote Russell activities such as Yard of the Month and the Christmas Decoration Awards. 

Russell City Wide Garage Sale

The city wide garage sale will be on Saturday, April 30 from 8-12.  Call Roberta 535-4191 to get your name on the map.  The Museum has space available in the new addition for $5 a table (bring your own table/display.)  The Museum is also accepting donations for their garage/bake sale (proceeds to go towards finishing touches on the inside). 

Russell Firemen Ham Supper

On April 9 from 4:30 - 7p.m. at the Russell Community Building, the Russell Firemen will be holding their annual Ham Supper.  This is a great chance to help out our local fire department by supporting them in this fund raiser.  Without these volunteers our town would be vulnerable to fire and safety.  They are here for us, now it is our turn to be there for them.

The Russell Fire Department is appreciative of the support given to them by the entire community recently at their annual ham supper.  They are much more able to carry out their responsibilities with the support of the community.

Russell News Committee Meeting at the Museum

On April 26th, at 4:30pm the Russell News Committee will hold a meeting at the Museum/Library.  Anyone is welcome to attend and present any news items to the committee.

Faith United Methodist Church

Church Lent and Easter Activities:

A Good Friday service  will be held on 4/22 at 7:00p.m.  We will have our Palm Sunday service on 4/17 and Easter service on 4/24 at the regular 10:30a.m. time.

Easter Church Activities for the Russell Baptist Church

First Baptist Church will hold it's Easter Breakfast from 9:30 to 10:30am Easter Sunday.  The public is invited.  Morning Service "The King is Coming" will begin at 10:45am.  Join us for a great time of celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Free Income Tax Preparation

March 19th, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, free income tax preparation will be offered at the Russell Museum.  Your income must be $48,362 or less and E-Filing must be done.  There are only 14 time slots available, so hurry and take advantage of this free service.  Call 774-3226 for an appointment.  This program is sponsored in part by the Russell Horizons, the LCHS Volunteer Program and the IA State Extension Program.

SHARE Sign-up

March 1, from 1-4pm SHARE will hold it's March sign-up at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library building.  Pick up for these items will be March 19.  Purchase one, all or any combination.  Best value package is $22.  Grocery Package is $12.  Meat Only Package is $12.  Chicken Cordon Bleu is $14.50.  Steak Package is $16.50.  Choice Item to be purchased along with any of the other packages. 

Spring Flower Sale

With all the melting snow and a little warmer weather, our thoughts are turning toward possibly having an early spring.  Wouldn't that be nice.  Maybe the groundhog was right.  Anyway, the Russell Historical Society is holding a March Flower Sale at the museum.  Stop and see the brochure or call Marilyn at 535-2402 to see the selection and help a worthy cause.  The flowers you order will be delivered to your home.

Russell Community Club

The Russell Community Club wants to let everyone know how it came into existence.  When the Russell Lions Club disbanded, members and others of the community wanted to keep the tradition going of helping the community be a proud place to live.  Following in the footsteps of the Lions, the purpose of the organization is to support and promote our community.  At this time we have 3 main projects that we sponsor each year.  The projects are the Fall Festival, held on the 3rd Saturday of September each year; the senior Citizen's Christmas Dinner, held on the first Saturday in December each year; and Christmas in the Park, which always follows on one of the Saturday evenings in December.

This past year members have been working at the Russell Athletic Fields.  Electricity and water hook-ups, for 30 campers, have been completed.  Our plans are to have the camping facilities up and going this spring.  Other events, such as a Music Festival, and sports activities are also in the planning stages.  If you have ideas of other activities that could be held either at the Athletic Fields or around town, please let us know.  We are always willing to listen to any ideas.  

As far as becoming a member, the only requirement we have is that you must be at least 18 years of age.  Even if you're not 18 years old, you can still have great ideas.  You are always welcome to come and share them with us.  Because of liability issues there will be some activities you would not be able to participate in.

Our regular meetings are held the 4th Thursday of each month.  Watch the newspaper for the time and the place of these meetings.  We would love to see all of our members every meeting, but we understand that in today's busy world that is not a reality.  If you would like to become a member, but can only make 1 or 2 meetings a year that is fine.  We just want to get as many people involved as possible.  More people mean more ideas.

The last meeting held on January 27, 6 visitors were present and they all joined the group.  At the meeting it was brought to our attention that it is not common knowledge how you can become a member, or even what exactly the Community Club does.  Hopefully the above information has answered any questions. 

If you have any other questions, ideas or would like to become a member, please contact Deb Mason (203-0681),  Pastor Russ Harris, (535-2601), Mike Beaty (535-2585) or Dolores Carroll.  Our next meeting will be held on February 24th.

Russell Fire Department Texas Hold'em Tournament

On Saturday, February 19 at 7:00pm, the Russell Fire Department will hold it's annual Texas Hold'em Tournament at the Russell Community Center.  A chili supper will be held prior to the tournament at 6:00pm (free-will donation).  This is always a fun event and the donations go to a worthy cause.

Hey, Kids of Russell

Russell Community Club is inviting you to attend  "A Night Out for the Kids" at the Russell Community Center on Monday, February 14 (Valentine's Day) at 7 pm.  Kids from kindergarten to age 16 are welcome.   The movie "Hollywood Chihuahua 1 or II" will be shown.  Pop and popcorn will be furnished.  Parents may come and see what we are offering the children.

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Several people attended the showing of this movie and enjoyed the movie and the popcorn, chips, pop and bottled water.  The refreshments were provided free of charge by the Russell Community Club.  If you would be interested in a weekly children's/youth activity sponsored by the Community Club or have ideas for other activities, please contact by phone or e-mail Deb Mason 203-0681 or mason3@iowatelecom.net or Russell Harris 203-3912 or rharris873@aol.com.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration in Russell!

An Irish breakfast will be servied in the Southside's Dining Room from 9a.m. to 12p.m.  The parade will be held at noon on March 12.  There is plenty of space to sit or stand along the parade line on Shaw Street, from the bank up to Prairie St.  Everyone is invited to join us as a participant or spectator. Then after 5p.m. a Corned Beef and Cabbage meal will be served.  If you have questions you can call Dolores at 535-4421.  (It is not unusual to have snow on this day, so don't be surprised).

Chicken/Beef and Noodle Dinner Fundraiser

On Sunday, March 13, from 11:30am - 1:30pm, the Russell Historical Society will hold a Chicken/Beef and Noodle Dinner at the Russell Community Center.  This is a fund raiser to help raise money to finish the inside of the new addition to the Museum/Library.

If you have missed the past dinners, here is a chance to taste the excellent meals this group produces.  And the price is right, just a free will donation.

SOUP SUPPER

Beef Stew, Chili, Chicken noodle, Potato soup -- all good comfort foods this time of year, right?  So come join us at the Russell Community Center (Russell, Iowa, of course) on Friday January 28, 2011.  Serving will begin at 5:00 P.M. and continue until 7:00 P.M., or until we run out of soup, whichever comes first.  Takeout will be available but you will need to provide your own to go container; because we don't have any.  As usual supper will be on a free-will offering basis.  In addition to the soups, we will have crackers, relishes, coffee, hot tea, and desserts.  As an extra added attraction there will be corn bread (hopefully, warm from the oven) also available to go with your soup. 

See you Friday night!

And don't forget the SHARE signup at the museum on Tuesday from 1-4:00 p.m.   That's Tuesday, January 25.

SHARE Sign up Tuesday, January 25

SHARE sign up will be on Tuesday January 25th at the Russell Historical Society Museum/Library building on Prairie Street in Russell.  Hours are 1:00pm to 5:00pm.  Pick up will be Saturday, February 19.

Russell Community Club

Thursday, January 27, the Russell Community Club will hold it's monthly meeting at the Russell Community Center at 6:30pm.  A light supper will be provided.  The public is invited to come and check out the organization.

On the agenda for this meeting:  Looking into the possibilities of providing activities for the kids of Russell and the surrounding area.  If you have children or grandchildren, come and help us get something started.

We'll have an update on our tax-exempt status.  We are working toward being an independent community organization for the betterment of Russell.

Do you have any ideas for the community?  Bring them to the meeting.  Present them to the group.  Maybe we can help you get them implemented.  All ideas are welcome.

The work continues on the ball fields. Mike Beaty and Lowell Sims and others have done a lot of work already, so we can have camping and a music festival.

If you haven't noticed, the old Russell Historical Website has been discontinued and this new blog has taken its place.  In the right hand column of this blog, you will notice other pages you can visit.  These include Russell Obituaries, Russell People, Russell School Children and a Russell Histories page.  There are links to other blogs and websites, a calendar of events is in the left column.  Place this blog in your favorites and you can access it quickly to keep updated on Russell news.

Russell Visitors Brochure

Someone brought it to our attention that the Horizon Club, not The Russell Community Club, produced the beautiful visitors brochure for Russell.   Thank you Judy Pierce for putting your time and effort into this.  I apologize for the mistake.  If you haven't seen it, pick one up at the Last Chance Convenience Store.  That's where I got mine.  Wendy Nickell's daughter "Nickell Designs" put it together and printed it.  She is a graphics designer and she did a wonderful job with this brochure.  See for yourself.

Beautiful Morning In Russell, Iowa

Woke up this morning to this beautiful sight outside my front door.  Didn't last very long so thought I better get a picture while I could.  I know most of you don't miss the winters in Southern Iowa, but maybe you can enjoy this picture.

Outside Christmas Decoration Awards

There weren't as many decorated homes in Russell this year or not everyone had their lights turned on when I was out doing the judging.  The ones I did see were very pretty and that made it hard to decide on a winner.  Blue lights and white lights seemed to be the most popular; although many used the old traditional multicolored lights.  

Congratulations, Duane and Cindy Bedford, you are the 2010 Russell Wayside Garden Club winners of the Best Outside Christmas Decorations.  Their home sits back off the main streets in Russell, but it is worth finding.  It is a block south of the Russell School building.

Be sure to drive through town and enjoy all the pretty decorations.  Marilyn and Butch Evans have a beautiful display all in blue lights.  Also take a look at the home at 515 W. Stanton; very pretty with all white lights.  And of course Ron Hoover's home on W. Ames St. is beautiful, as it always is every year. 

The History Book

We had hoped to have the Russell History Book ready for publication and sale in time for Christmas gifts.  Ever hear the phrase "bit off more than we could chew?"  That's not exactly the whole story but it is part of it. 
First, one of our volunteers has had to drop out due to family health issues.
Second, one of our contributors has also offered to contact a publisher and determine if the book could be published in hardback form and at what cost if possible.  He hasn't gotten back to us on that as yet. We'd really, really like to be able to offer it to you in hardback if we can do so at a reasonable price.  Copies of the book will also be sent to the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, Utah; to the Allen County Public Library in Ft. Wayne, Indiana; and to the Mid-Continent Public Library in Independence, Missouri, for inclusion in their genealogy collections. 
So, you have more time to get a story or stories in to us to include in the book.  Our new goal for publication and sale is going to be May 1, 2011.
Snail mail any stories and/or pictures to Russell Historical Society, P.O. Box 412, Russell, Iowa, 50238.  Or e-mail them to us at rihs106@yahoo.com.

Lucas County Businesses Donate Toward Building Expansion

Wanda Liddell and Larry Davis

These pictures and the articles (by Bill Howes) appeared in the Chariton Leader on December 14, 2010

$1,000 check donation to the Russell Historical Society

Earlier this fall, the Chariton Arts and Recreation Board, which is the board for the Vision II Theater, made a $1,000 donation to the Russell Historical Society to go towards the building expansion of the Russell Historical Society Museum.  Presenting the check on the right is Chariton Arts and Recreation Board member, Larry Davis, and accepting on the left is Wanda Liddell, the president of the Russell Historical Society Board of Directors.

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Bancorp Foundation Makes Donation 

to the Russell Historical Society 

 

The U.S. Bancorp Foundation made a $500 donation to the Russell Historical Society on December 10.  The money donated will be used towards the Russell Historical Society Museum's building expansion.

Wanda Liddell and Bob Stump

Chariton US Bank Branch Manager, Bob Stump, presented the check on behalf of U.S. Bancorp Foundation to Wanda Liddell, the President of the Russell Historical Society Board of Directors.

For the expansion, a new 30 ft. x 70 ft. building has been built, which will be the Russell Historical Museum.  The new building is attached to the existing building, which will house the Russell Library.  The existing building is 30 ft. x 50 ft.

Liddell said that so far $5,000 has been raised for the new museum building from fundraisers and grants.  The Russell Historical Society has held a lot of fundraisers to raise the money they have so far.  "We'll probably have a lot more fundraisers over the next year.  We'll also try to have a new membership drive," Liddell said. 

The outside portion of the new building is done.  The inside walls and ceiling still need to be sprayed and painted and Liddell said that they have close to 3,000 items that need to be displayed.  "We have a lot of display items, but we need mounts and cases to display them on and in," she said.

The new museum will house different sections including a school section, music section, and military section.  There will also be a quilting frame set up for a quilting display.

One item that will be displayed is a full-sized 1936 tractor.  Another item is the Russell Oil original horse drawn tank wagon.