Autumn on the horizon, German Days updates and Rio wrap-up

By Darla Buckhannon

Happy birthday to Mildred Eldridge, Anna Felty, Ann Glueck, Shirley Rodgers, Mandy Stone, Janeen Cunningham, Dennis Cook, Mona Horrell, Becky Powell, Brandon Davis, Beverly Lair, Donna Daugherty, Jeremy Totty, Ben Burnett, Caroline Byerly, Gene Nation, Wilma Powell, Scott Ralph, Fred Carroll, Kathy Sexton, Casey Chapman, Eric Nation, Amara Thompson, Dean Sullinger, Glenda Dacus, Bryan Lee, Ron Senciboy, Korbin Kinder, Abby Cassout, Gary Owens, Gayle Dragoni, Michelle McGuire, Walter Keller, Harlan Sadler, Joann Rister, Ginger Dees, Shannon Hampton and Sabrina Pobst.

Happy anniversary to Philip and Ruth Ann Dame, Denny and Debbie Graviett, JR and Stephanie Bennett, Bill and Debbie Simmons and Glen and Corliss Meyr.

Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, is climbing into view in the southeast at dawn. It is the brightest star of Canis Major, the Big Dog, so it's known as the Dog Star. In ancient times, its first sighting ushered in the "dog days" of summer. I always think of Frank, who worked at Kiefer's Service Station. On one very hot day, he vowed he would never gripe about cold weather again.

Autumn approaches

The first day of autumn is a month away and the fall planting guides are arriving! The kids are back in school and soon the weather will cool down and we will be looking forward to the lovely feel and those beautiful colors of autumn!

Rain recovery

Due to the recent rains, one only has to drive around town to see who does and who does not maintain their culverts. We remind residents to empty standing water in plastic toys, tires and other items, and don't forget to replace water in birdbaths with fresh water.

Chaffee updates

Due to Labor Day, city council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at city hall.

The Chaffee Historical Society meets at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at the museum. Due to the Labor Day weekend, they will meet Sept. 10 rather than Sept. 3. Linda Kraemer says a group of dedicated residents are presenting ideas to attract others to become part of this group. The society extends an invitation to attend meetings and share your ideas.

German Days fun

German Days at Frisco Park were filled with fun and games last weekend, until the rain started. Friday evening began with the German Day beauty pageant and a softball tournament. A talent show Saturday was followed by the performance of the Chaffee Community Band. Throughout the weekend there was dancing, bingo, lots of food, lemonade shake-ups, the beer garden and dare we forget the Elks' great fried chicken. If you missed it this year, make it a must to attend next year!

German Days Pageant winners

Here are the winners of the 2016 German Day Pageant: Mini Miss Queen, Amelia Williams (daughter of Eric and Amy Williams) of Essex, Missouri; Tiny Miss Queen, Hadley Maschmann (daughter of Elliot and Sarah Maschmann) of Oran, Missouri; Tiny Mr. King, Maverick Hall (son of Jordan and Stefanie Hall) of Chaffee, Missouri; and Little Miss Queen, Liza Dohogne (daughter of Jeremy and Mallory Dohogne) of Benton, Missouri.

Olympic excitement in Rio

The Olympic Games in Rio have been especially exciting, regardless of which sports you followed. With the extensive television coverage on various networks, enthusiasts could pick and choose. Closing ceremonies are wrapping up, and for football fans, it is back to the NFL! Los Angeles is happy to see "their" Rams back, and Dallas Cowboy fans are predicting this is the Cowboys' year. Skeptics say it depends on whether quarterback Tony Romo can stay healthy for an entire season.

Upcoming area activities

It's not too early to mark activities on your fall calendar. We have the Chaffee High School Alumni Banquet Oct. 8 and the third annual Horseshoes 4 "everyday" HEROES Tournament Oct. 15. All the action starts at noon, rain or shine, at the Al Friga Farm on Highway 77 between Chaffee and Oran. The cost is $25 per person and $50 for a team if paid by Oct. 7. Proceeds benefit the Retired Senior Volunteer Program/Volunteer Intergenerational Center, which provides services to other organizations and heroes in our communities. Contact executive director Tina Dohogne-Nations at (573) 887-3664, (573) 335-7555 or rsvpvic@sbcglobal.net for an entry form. RSVP/VIC are services of Aging Matters, formerly known as the Southeast Missouri Area Agency on Aging.

Final thoughts

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much and are so nice to hear.

Email your news to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at (573) 887-6430 or (214) 207-7839.

And then ...

Then there was the merchant who covered up the "sell by" date with a price tag.