Jill Boomer, Editor

The Jersey County Victorian Festival is a living history event that will feature  Civil War and Agricultural History during this Labor Day Weekend, September 4, 5 and 6.

The Civil War segment will begin with Mrs. Lincoln narrating a Civil War era style show explaining what was proper during this period of time and what was not.  President and Mrs. Lincoln will present an educational narrative of the events leading up to the Civil War and the Battle at Gettysburg followed by the President’s Gettysburg Address.  During the event, visitors can tour Confederate and Union camps, visit with reenactors and view how meals are prepared over an open fire.  The “North Meets the South” when reenactors participate in the daily battle that includes cavalry, artillery and infantry.  The reality of war sets in when viewing the embalming demonstrations that are given to enhance an understanding of ritual practices during the Civil War.

The Festival will have a variety of working artisans on site during the Festival, many of which have been recognized in Early American Life in the “Directory of Traditional American Crafts,” including Historic Pewter and pottery, Victorian horse carving, fanbird carving, silk ribbon embroidery, coopering wooden buckets, quilting, soap-making, needlework, basket making, rope making, sgraffito decoration of redware pottery, musical and rhythm instruments of the period, broom making, blacksmithing and a Colonial Gunsmith, all offering one of a kind items for sale.  Antiques, collectibles and many other unique items will be available to purchase as well as a variety of items for sale from Civil War Sutlers that include Civil War era clothing, tintypes, camp supplies and more.

Pat Kimbro, Assistant Vice President of Liberty Bank in Godfrey recently presented a check to 2010 Miss Jersey County, Emily Brunaugh.

Congressman John Shimkus last week received the National Rural Water Association's "Friend of Rural Water" award after being nominated by Steve Fletcher, Washington County Water Company, based in Nashville (IL).

Fletcher. who also sits on the executive board of the organization, said "Congressman Shimkus has led the effort in Congress to provide small communities with technical assistance and compliance training that ensures federal regulations don't overwhelm small and rural communities' resources. Drinking water and wastewater quality are two critical elements in a rural community's environment and vialbility. Drinking water quality is one of the mot pressing public health concerns in rural America and is essential for long-term economic stability. Congressman Shimkus has been a friend from the very beginning of his tenure in Congress."

Shimkus said, "It is an honor to be recognized for helping rural water companies and rural areas in general. My district is mostly rural, and I know both the positives and the problems that brings. It's my job to help, and when a recognition like this comes along, it is just a sign that I'm doing what I should be doing."

The National Rural Water Association is a non-profit, community-based organization of over 27,000 rural water companies and small communities. It strives to protect and enhance drinking water safety and water quality in small and rural communities.

Taking part in the presentation to Shimkus at the Washington County Rural Water offices in Nashville, were, Bill Teichmiller, CEO of EJ Water Company, Greg Bates, manager of Jersey County Rural Water, Shimkus and Fletcher, manager of Washington County Rural Water.

Elizabeth A. SchwabElizabeth Schwab of Jersey County was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame during a awards ceremony held on the Director of Agriculture's Lawn at the Illinois State Fairgrounds recently.

Schwab started as a 4-H leader of the Carrollton Busy Bees in Greene County. She later moved to Jersey County where she led 4-H clubs for 25 years and continues to be active in both Extension and 4-H, working with the Homemakers Education Association and the Jersey County 4-H Foundation. She received a commemorative 4-H Hall medallion and will be added to virtual 4-H Hall of Fame at illinois4hfoundation@illinois.edu.