For Tom Mueller and Joe Langenhorst, grafting pecan trees is as much passion as it is hobby.

The two men have a message for those of us who have spent lifetimes blithely eating pecans with scarcely a thought as to where they came from: if more people don't learn how to graft trees, there will be a lot fewer pecans to eat.

New Baden resident Mueller, a retired appliance repairman from Sears, was pulled into the art of tree-grafting about 15 years ago by the now-deceased Sylvester "Silver" Miller of New Baden, although he remembers his father grafting trees when Tom was a child.

"For me, it's a thrill to be able to go out in my yard and pick up my own pecans and know what I did to produce them," says Mueller.

With an eye toward attracting more hobbyists to tree-grafting, the former high school classmates are planning a pecan tree-grafting seminar for Saturday, April 10 at the New Baden Park. The seminar will start at 10 a.m. and feature a number of grafting experts demonstrating and presenting on a variety of grafting techniques. Refreshments will be served.

Like Mueller's, Langenhorst's interest in the craft of tree-grafting is one of intellectual curiosity, although he has spent a lifetime growing things. Retired from General Motors, Langenhorst operates a nursery in Germantown, specializing in hardwood seedlings. He has conducted such seminars before, and is involved in the annual Arbor Day observations at area grade schools.

"I think I inherited my interest from my mother," Langenhorst says. "She always loved to grow things, and none of my brothers or sisters care anything about it, so I must have gotten all of it."

According to Mueller and Langenhorst, the very promulgation of many different varieties of pecans is at stake.

Without grafting, the pecan tree population would be more susceptible to disease, natural havoc, and poor production. Grafting allows the grower to produce any type of pecan he chooses no matter the variety of the "root stock" or seedlings that are cultivated.

Once the rootstock reaches a certain maturity, the grafter attaches a cutting or branch from the "scion," which determines the variety of pecans the tree will ultimately produce.

Mueller likens grafting to the hybridizing of corn that allows farmers to continue producing high-yield varieties of corn to meet mankind's demand.

By grafting trees, growers are able to produce nuts in five to seven years, whereas if the seedling is simply allowed to mature it could take as long as 25 years before producing.

The idea, says Mueller, is to produce nuts with positive characteristics from any manner of root stock. Mueller has nine trees, most producing the highly-desirable ‘Schomaker' pecan that originated in Albers.

Characteristics like crackability, volume within the shell, taste, and the absence of disease are common in ‘Schomaker' pecans, and Mueller said the variety is especially notable for consistently producing two complete halves upon cracking. "Look at that," Mueller marveled, levering his tabletop nutcracker, "it comes out in halves almost every time."

For commercial producers, grafting is a lifeline to predictable results. Langenhorst said a successful graft virtually ensures the grower will produce pecans with desirable quality, much better odds than the alternative. "With an ungrafted tree, you've got maybe a one-in-ten chance of getting good pecans," he said.

For hobbyists like Mueller and Langenhorst, it's about preserving and evolving the species. "Somebody's got to carry these traditions on," Mueller said. "There's lots of space available in back yards around this whole area, and we want to start teaching people how to do this."

"Once we lose a certain pecan variety," Langenhorst adds, "we don't get it back."

The seminar will be in the main pavilion at New Baden Park. For more information, contact Tom Mueller at 588-7770 or Joe Langenhorst at 523-4782.

A meeting about the fate of the Trenton Senior Citizens' organization that was originally planned for last month will take place instead this coming Tuesday. Bad weather precluded the meeting in February.

All members of the Trenton Senior Citizens' organization are urged to attend the group's meeting Tuesday, March 16. The future of the organization might hang in the balance.

According to secretary and charter member Evelyn Thurman, some members have suggested dissolving the organization in light of flagging attendance at monthly meetings and the unwillingness of any members to take over the presidency of the group. Those matters will be discussed at the February 16 meeting.

Thurman is the last surviving charter member of Trenton Senior Citizens and has said she would assume the presidency, but that would create an opening as secretary.

"Some of our members want to dissolve the organization, and I don't want to do that," said Thurman.

Anyone aged 60 and over is eligible for membership. The organization's primary activity is gathering each month for a short meeting, potluck meal, fellowship, and bingo.

Trenton's current Senior Citizens' organization is chartered through the state as it has been since its inception in 1979, so dissolving the organization may not be as simple as it seems.

"We've tried and tried to increase our membership, but we're having a hard time getting new members," said Thurman.

The group meets the third Tuesday of each month at the Trenton Masonic Lodge (downstairs). The March 16 meeting will begin at 6 p.m.

The alphabetical division of potluck items for the supper has changed, Thurman said, to more evenly distribute the items members bring.

For March 16, A-I Dessert; J-S Salad; T-Z Vegetable.

As TrentonFest 2009 fades into memory, picnic organizers have already begun to plan for this year's event, scheduled for Friday, September 10 and Saturday, September 11. They'd like you to join the effort while the 2010 TrentonFest is still in the idea stage.

"We have great participation when it comes to people working at the event," said TrentonFest committee member Brent Woods. "We would like to see some more citizens get involved in the planning process."

TrentonFest committee chairman Phil Schmitt puts it more bluntly. "If you have an idea, we want to talk to you," said Schmitt.

Proceeds from TrentonFest benefit the park, with profits split between the Trenton Park Boosters organization and the Trenton Municipal Pool Foundation. It is not necessary to belong to either group in order to help on the TrentonFest committee.

2010 will be the fifth year for the event, which was spawned from the 2005 Trenton Sesquicentennial celebration.

Woods, an Odin native, said he has found rewards in his own life through his participation. "It's a great way to meet people," Woods said, "and the commitment is less than one might think. It's basically a meeting a month."

The TrentonFest committee meets the third Wednesday of each month from February through October.

To get involved, citizens are encouraged to contact Phil Schmitt by email at pschmitt1@sbcglobal.net, or simply show up at the next meeting, Wednesday, March 17. Meetings start at 7 p.m. on the second floor of the Trenton Police Station (corner of South Washington and West Indiana).

-1910-

The new millinery store of Miss Jeanette See will be open to the public Monday.

Born to Louis Markus and wife a son Monday, and a daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Matt Mueller Tuesday.

The marriage of John Boeckmann to Miss Edna Hartmann took place in Belleville Tuesday.

The pedal on the school organ broke and the sixth room and high school are deprived of the melodious notes as an accompaniment to their singing. Any contributions to a new piano will be thankfully received.

Mrs. Clemens Rakel died Sunday at her home near Aviston.

Mrs. B.H. Poelker, 89, died Friday at the home of Clemens Kiefer in Aviston.

-1920-

Peter Sennerich died at his home east of this city Thursday at the age of 49.

One of the worst storms of the winter came Thursday. It leaves the roads in bad condition.

At a special election in Lebanon the proposition to increase school taxes carried 391 to 21. The teachers in Lebanon struck for more money on January 12 and went back to teaching with the understanding that a special election be held.

Frank Lueke, Aviston farmer, died Wednesday at the age of 65.

-1930-

Adam Junker, County Clerk of Clinton County for the past 24 years, died suddenly Tuesday. He was 77 and was in St. Louis viewing the remains of Mrs. Geo Kniepmann, formerly of Aviston, when he died.

Several farmers have begun cutting stalks, preparing to get the ground ready for sowing oats.

March did not come in like a lamb as a good many got rosy cheeks while traveling and facing the wind.

Centralia captured the district tournament at Carlyle by defeating Dix in the finals. Trenton lost to Greenville in the first round.

-1940-

Jacob Vaninger died February 29 at a hospital. in Belleville. He was 68 and had farmed south of town for many years.

Charles Lee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Lee, and Miss Elizabeth McCutcheon of Harrisburg were married in St. Louis Friday evening.

Bernard Vieth, 25 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ben Vieth of New Baden, died Thursday after a lingering illness.

Frank Schuette of St. Rose, the owner of a chain of grocery stores known as the Califo Stores, appeared before the Commercial Club with a proposition to establish a modern cheese factory here.

Sylvester McDonald, aged about 84 years, was found dead in bed at his home Monday morning by Otto Hoffmann.

Mrs. Charles Cryder, nee Katherine Crepps, died at her home in Summerfield Monday at the age of 74. Her first husband was the late William Graesser.

-1950-

Edward Deddens was elected commander of Trenton Post 7983 of the V.F.W. G.C. Mueller is the retiring commander.

Mrs. Lizzie Kunz, nee Mugele, died at her home in Trenton Wednesday at the age of 83.

The Zion E & R Church in New Baden was damaged considerably by fire Thursday with a conservative estimate of $15,000 in losses.

Mrs. Susan Wolf, nee Ziegler, one of the oldest citizens in Trenton, died March 5 at the age of 85.

John Jennings, retired coal miner, died Sunday at his home in New Baden, aged 63 years.

Alvin Huber, former resident of Trenton, died suddenly in Granite City.

-1960-

Patrick Gilmartin, native of Trenton, died Friday in East St. Louis at the age of 82.

Miss Sharon Richards and Leonard Stovall Jr. were married at the home of the bridegroom in Belleville March 3.

Mrs. Julius Weil, nee Bertha Perschbacher, died March 4. She resided on rural route 2, Lebanon.

Arthur Seewald, founder of the telephone service in Summerfield, died Thursday, six days short of his 95th birthday.

Henry Wilken of New Baden died Wednesday at the age of 75.

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Cryder celebrated their golden wedding anniversary Sunday with a family gathering.

Robert Roth, native of Summerfield, died at his home in O'Fallon Friday, aged 80 years.

Daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bob Haselhorst, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Jansen, and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Usselmann, and a son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Toennies, all of Aviston.

-1970-

Mrs. Warren Wille, nee Naomi Dittmer, died in St. Elizabeth Hospital, Granite City, at the age of 48.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kohlbrecher at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Belleville.

Leroy Zurliene, son of Mr. and Mrs. Al Zurliene of rural route 1 Highland, was fatally injured in a one-car accident four miles south of Highland.

Mrs. Henry Lampe, nee Anna Thien of Aviston, died March 9 at the age of 87.

Mrs. Frances Grapperhaus of St. Rose, aged 78, died last Wednesday.

Mrs. Helen Spihlman, long-time bank employee, retired on March 14.

-1980-

The Wesclin Drama Club will present their spring musical, "Li'l Abner," this weekend.

Mrs. M.P. Dilley, nee Esther Ritzheimer, died March 2 at the age of 77.

Pyramid investment clubs are blooming in the area and the Attorney General of Illinois said the plan violates the law.

Mineral Area College sophomore Russ Schoene has been named to the Midwest Junior College Athletic Conference All-Star team.

Project Bread of Trenton has its first birthday March 12. There are 224 registered members and 8,663 meals have been served.

Lebanon defeated Wesclin 73-67 to win the Greenville Class A regional.

-1990-

Wesclin routed Lebanon 100-63 and Vandalia 87-49 to sweep through the Vandalia sectional. They will not play in the Charleston supersectional for the right to advance the "elite eight" of the state tournament in Champaign.

Eastern Illinois University basketball player and Trenton native Barb Perkes has been named to the GTE District V Academic team, which honors student-athletes for excellence in the classroom and on the court. Perkes is the Lady Panthers' all time leading scorer and carries a 3.44 grade point average.

A son, Kevin Andrew was born to Tim and Mary Jo Miller.

A daughter, Katrina Elise, was born to Dave and Karen, nee Fiedler, Moss.

Margaret Ann Montague, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Montague of Windsor, Illinois, and Scott Billhartz, son of Karen Billhartz of New Baden have announce their engagement.

-2000-

Jessica Scott and James Irvin of Trenton announce the birth of a son, Nicholas Alexander James Irvin, born Saturday, March 4.

Dana Quitmeyer, daughter of Michael and Carol Quitmeyer of Trenton, is engaged to Bradley White of St. Charles, Missouri.

Marie B. Rensing, 79, of New Baden died Thursday, March 2 at MarKa Nursing Home in Mascoutah.

Wesclin seniors Kristy Griesbaum and Matt Koerber both participated in the McKendree College Presidential Scholarship competition recently.

Carlos Nunez, 70, of Fairview Heights, died Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at Memorial Hospital in Belleville. He was born March 14, 1939 in East St. Louis. His mother, Antonia Webster, nee Ruiz, preceded him in death, along with a brother, Robert Nunez; and two sisters, Lucy and Helen Nunez. He is survived by his wife, Leah Nunez, nee Van Hoose; two children, Tony (Sandy) Nunez of Trenton, and Lisa (Brian) Safarian of Belleville; six grandchildren, Jordyn, Alonzo and Lauryn Nunez, all of Trenton, and Jacob, Andrew and Rachel Safarian, all of Belleville; a special niece, Jenny (Jeremy) Dodt of Swansea; a brother, Joe (Verna) Nunez of Fairview Heights; mother-in-law Leah Van Hoose of Fairview Heights; sister-in-law Vanna Burger of Fairview Heights; and nieces and nephews, Kim, Tammy, Mando, Ramona, Fred and Maria. Mr. Nunez worked at Crown Cork and Seal for 36 years. He was a member of Caseyville Moose Lodge #4 and was in the Illinois National Guard. He loved horseshoes, fishing and most of all, spending time with his grandchildren. Mr. Nunez was cremated in keeping with his wishes. There will be a memorial service Saturday, March 13 at Kassly Mortuary Chapel in Fairview Heights. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the service at 1 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences to kasslyfuneral.com

Scott A. Wernle, 45, of Highland, died Sunday, March 7, 2010 at St. Joseph Hospital in Highland. He was born October 30, 1964 in Highland, son of Wayne and Maxine Wernle, nee Henschen, and his mother survives in New Douglas. He married Linda P. Mannhard May 4, 1990 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Trenton, and she survives at home. Also surviving are two sons, Jacob Edward Wernle and Jared Wayne Wernle, at home; three brothers, Kevin (Sharon) Wernle of Gillespie, Dennis Wernle of New Douglas, and Bryan (Nikki) Wernle of Trenton; a sister, Laurie Ann (Keith) Vosholler of Sorento; his mother- and father-in-law, Eileen, nee Landolt, and Paul Mannhard; a brother-in-law, James (Kathy) Mannhard, two sisters-in-law, Diane Mannhard and Carole Mannhard; two nephews, Kyle Roberts and Nicholas Mannhard, and three nieces, Victoria "Tori" Wernle, Stephanie Wernle, and Jorja Wernle. Mr. Wernle was a grain farmer. He was a member of Salem United Church of Christ in Alhambra, and Madison County Farm Bureau. The funeral is tomorrow (Thursday) from St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Grantfork. Interment St. Gertrude Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call this evening from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and tomorrow from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland. Memorials may be made to the family, for his children's education fund.

Condolences to spengel-boulanger.com