“Rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.” I Peter 2:1. Every day we can reject destructive habits and experience new life in Jesus.

Thank you to Laura Via, who lives near Kit Carson but works at Weisbrod Hospital and teamed up with Jami Lane Kraft to organize a wonderful 1^st Annual July 4^th Parade of about 53 children and babies dressed in patriotic colors. Some rode in carriages, or on bikes, or in cute little motorized vehicles. The 2017-2018 cheerleaders preceded the parade with and colorful banner. It was quite amazing to see all the vehicles and onlookers parked along the two blocks of Maine Street as they paraded the six-block route back to the play yard park.  It reminded us of the feel of the County Fair Parade that will be September 9. The Play Yard equipment was placed there years ago in memory of Art Blooding, and it has certainly brought lots of joy to children and families.  I saw the Sheriff’s deputies working on the popular Rock Climbing Wall for two days. In the park, there were tents with games and activities for entertainment as well as Debi and Fred Derby’s miniature golf game. There were many other attractions but too many for me to clearly see. It has been years since we have had any kind of event on July 4 except the Fireworks.  People really do appreciate the local firemen who take the time to present this fine show.  Many years ago, Janet (Richards) Fredericks used to arrange some neat happenings on July 4 around the Court House lawn for day and night events.

Shalyn Laird, formerly of Eads, was married to Keith Smith of Greeley last Friday in Longmont. Her cousin, Katie Bost of Denver, made and decorated a lovely tiered cake for the meal and reception. Shalyn is the daughter of Terry and Areta Laird. Since her grandmother, June Blooding, was in the Eads hospital and couldn’t go to the two city festivities, Mary Eikner, Madonna Pollreis, and I went to June’s room to watch the wedding via computer streaming.  When the wedding didn’t start happening as we expected Mary called Terry who said the unexpected happened…the big bus with the large wedding party had broken down so they were calling people from the wedding site come to transport the bridal party back to Longmont. But it all turned out lovely in the end. Praise the Lord.

Congratulations to Tony and Kelli Jensen on their 20^th Wedding Anniversary. They are rejoicing that their son, Rustin’s, hand and arm are healing after a frightening electrical accident during harvest.

Kevan Hebberd and Steve Blythe have a super shaved ice drink stand under a tent at the Road Side Park in Eads. Look for their booth at the Maine Street Bash.

How good to see bikes, toys, and little animals around the former home of Rich and Pam Hockett on 14^th street. This is where Brandon and Tabitha Ferris and three children have moved.

A number of local folk went to Burlington Old Town last weekend to the wedding of Austin Adamson, formerly of Eads, to Miss Robbie Ray of Iliff. Austin is an educator and wrestling coach in Lamar. John and Dawna Weirich met their children at the wedding and thus enjoyed their time even more there. Dawna said that the wedding was outdoors with dining and dancing in the big barn during perfect weather.

The first Thursday of the month brunch was at the Senior Citizen’s Center where the people were invited by Architect Belinda Zink to look at the floor plans for the future Senior Center on the east side of the street. Mrs. Zink, from Fort Collins, was introduced by Commissioner Cindy McLoud. She is a congenial lady who welcomed suggestions for changes and comments.

Teri Castle tells me that the Eads Schools start August 9 so she is going to organize a “Back to School Fashion Show.” Won’t that be fun at Weisbrod ECU?

Boys and girls of several age groups for this area are now traveling for the All-Star Baseball play-offs. It will be good to read the sport reviews.

Robbie Frazee and family from near Houston, Texas, have made their annual trip home to visit his mother, Margaret, and brothers, Forrest and Denny, and families.

Oh, I highly recommend the good Mexican foods and sandwiches one can buy from Charlie and Mary Vasquez on Monday, Tuesdays, and Wednesday at the Main Scoop. Only a few weeks are left and they will be back working at school.

Jenness Kleiboeker Richardson’s committal service was at the Kit Carson Cemetery July 1 with a lunch served at the Trinity Lutheran Church for her families and friends. Her classmate, Tim (Jan) Hogan, provided the guitar music to sing with and her classmate, Ronald (Shirley) White arranged the chairs, and appointments at the cemetery. The Richardson’s Loveland Pastor, Rev. Ed Smith, conducted the service.

At the Prairie Pines Coffee Hour Friday, Donna (Kelley) Heddles’ daughter, Koy Glover of Eads, and Donna’s daughter, Kerri, husband, Gary, and children from Arizona brought varieties of four birthday bundt cakes to serve many tables of guests. Several of Donna’s Presbyterian Church friends came to the party from Lamar also.

The major date of the big Maine Street Bash is Saturday, July 29. It is going to be free from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. where people can explore vendor tables and tents up and down two blocks of Maine. Crow-Luther has lined up food vendors, artisans, horseshoes and Karaoke. There will be two stages of live music. It will be different and good, so do plan to come join or watch the fun. We do have a real need for volunteers to help with different shifts.

July 5 was my best day last week because ,after 24 days of being without my comfortable chair, Andy Ranney returned my good power chair from Colorado Springs with six new tires, batteries, and two new motors. So, as Carla Gifford said, “That was my Day of Independence”. I am grateful to my brothers, Virgil and Dwight, and wives and Betsy Evans for driving me to church in Kit Carson because it is so important in my life to go to church to be with my church family.

Commissioner Donald Oswald heard how much I like homemade ice cream last week and had Mike Arth deliver some strawberry ice cream to me. God and my friends take such good care of me!