“A man who has friends must himself be friendly.” Proverbs 18:24 NKJV

An unknown poet wrote: “I went out to find a friend, but could not find one there, I went out to be a friend and friends were everywhere.” Smile: it takes 72 muscles to frown and only 14 to smile!

Nurses Jodi Stolzenberger, ReNay Crain, and Darci Johnson are planning a Spaghetti Supper Benefit for Leanna (Woods) Collins. It will be on Thursday evening, August 31 at the United Methodist Church. People can enter to use the elevator or they can drive through the alley and helpers will bring the carry-out meal to you. This is such a kind, benevolent service for Leanna. I know from experience that getting treatments for cancer isn’t all covered by insurance to pay travel and other expenses.

LaVerle Kelley had her desire fulfilled for beef since Senior Citizen Director; Gail Voss, prepared a wonderful beef roast with carrots and potatoes dinner for the monthly lunch plus the whole wheat rolls. Responder Eunice Weber came as she usually does to take blood pressures for people. We were happy to have Charlotte Phillips return to dine with us. The guests signed a card and celebrated with Don and Esther McCoin on their 70^th wedding anniversary. When asked to tell the story of how they met there was a lot of laughter and clapping. Gail asked us what we wanted her to cook for the September 20 noon lunch and the unanimous consensus was her tasty chicken fried steaks.

The Sage meal will be September 5 but there will not be a Brunch because of the County Fair activities; however, Gail will bring Barbeque foods from the Fair Grounds both days for those who want to eat in the cool comfort of the center.  

There were two deaths in our community last week. Ruth Adamson passed. She was the wife of David Adamson and the mother of Kay Hollis and Mary Vasquez. Ruth was an elementary school teacher for many years. When she was in Weisbrod I could see that she loved music and counting numbers. She had such a sweet spirit. Ted Dolph was my neighbor for many years while he and Karalyn built two homes in Eads. He was a nice man whose occupation most of his life was driving big semi-trucks.

The September 1 deadline is for Eads High School Alumni to send their $30.00 for the Banquet to Kim Richard’s Office. Those who register will get a big envelope with a thick photo alumni book, cutting board from Shannon Barlow Ellenberger and their name tag. A large group of alumni met last week to finalize plans for an outstanding program and dinner on September 9 at the gym before they go to the street dance or movie or individual parties. Attendees may register in the Multipurpose Room after the parade until the dinner. Kim and Nancy McCracken Walker have ordered some extra meals for first -come-first pay people who are “last minute” in coming to the festivities.

There will be a High School and Middle School Volleyball and Football games in Eads on September 1 with Otis. There will only be a football game on Friday September 8. We are glad to hear that two young men began football practice with the Eads team who are students at Plainview. Our golf team continues to have two to three meets a week and is doing really well for a young team. Justin McLoud is their coach.

Another neat thing during the Fair is that the faith based movie, “All Saints” will be shown on Thursday Friday, and Sunday September 7, 8, and 10. By the previews, it looks to be a humorous and inspiring good movie.

The Fair Board members are working hard to bring innovative fun to the Kiowa County Fair on September 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Yes, five days of barbeques, more food vendors (Thai), games, rodeos, music, dance, decorations, fine exhibits, more vendors under the grandstand, and good times. Names of the Fair Board members are: Bart Michael, Scotty Englehardt, Tearle Lessenden, Areta Laird, Andrew McCracken, Raelynn Riley, and Barbara Scranton.

Jan Richards of the KCEDF office messaged the Chamber of Commerce members last week that the Tri-Oaks Hog Farm of Kiowa County has donated $1,000.00 to help pay for bacon for the two Breakfasts which are free but we surely do appreciate donations in the bucket before people get their plate full of pancakes, eggs, and bacon. “Thank you,” ahead of time.

A. J. and Ciarra McCracken have been advertising the auto and bike show for several months so it is sure to be very fine and large. It is a benefit for Bonnie Morgan who has helped organize the auto shows in the past. Bonnie has been suffering from cancer a long time. I see Rick take her to Weisbrod often in the mornings for tests and treatment.

Most of the students who are going to be in college this fall have already left to enroll or are already there. This is a time of joy, relief, concern, and prayerful thoughts for most families for their children.

I am excited about the Prairie Pines Raffle. This plan is to benefit the senior Assisted Living Center and the people who donate to the cause. $30,000.00, now that would be a fine prize but as I heard one donor say, “I would just be glad for $100.00.” How about you, Reader? Have you bought your raffle ticket? The deadline is September 15.

I met a very attractive lady, Lisa Thomas, in the HealthMart last week. She loves their beautiful gift shop of exquisite glassware and décor items like I do. She said she works in Eads and three other counties to help families and youth who may have various types of problems like education, finances, emotional, behavior, and mental health problems. She can be contacted through Andrea Morgan at the County Health Office on Maine Street.

All these little rain showers have caused the yards to be even more beautiful this year. Some homes that are especially worth a walk around or drive around are: Rick and Bonnie Morgan, Jerry and Tina Adamson , J. C. and Meredith Cordova, Cardon and Joyce Berry, and Lane and Debbie Gooden…who were picking and abundant harvest of pears and gave us a lot of pears to share with others.