“Joy to the World’’

The Eads Elementary School Christmas concert Thursday evening was so marvelous. It always is just so wonderful and heartwarming to see and hear all those precious little children on stage. They are so blessed to have their outstanding music teacher, Monica (Fell) Uhland. After the concert, I heard one man say to another man, “How does Monica control all those children at one time?” The other man said, “I don’t know how, but she sure does!” We do so appreciate Mrs. Uhland and the other teachers who are Ciarra McCracken, Jessica Millspaugh, Gay Uhland, Polly Gyrman, Kayla McLoud, Alicia James, Chelsea Davis, and Sharon Wilson. It is such a pleasure to see how the students sing with very synchronized hand motions and terrific volume and good diction. They were in bright dress-up clothing. Superintendent Glenn Smith greeted the capacity crowd of families and friends and commended the teachers and students.

The Chamber of Commerce met last Tuesday rather than the first Wednesday of the month so they could help prepare for the Firefighter’s chili supper at the fire station. There was a capacity crowd in both big rooms where people had placed many tables and chairs. One fire truck was parked inside where Santa Claus sat for photos and visited with the little ones. Then I (representing the Chamber of Commerce), had the pleasure to give them their sack of peanuts, candies, and oranges. What a delightful tradition we have had in Eads for many years! Thank you to Brandi Turcotte Barnes for taking photos of children, families, and some adults with that nice Santa Claus man!

People have been signing up at some Chamber of Commerce business member businesses. Those who have won weekly Eads Bucks include Kelly Hebberd and Tonya Lane.

When we left the chili supper, we certainly did appreciate being escorted out in the darkness to my van by Sheriff’s Deputy Avery Snover. I am, and we, are so thankful that Avery chose to return to serve in Kiowa County. He has always been such a blessing to our community because of his servant heart. I am particularly remembering the long, hot hours he spent in the Eads Eagle mascot costume, and when he was Santa for the nursing home residents.

Chamber Treasurer Brandon Hoffman reported that many hundreds and hundreds of Eads Bucks have been purchased this holiday season. A person who wants to buy Eads Bucks for gifts can buy those at the 911 Shop on Highway 287 from Brandon or Angela.

Congratulations to Coach Gail Crawford of Eads, who has been announced as one of seven people to be inducted into the 59^th Hall of Fame class on April 17, 2023, in Ciele Castle Pines. Family and friends can buy tickets for the reception and banquet by calling the Colorado High School Activities Association, or online. Mr. Crawford’s remarkable career also brought five state championships to Eads High School. Many Eads Eagle fans will remember attending those exciting those state championship games: football - 1998, girls basketball - 1984, 1993, and 1994, and track in 1976. Gail and his wife, LaDonna, have three adult children, Mike, Shelley, and Monte. Besides being a fine educator, Gail was also our high school principal for several years. He particularly enjoys playing golf in his retirement years with friends and his son, Mike.

Glenda Stoker, my niece, brought me some photos of my great great nephew, Stetson Jett. He was born in November in Kentucky, where he and his parents, Blake and Kodie, live.

It was nice to have Judy (Bontrager) Beeson of Stratton visit Trinity Lutheran in Kit Carson this several times fall. She brought Good Samaritan boxes to us, which we and some families from the United Methodist Church brought. Currently, some of us are filling bags with gifts for the “Angel Tree” program. I like to do that. I remember the good feeling of receiving gifts. I often remember when I was 12 years old in the polio ward that Mabel Yost sent me seven gifts, one to open each day of the week. I think she was a daughter of the Crow family. How kind! 

Nicole (Smith) Kepler of Eads is such a multi-talented young lady who is a mother of four little girls. She is the friendly efficient clerk in Crow’s Stop and Shop grocery store. I knew she was a good flautist and singer also, but I was so pleased to see her artistic talent at Merry on Maine. As a member of the Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center board she was painting faces! When I first saw little Caroline Buck’s pretty painted face, I thought, “Hmmm, that is an attractive new style.” Nicole is blessed to have a helpful husband, Chris Keplar.

Last week’s Kiowa County Press cover had a photo featuring the Plains Theatre marquee advertising the talent show with a 20-page coloring book inside. People are still talking about all that wonderful talent show, and the great parade of lights led by Karl and Sara Eikenberg.

Senior citizens are invited to the Eads Senior Citizen Christmas lunch  Wednesday, December 21.

Living joyfully!