The Angel said, “Fear not for I bring you great news of joy…” Luke 2:10

The Eads Elementary School music program, directed last Thursday evening by Monica (Fell) Uhland, was absolutely marvelous! We felt as if the children were ready for New York’s Broadway stage! The parents had dressed their little ones, preschool to fifth grade, in fashionable attire. The 25 kindergarten students could not sing because they were in quarantine. However, their program is re-scheduled. The fifth grade class had the speaking and acting parts for “The Reindeer Whisperer” operetta, which was delightful! Their songs carried a message, like, “words can hurt.” Our community highly acclaims and applauds Mrs. Uhland’s ability to work with all these students and to have them so disciplined that they performed like little professionals. Outstanding! We are so proud of you all!

Jared Weeks’ family flew to California last week to attend his senior recital and graduation from the music college he has attended for four years.

Keith and Jennifer Crow always have such wonderful seasonal decorations outside Crow’s Stop and Shop grocery store. This year, they are even more awesome! Their balloon Santa Claus was featured on the front page of the Kiowa County Press last week, and is taller than the store and we like the furry llama with its pack of gifts.

Several people have inquired about how Gloria Peck is doing. I am glad to report that she can still do some quilting and that she spent Thanksgiving with a few family members. Her son, Kim, has taken a leave of absence from trucking to care for his precious mother.

The county employees had a Christmas party with a great meal, decorations, and drawings for wonderful gifts last Saturday night. The party was a special appreciation from the Commissioner’s Administrative Assistant, Tina Adamson.

When I went to Prairie Pines to visit, I was so impressed to see all the decorations done by the employees. The trees, and especially all the door decorations, are so remarkable.

We extend our sympathy to the family of Bill Koehler, who died last week. His wife, Jackie, and son, Billy, and daughter, Tiffany, and family will miss him.

All week I have been remembering the neat events I saw at the Merry on Maine last Sunday. The Future Business Leaders of America silent auction, displayed by Mrs. Denise Nelson and her FBLA students, attracted me with products from about 25 or more small businesses of the county. Lots of people enjoyed playing “corn hole” on Maine and 13^th Streets, then the dust and wind hit about 2:45 p.m. Those who went to the concert inside the Plains Theatre were so impressed to hear a trio of young girls, Itzi Ramirez, Mia Crow, and Whitlee Specht, as well as Charlie Prince and his cousin, Etta Grace, from Tennessee, singing. Then Charlie’s elder brother, Colin Nelson, played the keyboard. Siblings Reona, Brody, and Waylon Eikenberg sang a traditional Christmas song also. Alicia James and Jamie Crockett sang some favorite of songs of Christmas.

From Kit Carson, Richard and Breanna Echols sang lovely songs with his accompaniment on the guitar and Breanna playing the keyboard. These local musicians were followed by the band of four men from the Pueblo area who sang Christmas songs and a variety of great western songs that were so enjoyed by the audience. Connie Shotton and members of the Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center board had decorated the theatre and stage beautifully for the holidays. Charlie and Mary Vasquez and sons and staff had great foods to buy, and ice cream, too. The ladies at the Monday senior coffee hour told me that there was a small parade last year, so I can only imagine what next year will be like. The Parade of Lights (cars, pick-ups, and a boat) was outstanding for our little town. There were more features of this fun day. I do encourage readers to drive around town at night to see all the beautifully lighted homes and places of businesses.

The senior citizen center in Eads has been rented for several nighttime parties. Last Saturday night was the annual party for bank employees, and Sunday night, it was filled with Prairie Queen 4-H members for their Christmas party.

Many prayers have been prayed for Julie (Michael) Zimmerman, who has been in a Colorado Springs hospital with COVID-19.

When I returned from Advent services in Kit Carson Wednesday night, I saw many cars parked on Maine Street of people attending the movie “God is Not Dead.”

Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Eads Eagles will be playing each night in the Lamar holiday basketball tournament. Last week, they traveled to Kansas for the Border Wars basketball tournament. Readers, you may hear the games broadcast on Lamar radio stations. 

What a pleasure it is to shop in Cindy McLoud’s shop on Highway 287 in Eads. She also has products consigned by other local artisans or collectors. The Kiowa Pharmacy, NAPA, and Crow’s Stop and Shop have many lovely and desirable gifts. Shop local is the key. One can buy Eads Bucks from Marilyn Baxter at her insurance agency on Highway 287 and Maine to give as gifts.

Last Friday night, there was a big turn-out of folk for the Haswell Christmas potluck supper and festivities. Santa Claus and the treat sacks were a hit!

Thank you to Shelly Myers for painting Christmas designs on business windows.

Let’s spread joy to others.