“Shout for JOY to the Lord” Psalm 100:1

Last Saturday night I saw an urgent post by Councilman Karl Eikenberg inviting others who had decorated their vehicles to join him in driving around town in a parade of lights. Karl stated that we need to “bring hope back, especially to our children and the older adults.” Mr. Eikenberg wrote that “the community needs the light of hope. The hope of Jesus Christ.” “So, I will shine my light around the town. Come, join me, the more the merrier.” Later, I saw a wonderful video taken in the city park near the big pine tree that Southeast Colorado Power Association employees, Jose Ramos and Jacob Barnes, had decorated beautifully from a cherry picker bucket. I don’t know who the photographer was, but he or she captured the “magical” beauty of the night as the snow began to softly fall. As the cars slowly drove by, Santa appeared with young helpers who handed sacks of gifts through the windows to the wistful little ones. It was heartwarming to see the smiling parents and precious little children looking out to Santa. Hopefully the many adult and teenage planners for this day-night event were able to see that at least one of their plans had come to fruition because we knew that they were sorely disappointed when the event was canceled at the last minute due to state and local COVID-19 restrictions.

I remember that while Karl was growing up on the west side of Haswell, his family used to have such pretty Christmas light decorations on their home. After high school in Eads, he relocated to the Greeley area. However, we have been blessed since he moved back to Eads, and now still carries on the family tradition of spectacular light decorations around his home on Rittgers Street. Most striking is the huge silver cross in lights, and a massive United States flag in red, white, and blue lights, plus other added attractions.

We were disappointed for the vendors who had planned to sell their wares along Maine Street ,and wondered what did they do with all the foods and products they had planned to offer?

Among the happy times about town, there are families who are mourning the loss of loved ones. Our sympathy is offered to Louis and Dawn James and families whose brother, Keith James of Karval, died from brain cancer complications. Elda (Davis) Stavely’s graveside service was held at the Haswell Cemetery December 14. She was the mother of six children and still a lively lady at age 93. During the past week, we also heard the report that Bunnie Larrew had died in Lamar. She was pleased to be the longest living resident in Prairie Pines Assisted Living Center so she will be missed. It is sad for us teachers when we hear of the death of our former students. Last week, Mike Wyckoff, formerly of Arlington, died after a long illness this year. John Negley called to say that Mike’s service would be streamed through Peacock Funeral Home in La Junta Monday.

Another well-known country singer died last week, Charlie Pride. Before my brother, Dwight, went to Vietnam, he listened to mostly to rock and roll kinds of music, but where he returned, his reel-to-reel tape recorder reverberated our home with Charlie Pride songs. 

Jan Richards sent some of us a virtual video of slides and speakers of leaders in the design, remodeling, and renovation of the three store buildings on Maine Street in Eads, which have now become the new Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site visitor center and the Eads Senior Citizens building. Commissioner Donald Oswald made the opening statement. It was good to hear Alexa Roberts, who has retired but is still eager to share about the history of the restorative work. Architect Belinda Zink showed slides of before and after work by the contractors on the offices, meeting rooms, kitchen, and three stories of the twenty-year project. Janet Frederick of the National Park Service talked about some of their work since she began in 2008, and that they will have an open house in the future to welcome people to see the lovely office building. Jan Richards stated at the end of the program that she had hoped Cindy McLoud would be online for remarks and for us to say thank you for the extensive work she did to write grants to pay for this very this impressive restoration that will bring much pleasure to people in the future.

The schools in the county have recessed until January, so be aware that students may be playing or walking around the community. If readers are able to drive around town, I have heard that people have decorated homes more than usual. There are six homes in Eads which won prize money for their beautiful light displays. Winners of the train theme were 1^st—Deborah Kliesen, 2^nd—Randy and Rhonda Bohlander, and 3^rd—Cardon and Joyce Berry. Winners of the general display were 1^st - Chris and Tammy Pennrell, 2^nd J. D. and Lacy Van Campen, and 3^rd—Keith and Jennifer Crow.

Paul, Glenda, and Colby Stoker of Haswell, and Brooklyn Jones went to Denver International Airport to bring their son, Blake, home from the Fort Benning, Georgia, Army Base for his furlough. Now that was a joyous reunion.