“God is our refuge and strength. And ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear.” Psalm 46:1-2 

Some Eads senior citizens met for their December brunch last week. Unfortunately, this was the last time they can gather for a meal this year because of the rules for the COVID-19 virus. Some senior people say they would rather have their December noon lunch and continue to enjoy life! But they will obey. Several of us were blessed to have the delicious foods delivered to us. Gail Voss prepared a French toast bake, and I recognized Joyce Berry’s wonderful coffee cake. They sent fruits, cinnamon rolls and other delicious foods. Before the brunch, Nick Johnson and his crew from the courthouse maintenance staff came to move the dishwasher to our new center across the street, but Gail told them only if you come after brunch to wash all the dishes. For some reason they left. (smiling)

Congratulations to Mike Lening of Brandon, who was chosen by the Republican Vacancy Committee to fill the position on the Board of County Commissioners for the east end of the county left by the death of Richard Scott. Party Chairman Terry Laird was pleased to have seven or more people call to say they would be interested in serving as a commissioner. Mr. Lening has served on several boards, including the Prairie Pines Assisted Living, bank boards, Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation and, as I remember, the Plainview School Board. He is a gracious man.

We often hear praise and acknowledgement of medical staffs on our national news. Last week, I experience communication on telemedicine on the phone with my provider. It is better than going out in the cold to the clinic. One can talk to your favored provider, plus Kourtney Richards, who is also a patient educator. In addition, Nurse Taran Muehlbauer even came over and we talked on our phones through my ramp window. The night before, Gloria Trosper came in her “hazmat” uniform to test me plus the fact that she was working at least two and a half hours after her usual schedule. Dear readers, our local doctors, providers, nurses, C.N.A.’s, dietary, housekeeping and office employees have been going way beyond our expectations and we are so grateful! I know that the Weisbrod and Prairie Pines Assisted Living employees make sacrifices for us by not going to their usual family and friend gatherings, ball games, shopping, church, and other places because they strive to keep the residents and patients of Weisbrod and Prairie Pines safe.

At this point, plans for the Merry on Maine event December 12 may be modified because we are now in Level Red restrictions due to the spread of COVID-19 in the county. Betsy Barnett reported that we cannot have movies in December, but we can buy ice cream at the Maine Scoop. However, I would think since it is outside, surely Santa will come to town on the railroad at about 11:00 a.m. So, citizens, maybe just come to Maine Street to see what fun activities materialize next Saturday. People who plan to be in the Parade of Lights will be lining up near Prairie Pines Assisted Living Center around 4:00 pm.

Sadly, there will not be the traditional Christmas Cantata December 13. Maybe next year. There is always hope.

Another good thing about living in our small town is that if you are a shut-in or not well, the businesses will deliver goods and prescriptions from the Kiowa HealthMart, Crow’s Stop and Shop, and Eads NAPA store to town homes. The five restaurants prepare take-out meals. Last Monday, I took my Chinese Canadian guest, Ying, to Brandon Hoffman’s shop where he bent the push handle on her cart to make it easier for her as she walks across America. 

Several of our dear friends had major surgeries in the cities last week, but they are now back in Eads recuperating.

Bernice Criswell Carlock of Swink called me last week to say she enjoys reading our local papers. Bernice graduated in 1947 from Eads High School. Since she went to school in Galatia, she was thrilled to get to visit that building, which is now the Eads Golf Course clubhouse. She didn’t know that, at one time in the early 1960’s, that schoolhouse was on the Eads campus near where the bus barn and Future Farmers of America building is now. I told her that we called it the “Alamo.” I remember team teaching out there with Richard Decker. Richard was also our band instructor and later married Arlene Schleining. 

Last Sunday at church we were so sad to hear prayers asked for Eric and Mary Steiner for the loss of their son, Richard. He was living near them in Nebraska. This was a shock for their family and friends, particularly those around Kit Carson, Eads, and Cheyenne Wells. We must always remember that there is always hope.

There are some very pretty homes decorated in holiday lights about town. Last week, some of the Future Business Leaders of America students from the high school helped some of the businesses with their decorations. It is a good thing that our school encourages students to help with service projects.

If you are a person who plans to donate a gift for Children’s Angel Tree project, the gifts need to be at the Social Services office by Friday, December 11, at 4:00 p.m. Thank you, this makes children and teenagers so happy.