“Be on your guard, stand firm in your faith; be courageous; be strong.” I Corinthians 16:13

January 20 was a historic day for many Eads senior citizens since it was the first meal and meeting we had in our new renovated place, which was formerly the Schoggen’s Grocery store. We sat around round tables with blue tablecloths with pretty centerpieces of ceramic snowmen that the ladies in Janice Pfingtson’s ceramic class painted and donated to us. A generous man in our group who has two colors of pickups donated the spiral ham that Gail Voss roasted for us. The new kitchen counters are great for serving the smorgasbord of delicious side dishes and desserts. Madonna Pollreis and Joyce Berry were elected to be the Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. Joyce was commended for her faithful research on details, and was asked to continue checking out the best buys for our center. President Loretta Seibel and LaVerle Kelley shared that some very generous men and women have donated money to us. We are so thankful because now we realize there are many needs that donations can help our center to be more functional. Such as, we need a coat rack, table at the entry, 30-cup stainless steel coffeemaker, entry carpet, and flooring. A committee presented a “Rental Agreement Form” for people who want to rent our center for events such as showers, reunions, birthdays, and anniversaries. The fee is $50 plus $25, which is refundable if the rooms are left cleaned. The brunch will be Thursday, February 3, at 10:00 a.m. The tradition is that Gail Voss, our coordinator, prepares a breakfast main dish and other people who come bring fruits, pastries, egg casseroles, and such foods. Guests can donate $3.00 is they don’t bring a food to share. The noon basket lunch will be February 17, and we do hope that people who may not have come to before will feel comfortable to come to give us a try. We are friendly people, comfortable, and casual. There will be a special meeting February 11 with the county commissioners.

Our sympathy is extended to the families of Keith Uhland, who died a week ago. His services and burial were Saturday. Keith and Bobbie raised four sons, Jeff, Steve, Doug, and Stacy who are all in the farming industry in the community with their wives and children. Keith was a graduate of the class of 1955 whom we enjoyed.

Kindness matters. Let’s do something kind for someone every day.

Cleta Englehardt told me that Wanda Lessenden prepared brisket and the best mashed potatoes and green beans for the Haswell senior citizen evening meal last Wednesday. The ladies brought lots of salads and delicious desserts. They were happy to meet the new lady, Susan, who has bought a home in Haswell which she is renovating all by herself. Susan is from the mountains and she exclaims, “I can see sunrises and sunsets living in Haswell!”

Trevor Randel was home for the holidays to visit his parents, David and Janelle Crow, and extended family members. Trevor has returned to his Marine base.

We have been so eager to go to basketball games. Last week I learned that only 50 people who have signed up can be in our big gym at once. But on the bright side, we can watch the games and wrestling matches streamed on Facebook.

Friday, Claire Prince delivered my “Meals on Wheels,” and I was pleased to get to meet her sons when I rolled out to her Durango. They were excited that Colin would be playing with Eads Middle School that afternoon. I am so glad for streaming video. Claire brought my favorite meal, chicken dijon on wild rice.

Roger Evans was wearing a Purple Heart lapel pin Sunday. When I noticed it, I asked him to bend down so I could see it. It was awarded to him during the war in Vietnam. I could recognize the award pin because my mother received a larger purple heart in a leather type display box for her brother, Hank Pollreis, who died in combat in the South Pacific. Roger said he had one too. Isn’t it wonderful that living men and women who have been in such peril can have a pin of valor to wear while they are living?

Jared Weeks came home from Arcadia, California, to visit his family in Kit Carson and Eads. Friends at Trinity Lutheran Church were so happy to have him return to play the piano for worship services. He has returned to college, where he studies music composition and performance

The Plains Theatre is open again after being closed due to COVID-19 coronavirus rules which caused so many closures. This week, the movie is “Jumanji” that relates to a time in 1869. Do remember that you can buy ice cream cones and other ice cream dishes with various toppings at the Maine Scoop ice cream shop Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

It is so heartwarming to know that Mrs. Sharon (Crow) Wilson’s fifth grade students are writing to a pen pal resident in the Prairie Pines Assisted Living Center. This educational project has brought such joy to the children as well as the elder citizens who write back to the students.

Norm Travis of Burlington, who has spent years in the Babe Ruth Baseball Association from the local level to area level, to Regional level and to National Level, has passed away.  Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

hen I studied the wonderful photo of an old tractor and farmstead near Brandon on the front page of the Kiowa County Press taken by Jeanne (Richards) Sorensen, I thought, “her mother, Ethel Richards, would be pleased to see the composition of the photo.” My artist friend, Ruth Miller, would say, “the tractor has character.”