“The Lord gives wisdom.” Proverbs 2: 6

One of the delightful highlights of July 4 was the Kid’s Parade down Maine Street in Eads, then they turned at Crow’s Stop and Shop and Kiowa Drug Pharmacy on 12^th Street and back around to the town park, where there was food and entertaining games the play. Bob Alfano, bless his heart, drove the tractor pulling children in little white barrels as he wound around the blocks until after 2:00 p.m. It is so important the give kids happy memories. The Sheriff’s deputies in vehicles with flashing red and blue lights, and some big loud fire trucks led the parade of children and some parents or caretakers as the parade wound around. I wish I knew the names of the wonderful organizers, but they were too quick for me to recognize as they hopped out of police cars to pick up orange warning cones. Thank you to those ladies and men who did the work to organize the food and play time as well as the corn hole tournament.

Although the traditional July 4^th fireworks was delayed until the night of July 5, it was surprising how many people were setting off fireworks around town. The firefighters had a fine fireworks show. I don’t know how they set off so many fireworks because it rained a lot.

For many years, the Haswell Community has had a wonderful potluck suppers and fireworks at the Haswell community building, which is the former elementary school. Pam Lessenden showed me many photos of the adults and lots of children enjoying the evening. One of the best was of her father and his brother, both in their 80’s, on the swings and then trying out the tall teeter totter. They decided not to go down the slipper slide. I remember many wonderful evenings in past years when my parents and I enjoyed the hospitality of the Haswell folk and their great potluck meals.

I speak for many people who went last week to the movie, “Sound of Freedom,” which was paid for by the Praise Community Church in Eads. When I went Thursday, the Plains Theatre was really filled with a big audience from Eads and many neighboring towns. Many people came expecting to pay, but it was free. I wish there had been a donation basket there, because many of us came with money in our hands. The movie was well presented on this true story, but it leaves one with a sick, fearful feeling for our little children about what could happen to them - how quickly they could be kidnapped off a street, in a park, or even their homes. It must be really stressful to be a parent in this day and age in America. The Lord warns us in the Bible that near the end of time, people will become worse than Sodom and Gomorrah. All of us need to be aware of what could happen to our precious children and teenagers, and also the dangers of the use of cell phones. Thank you Praise Community Church leaders for this service to help us be more aware and cautious for the care of all children and youth. Deputy Marlow says if you see something suspicious, call the Sheriff’s office at 719-438-5411.

Tim Hier had a super block party July 4. He left posters at homes near him, and invited seniors from the coffee hour and exercises classes. Friends told me that Tim and his grandson served great hamburgers, hotdogs, and desserts, plus guests brought foods. They even had a dance floor. Wow, what fun.

Last Thursday was our monthly brunch at the Eads Senior Citizen Center, where we had good food and fellowship. We are looking forward to the fried chicken dinner July 19. The senior center continues to be rented out for reunions, parties, and events.

I explored Joey’s Tacos, a new eating place that is in the former Demitasse building in Eads. Someone has painted wonderful red chili designs on the windows. Probably our local artist, Shelly Meyers, who paints such wonderful designs on storefront windows. Jose Hernandez and sons serve foods from their black trailer truck, and then people can eat at the nice new glass top tables outside, or carry their food elsewhere.

Next door is the large new building that the Nathan and Holly Mitchel family has built. They say that it is so beautiful inside. Weston Meardon has his Insurance office on the north side, and Kelli Rouse is setting up her beauty salon inside. There are other spaces for rent I understand.

The July 6 storm near Haswell has really been in the news. Meteorologist Brian Bledsoe of KKTV showed Michael Zimmerman’s photo of four hail stones the size of the baseball shown with them. Zimmerman’s family lives eight miles north of Haswell up the Galatea road. Paul Stoker likes to study storms. When he drove around, he counted 16 storm chaser vehicles on the road. There has been 20 inches of rain at my relatives’ farm in the Prairie Queen community.

Congratulations and best wishes the Remington Brandt and Cory Miller who have an electric business in Eads. We do so appreciate these hard working young men who chose to return the Eads after their education.

“God’s children are not for sale!” Tim Ballard.