“In everything, give thanks” I Thessalonians 5:1I

The Eads Consumers Supply Company annual meeting was hosted June 23 at the Kiowa County Community Building in Eads. Two men from Lucky’s Barbeque in Lamar served a whole pig that was roasted brown from head to hoof which was lying across the serving table with an apple in its mouth and surrounded by greenery and colorful peppers. The men served cheesy potatoes and wide Italian green beans. Diners brought salads and an array of desserts. The officers, Randy Carney, Ed Jones, Jeff Salibury, and Jayce Negley, each had a part in the business meeting. General Manager Mandy Adamson explained the financial report. She said that, for the first time in her 30 years of working for the CO-OP, they have experienced some financial loss from unscrupulous patrons. It seemed to me that they are just plain crooks, and Mandy said she doesn’t think that it is caused by local people. It is a “headache and a heartache” for this wonderful woman to deal with. We people of the Kiowa County do thank Mandy Adamson for her many years of dedicated work for the CO-OP. The local citizens and the hundreds of travelers who stop in Eads for gas and food appreciate Mandy (Weirich) Adamson’s fine leadership. Jeff Salisbury introduced and thanked all the employees. Most of the 25 employees were at the dinner. The evening ended with many guests receiving some quite fabulous prizes from the drawing.

One of the next big community events will be the Independence Day Kids Parade Monday, July 4 at 10:00 a.m. on Maine Street around 12^th Street to the Eads City Park, where people can find foods, vendor booths, play areas for children and the park equipment till 1:00 p.m.

Former graduates attended the June 23 alumni meeting at Eads High School to hear reports and progress of plans for the September 9-10 all-school reunion. We appreciate that Ken and Debbie (Price) Baker drive all the way from Pueblo for these meetings. Brenda (Addington) Stoker reported for the Silent Auction Committee, which has received donations to be offered over the internet and during the county fair, and are on display in the Eads Senior Citizens Center. Brenda, Shannon (Barlow) Ellenberger and I will have form copies with us for auction donors who want to donate items to buy so we can build the scholarship fund. The Corn Hole tournament is being organized, food vendors, photo booths, and merchandise can also be pre-ordered, especially if people want the clothing or hats to be personalized. It all sounds exciting. Lots of ideas are in the works.

Breanna Wilson is to be congratulated on being elected to be a state Future Business Leaders of America officer. This young lady, who will be a junior at Eads High School, is a “fireball” of action, who brings many good ideas to EHS, and now at the State level. Her parents are Jeff and Barbara Scranton.

Mark your calendars for the annual Maine Street Bash in Eads. Fun is in store for people of all ages. It begins July 30 at 11:00 a.m. with vendors, games, and activities along Maine Street to the DJ music of Trent Rittgers. Fans are looking forward to the return of Jared Weeks of California and Rhett Uhland and his band from Texas. We are excited!

Tom and Juanita (Jacobs) Olsen were sad to hear that her brother, John Jacobs, died June 19. He lived in Nevada near his daughter, Terry Jacobs, and his sons, John Junior and Joe. John will be buried in California beside his wife, the former Joan Thatcher of Kit Carson. John served our nation for many years in the Marines.

Librarians Kemma (Eikenberg ) Alfono and Valorie Briggs are busy making major plans for the annual summer reading program which, will be on four Wednesday afternoons in July. I have observed in the past that this is a wonderful program for children. I suggest that adults pre-register their children so the Librarians can try to have enough supplies.

Last week I saw Terry Aldrich Patterson, local owner of Artsylandcaping, directing Jose Hernandez and his sons, Dominic and Damian, and Vinton Englehardt with his skid-steer loader as they made beautiful transformations around the Weisbrod Hospital grounds. Terry bought the roses, lilies, cactus, and other plants, which they planted among lots and lots of rocks. Vinton moved a surprising amount of rock to cover weed patches, and the men scooped them around the blooming red rose bushes around the north wing of the hospital, the annex, and the clinic and parking lot. It is a lovely sight! I know Sandi Kelley, who was one of the original planters of the rose bushes by the hospital, will be happy to read about this fine landscaping improvement.

The Maine Scoop ice cream store is a popular place Friday to Sunday afternoons and evenings beginning at 4:00 p.m.

Most Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m., I see some residents at Prairie Pines doing “chair exercises” led by Tristen, Bailey or Jami, and I join in. This would be an excellent way for us Americans to keep in shape.

Blake and Kodie Stoker visited me. They are here from his Army base in Kentucky. They were married last November and will have a reception in Haswell July 2. Glenda and Colby Stoker also visited me. I love my growing family. Joy!