“The Lord said: ‘Do not fear, for I am with you.’” Isaiah 41:10 NIV

At the Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation annual meeting, a delicious banquet of roast beef and potatoes with salads and dessert was prepared by Joyce and Cardon Berry. All the tables were filled in the Eads Senior Citizen Center with guests from around the county. Gail Voss’ family members from Eads, Limon, and Wiley secretly slipped in to hear her announced as the Eads Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. The Chamber also announced Matt and Claire Prince as Volunteers of the Year. KCEDF Director Cindy McLoud announced the Business of the Year award to be Matt Prince and the CWC Rail company. Prince commented that this wouldn’t have been possible without his wife, Claire, and employee and friend, Larry Taylor. Stephanie Gonzales of Southeast Colorado Enterprise Development gave an overview presentation on what is being done to develop more housing in the 16 communities in this area. Board members met afterwards to elect officers and get organized for the year. It was good to have Dan and Jan Richards there. Jan was the KCEDF Director for twelve years, and has been a helpful mentor to Cindy.

There was a larger group than usual at the Eads Chamber of Commerce meeting Wednesday. Jess and Jakob Buller were welcomed as new business owners of Buller Mobile Tire. In two months, Jakob has already had many calls for help, new tires, and flats on vehicles and semi-trucks. Jakob also goes right to a ranch or farm to help, and can supply new tires. The members discussed plans for the Kids Fishing Day set for May 15 where the Chamber provides a free lunch. Jan Richards updated us on past years of hosting this event.

Wanda Lessenden hosted her annual Mother’s Day tea at the Haswell Senior Citizen Center Wednesday afternoon. It is always such a delight to enjoy her array of little sandwiches, cookies, candies, and other finger foods along with tea poured out of lovely floral tea pots into dainty cups. When we arrived, the ladies were sharing memorable events related to the topic on their card. Then Carole Spady conducted an entertaining memory game. Thank you to Wanda for such a lovely afternoon where several young and middle-aged women did get to enjoy the time with their daughter.

Thursday morning was the monthly brunch in the Eads Senior Citizen Center. President Sylvia Weeks brought two pretty and very tasty warm bread entrees. Lonnie Heir took home a large empty plate that had held her popular caramel cinnamon rolls. The monthly noon meal will be May 18. Remember to check out Tuesday’s game night at 5:30 p.m.

A huge crowd gathered to watch the superb “Hee Haw” concert Thursday evening that was performed by preschool through fifth grader students at Eads Elementary School who were directed by Mrs. Monica Uhland. When we left, we had the feeling of having attended a Broadway show. They are just so tremendous because of their fine instructor! These children have the chance of a lifetime to perform in “The Jungle Book” June 10-11. The Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center board has arranged for the Missoula Montana University teachers to teach elementary through high school students two times a day after auditions June 6. Personally, I feel that no ball game or job should have a priority over having this opportunity for our children and youth to experience learning from a professional teacher. And what a joy that music is in the movie!

The Lord blessed us with a little rain last week. Oh, what a blessing that is for our land.

This is National Hospital Week, where the employees have brought fun and entertainment for the residents when they wear various costumes, plant flowers and herbs in the patio, a “duck run”, play bingo, little children visitors, and other special happenings occur.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers and grandmothers round about. At the Baccalaureate service at the Praise Church Sunday evening, Lay Pastor Deborah Gooden gave the graduates flowers that they could present to their mothers or someone who was meaningful to them and their growth.

Colby Nicole Stoker of Haswell received her Certificate of Hematology with other graduates at Otero Junior College in La Junta. Next, she will do her internship and then attend college in Greeley. She is the daughter of Paul and Glenda Stoker.

Classmates and friends of Janie (Robertson) Swopes were so sad to read of her death. We do extend our sincere sympathy to her families in Kansas, and her siblings near Chivington: sister, Pam (Rod) Cole and brother, Butch (Brenda) Robertson, and families.

Bill and Charlotte Woelk and relatives in the county celebrated and enjoyed their two high school senior graduates last weekend. Their grandson, Hayden Woelk of Liberty High in Colorado Springs, and nephew Kyler Shalberg from Cheyenne Wells

Every day last week so many families and friends rejoiced with me for reaching my 85^th birthday. I never thought I would live so long, but I have been abundantly blessed. I have a joyful life. I am so grateful to God.