“May the God of HOPE fill you will all JOY” Romans 15:13

Veteran’s Day was celebrated across America last Thursday, and featured parades, programs, celebrations, and banquets hosted to say “thank you” to our veterans for the sacrifices they endured while serving in the military especially during the last seventy or more years. In Eads, American Legion officers Dan Richards, Roland Sorensen, and Areta Laird welcomed and hosted a large group at their annual banquet. Jennifer Schofield of JJ’s Restaurant catered a delicious dinner served by Stacy Schofield, Kari Splitter and her brothers, Jared and Joel. Speaker Dr. Joseph Carrica of the La Junta office of the Southeast Health Group, told about the many counseling and health services available in Eads, and their offices in six counties. There were several veterans there from Cheyenne County who were equally glad to hear this good news. Junior Vice Commander Richard Devlin highly complemented the Eads American Legion for always having their paperwork and membership up to date. Marty Miller was on hand to accept the gift to commemorate his father, Bob Miller’s, 70 years as a member of the American Legion. Cindy McLoud, grant writer, gave an update on the funds that may come for further improvements on the only WPA wood building still in use in America. Michelle Nelson and Barbara Wroblewski of the Haswell Prairie Quilters spoke for other quilters, Gloria Peck and Carole Spady, about the many quilts that were awarded during the past year, and to whom they were given. These were on display the length of the Community Building. The highlight of the evening was the awarding of a quilt made for Bill Trosper. Don Phfingston, who is in a hospital, and Forrest Frazee, who was in the mountains, will receive their quilts later. Shirley White won the large USA flag drawing. It was a lovely event arranged by Roland Sorensen.

That same evening, Maine Street was lined with many vehicles of people attending the community meeting regarding Xcel Energy’s power project held in the Plains Theatre.

Also Thursday, there was lots of activity around the school at the Karval-Eads basketball games and the Future Busines Leaders of America spaghetti supper. Thanks to Mrs. Denise Nelson’s students.

Excitement is growing for the annual Weisbrod Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar that will be held November 20 at the Kiowa County Community Building in Eads. The Prairie Queen 4-H Club will offer lunch. We are hopeful that many people will come to shop and to buy drawing tickets for many prizes. The gift drawing is how we make money to try to make life better for the residents, so we will appreciate those who shop at our table.

Last Sunday night, the 4-H Council Officer’s mothers prepared and served a wonderful banquet. Those ladies included Gloria Trosper, Melissa Jones, Michelle Nelson, Jodi Stolzenberger, and 4-H Secretary, Krystal Eikenberg. The council officers, Chase Stolzenberger, Alexa Nelson, Katherine Trosper, Clayton Nelson, and Gaige Rittgers, assisted Extension Agent Tearle Lessenden and his assistant, Krystal Eikenberg, to present all the awards. Livestock champions received exquisite belt buckles, and other project champions received $50. The highlight of this evening was the naming of “Outstanding 4-H Members” awards to junior member, Landon Zimmerman; intermediate member, Hailee Trosper; and senior member, Alexa Nelson. Mr. Lessenden read some of the nomination letters for the nominees, which were heartwarming to hear.

Senior citizens who gather Mondays at 2:00 p.m. at the center have good discussions while sipping beverages that our director, Gail Voss, prepares. Remember that the game nights on the first and third Tuesday nights begin at 6:00 p.m. The noon Thanksgiving dinner and meeting is Wednesday, November 17.

The funeral for Donna Heddles was Friday at the Eads United Methodist Church. The next day she was buried in Delta. Donna lived in Lamar for many years, where she raised her four children and was known as an outstanding artist and musician. Donna was a much-loved resident at Prairie Pines for about eight years. Our sympathy is extended to her children and families, and especially to her daughter, Koy (Rick) Glover, of Eads.

Bill Woelk carries my mail into my home most every day. I was astounded to learn that he is nearly 91 years old! He does so many kind deeds for his neighbors. Like last week, there he was out in the dark holding the door open for others to enter the Veteran’s Day banquet.

November 27 is “Small Business Saturday.” Maybe some local businesses will have some specials?

It is time to help decorate the downtown area. Mrs. Denise Nelson’s Future Business Leaders of America members will be out December 2, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sign up at the Town of Eads office if you want to be judged for the home decoration contest, which will be announced during the Merry on Maine celebration December 5. It will be fun to see Santa come into Eads by rail car and take photos with children from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., to bounce around in the Kid’s Zone, eat at a vendor’s booths, and hear the speakers and concert. Come on down to hear the concert and Parade of Lights. The Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center will donate to the library and Little Leaders Learning Center.

The firefighters’ chili community supper is December 7 about 5:00 p.m. in the station in Eads. 

Check on your elderly neighbors, please, they may need help.