Proverbs 13:24 “He (parent) who spares his rod hates his son, but he loves him who disciplines him promptly.”

Ms Lindsey Todd, FFA (Future Farmers of America) advisor, and her students hosted an evening dinner for the community during their annual Awards Banquet last Thursday. The format for the evening began with awards in front of black flats, curtains, and balloons framing the awards podium. The students received some awards before the meal was served and then afterwards, which was well received as a nice change. One of the deserving awards was seeing D. L. Weeks being given the “Blue and Gold” award for his 23 years on the FFA Advisory Board and for driving the bus for FFA members to go competitions. “Honorary FFA Adult member” plaques were given to Nancy Walker and Hayden and Shelby Uhland. Ms Todd designated outstanding FFA members by class to be: Hatch Nelson, Jonah Schofield, Hadlie Rittgers, and Mindi Uhland and FFA President, Mariah Smith. The “Star Award” plaques were won by the senior Zach Haase and Ally Spady.

Jim Baxter called me from Anchorage, Alaska, last week. He and his three sons and families are doing well. He said that the best decision he made 30 years ago was to move to Alaska. I do remember that Ken Callison of Lamar used to tell me that if a person is 30 years old and in good health, he should go to Alaska for better opportunities. I know Jim would add “and they should have a good work ethic.”

Tyler Fox, an Eads and University of Colorado-Boulder graduate, was married to a lovely lady, Priya, on a mountain side near Evergreen by his classmate, Dr. Charlie Philpy, formerly of Eads also. The young couple will be living near Washington D.C. Later, they will be moving to Ecuador this year for Priya’s career with the embassy.

Congratulations to Emilee (Weirich) Fagan and Kailey Lane, former Eads graduates, who graduated from Lamar Community College with degrees in science and as registered nurses after they take their state boards.

Richard and Koy Glover hosted the men and women members of the Eads-Kit Carson VFW (Veteran’s of Foreign Wars) Post and Auxiliary members at their home for an evening barbeque. Richard is an excellent cook of grilled pulled pork and pepper chicken that was served with salads and elegant desserts and pineapple homemade ice cream.

During National Hospital Week, Weisbrod in Eads was abuzz with many fun activities and “dress days” that entertained the residents. Jimmy Bendorf was curious “about where the beautiful balloons in the sky Wednesday morning came from?” So, I told him that the third and second grade students released them with their adopted grandparents from the Weisbrod patio. Although it was a bit breezy Friday evening and the balloons where bopping a lot during the evening barbeque, it was a pleasant time for the residents and their families and friends to enjoy the food and listening to Phil Pollreis’ Pony Kidd music. Board President, Priscilla Waggoner, and CEO Char Woelk presented Bob Woods with a gold engraved pocket watch for serving close to 20 years on both types of hospital boards and 30 years for driving ambulances. Ginger (Larrew) McPherson and her Dietary Department staff served sumptuous foods for the guests. Big thanks go to Teri Simmons-Castle and her assistant, Tanya Lane, the Auxiliary ladies and maintenance men who came to set the tables and decorate for the festivities.

It was nice to sit outside for the CLCEC (Crow-Luther Cultural Events Center) meeting Wednesday evening. Our next big project is the Maine Street Bash July 28. Terry Riley told us that the fire department will be setting up fireworks near the railroad intersection. He is a certified pyrotech, so he is excited about the family contest connected with these fireworks.

Wanda Lessenden hosted a lovely (fancy-type) Mother’s Day Tea at the Haswell Community Center Saturday afternoon. I like-love all those dainty cookies and sandwiches she makes. Friday afternoon, the staff at Prairie Pines had a Mother’s Day Tea. Madonna Pollreis and Alice Glover told me that they used pretty china cups and saucers for their choices of tea.

It was so nice that all five county ministers, Spencer Black, Lane Gooden, Mark Imel, Russell Parker, and Ernie Lambright, participated in the annual Baccalaureate service to fellowship and visit with the students and others.

Librarian Kemma (Eikenberg) Alfano and her husband, Bob, were able to “get a way” for a few days while she went to a library meeting. I am glad for her husband, who works at the Love’s establishment, that he has a “hobby enterprise.” It is a small engine repair shop in the historic metal blacksmith building by the railroad.

June 1 is coming quickly when we will celebrate Pansy Foxworthy’s 102^nd birthday. This will be at the Weisbrod Extended Care Unit.

Ashley Gooden and her three darling little boys came by to give me a flyer for taco night that will be Saturday, June 2, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. The event will be to earn money for postage for Samaritan’s Purse boxes, plus listen to live music and have fun. Kenan and Ashley will be this area’s host site at the Praise Community Church to pack and deliver gift boxes to the state center in November.