“I will not leave you comfortless.” John 14:16

The key thought here is that no matter how big our problems are, God is bigger. I have learned in my life that if I just stop or pause to pray about it or for direction then the comforting answer comes soon from God.

When our Brenda Leon came from Tribune, Kansas, to the Weisbrod Health employee Christmas party, she brought two stacks of Thanksgiving cards from people who connect to her through the internet. These ladies belong to a group who like to send greeting cards to people in nursing homes. Brenda asked me if I would hand them out, which I did first by writing their names on the envelopes. The second lady’s card had a letter glued inside telling us that she is from Minnesota and enjoyed lots of big family dinner gatherings, and asked us questions to think about or talk about. We do appreciate how so many people around here and from elsewhere do such nice acts of kindness for us.

For many years, the hospital employees have enjoyed a big Christmas party out at the fairgrounds; however, it was in use, so this year the party was at the Eads Senior Citizen Center. They had many fun games, refreshments, and entertainment. In one competition, they decorated four-foot pine trees which have been moved around to decorate the facility and office spaces. We do enjoy seeing them in the hallways and dining spaces. One unique tree in the entry hallway across from Candy Lane’s office which was decorated by Tally (Hansen) Shiro and Tyler Hill, with a rotating Appaloosa horse as the tree topper and ponies at the base of the tree, and western ornaments and a lariat rope around the branches.

A nice surprise Sunday was after Berni Orthe’s family party when they shared the birthday cake they brought from Garden City, Kansas. It was so delicious with a layer of chocolate marble ice cream about four inches thick on a chocolate cake and then decorated beautifully. The next day was her real birthday so, the staff baker, Christina Wolfe, sent a lovely cake for us to enjoy.

We really enjoyed watching the Eads Eagles play basketball on television from the Seibert site. The Eagles won both games by big scores.

The Eads wrestling team wrestled teams at Akron Friday night, then competed in a tournament there Saturday. Reagan Lane is the local wrestling coach for the boys; they are doing well. Brenden Reifschneider is the girls coach for Eads, Wiley, and McClave.

We were so glad to see Gail Voss back at the senior center Monday for coffee hour. She had lots of photos to show us, and stories about their wonderful family time up in South Dakota at the buffalo ranch. Her son, Brett Rusher, manages the big ranch there near the North Dakota state line. Brett’s wife, Stephanie, planned ahead for two weeks of meals plus, Thanksgiving. Gail had a wonderful time with all her children and grandchildren, plus her nephew, Anthony Voss

Each Sunday, it is so special to return from church in Kit Cason and then to have church services in our dining room. Last week, it was with Lane Gooden representing the Praise Community Church. Kent Johnston from Arlington, was the song leader, and Kemma Eikenberg Alfano was the liturgist and sang a solo. The solo was more beautiful to us because Kemma wrote this lovely song. 

The second week of December traditionally begins the Border Wars of basketball games in the Syracuse, Kansas, area. Last Tuesday, the girls and boys competed in Kansas, and will also compete Friday and Saturday night.

The other tradition, Thursday night, the Eads Elementary School concert was performed at the gymnasium to a packed house. We come away from hearing those joyful little people being so thankful that they have such an excellent instructor in Monica Fell Uhland. Mrs. Monica is such a blessing to our students and their families. We are blessed to have this girl from Holly live in Eads.

The Haswell community had their traditional Christmas Party at the Center last week. It was arranged by Michelle Nelson and Pam Lessenden with a bountiful basket supper and activities. The highlight of the evening was the arrival of Santa Claus and a chance for photos and treats with him.

Terry and Areta (Blooding) Laird of Eads went to Denver last weekend to attend a party for military veterans who had taken the “Flight for Veterans” to Washington D.C. during the year. Areta did get to go on Honor Flight 51 this spring. She is eager to encourage other veterans to sign up for this four-day trip that is a flight to the United States Capitol. All housing, meals, and transportation are planned and carried out for the veteran and a guardian.

Charlie Prince is a much loved and liked grade schooler in Eads. Recently, he and his mother flew to New Jersey where he competed in the national finals of martial arts. He won two gold awards and another award.

Hadley (Rittgers) McDowell was hosted with a baby shower last weekend. We are happy for her and Trey.

The Eads senior citizens and Gail Voss are grateful to Konda Howard, who beautifully decorated the whole center. Also, thanks to Brenda Fickenscher who served the December brunch!

Chamber drawing winners: Brenda Ramos Ramiez and Brenda Fickenscher.