“Be devoted to one another in love” Romans 12:10

Last Saturday afternoon, there was a special outdoor program of tribute in memory of Sue Fox at the dedication of the large outdoor digital announcement board on the brick wall of the Eads School Gymnasium. Sue was a highly respected educator of the high school and elementary special education departments, as well a track coach for many years. She was a co-sponsor for years with Dawn James for both schools, and at state level for the Knowledge Bowl programs. Both Sue’s sons, Jake and Tyler, attended the tribute, and thanked the friends of their mother who donated to make this award happen. Fellow educators, students, school board members and others attended the gathering. Mary Vasquez shared details about how this fine addition came about, then students Jonathan Vasquez and J. D. Campen removed the blue cover to reveal the huge digital sign which also shows photos and Sue’s photos.

While at the dedication, I asked Denise Nelson about what the Future Business Leaders of America accomplished in decorating the down town last week. She told me about the tree forest they set up north of GN Bank. Mrs. Nelson accepted my donation for engraved bulbs for the trees. Mary Ellen Englehardt drove me by the tree forest, which she said was so pretty Sunday night when they drove down Maine Street on the way home from playing cards at the Haswell senior citizen center. The FBLA committee will be judging the winning homes to be announced at the Merry on Maine show December 22.

One evening when I was arranging some flowers on the medical side of Weisbrod, I met the nice weekend doctor. He was Dr. Casey Lyon of the Denver area, who said he “comes out here once a month to work on the weekend.” I think someone needs to show him around town to see what we have to offer here.

Santa and Mrs. Claus made a visit to the Haswell Community Building last weekend for a meal, talks, and photos with the families. Mrs. Claus looked so pretty in her long Scandinavian-decorated skirt and jacket. They had a lovely evening there by the family photos I saw. My favorite part of Haswell social life is to attend Christmas Eve service at the community church.

The most joyful day of any month here at Weisbrod is when our “adopted children,” who are in the third grader, come to visit us and to do activities with us. They were so delighted with the little toy gifts they received, and enjoyed the refreshments that our Director of Activities, Jaton Wallace, and their teacher, Charlene Gifford, gave to them. It was so wonderful to listen to them sing the songs they were going to sing in the school concert. The harmony of their precious little voices brought tears to my eyes and joy to the hearts of the residents.

The Weisbrod Hospital Auxiliary ladies met last week and heard the financial report compiled by Linda Trosper and Diana Flory related to our 2024 Fall Bazaar. We received a profit to continue financing some projects, and gifts to enhance life of people in the extended care unit. We will continue our tradition of hosting a Bingo night with larger money prizes. We are thankful to the vendors and people who came to shop at the bazaar to help us.

Sarah S. Ferris reported that that were more people who came to play Bingo at the senior citizen center Sunday night. The next games are January 5 at 6:00 p.m.

If you are a senior citizen who likes to play cards, do check in with Pam Lessenden for Haswell dates, and with Dana Brown or Gale Voss at Eads.

Carolyn Sampson of Colorado Springs paid me a surprise visit as she was returning to Colorado from Texas. Since her GPS took her through Eads, she decided to find me. She said she visited here when she was 15 and is now an engineer and 45 years old. She has such vivid memories of when she came to Eads with the Air Force cadets several times. Her father was a professor, and officer and sponsor of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She especially recalled times out at LaVerle Kelley’s ranch and farm, and having “country fun” with the teenagers. I was glad to take her to visit LaVerle and to say thank you. I remember that LaVerle had made those yummy cinnamon rolls that her six children and the teens and college students liked. The Kelly’s family hospitality meant so much to those Air Academy cadets. I like the song of the 1950s, “Little Things Mean a Lot.” And isn’t that true in your life too? Like years later you may recall a compliment, award or gift from someone special? Yet you can realize that the gesture of kindness was small, but it left such a positive impression on your life.

Jack Johnson’s funeral was held at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Kit Carson Saturday. A lunch was hosted afterwards for his family and friends to visit.

We had a noon meal last Sunday at the new Kit Carson Mitchek’s café west of the Alive Church. You could order off the menu, but we really enjoyed the pizza bar. It was homemade, quick, and so good.