Joy to the world!

The weather in Eads for the Sunday “Merry on Maine Street” festival was sunnier and warmer than expected. It was such a lovely happening for those who attended. God really blessed us with more pleasant weather for that day. I was so grateful because I had five meetings and events to attend that afternoon and night, so this is what I remember from my quick exploring the vendor booths. The first vendor who greeted me was the eldest son of Kennan and Ashley Gooden who asked me, “Do you want to buy some peanut clusters I made?” I exclaimed “Yes,” I would buy, more thinking of my three siblings who like them about as much as our father did. Kyton only had one sack left.

At the nearby booth, I was pleased to meet new residents Chad and Trista Tuttle, who moved to Eads from near Colorado Springs. She had a display of Mary Kay items. I remember Chad’s mother, Teri (Bendorf), and her sisters, Trudy Briggs and Linda, were such exuberant cheerleaders for Eads High School. This brings back such good memories. The Tuttle’s daughter, Landri, is a junior at EHS, and their son is a student at West Texas State University. Next, a pretty lady greeted me from her tent surrounded with lots of those pretty cowhide handbags. Then I recognized her voice, Marla Gwinn Darnell. Kelly Courkamp and Dawn James were there with such pretty wall hangings and key rings made from metal pieces of ceilings from historic businesses in Eads.

On the west side of the street were the Kepler girls and Ellie Scott selling baked goods for the benefit of the Karl and Sarah Eikenberg family, whose family suffered a severe fire this fall. In front of the Plains Theatre was Amanda Bogenhagen of Kit Carson with her mother. They had fragrant Scentsy products. There was a long line of people waiting to ride in the horse drawn carriage. The owner may have been from the valley since they were sponsored by Arkansas Valley Vision center. If I remember correctly, that is where Charlie Philpy, formerly of Eads, is the optician doctor. I hear many compliments about our hometown man.

Before I came to Maine Street, Alice Glover told me that Santa came to town on the blue train engine. He sat on the railroad park bench to visit with the little children. Then the Grinch came to town and stole Santa’s Toy Bag. She said that the Sheriff’s Deputies took up the chase. It was comical to watch. I heard that there was a big crowd who went to the firefighters annual chili supper. We had to leave town for a few hours, but we did get to see the parade of lights driving around town. It was a lovely display of lights on vehicles. I don’t know the results of that or the lighted homes, but we do thank the people and youths who decorated homes and paid for all those lights. We do like it, and the efforts and expense that you went to for the people.

Another precious sight I saw was Eads senior, Brianna Scranton-Wilson, sitting on a low chair by a Christmas tree in the senior citizen center south window. Little children were on blankets intently listening to her read stories. Nearby was a display art pieces in a Christmas theme. Viewers could buy domino chips to put their votes in to glasses by the work of art they liked. At the end of the table, Librarian Valorie Briggs was reading a typed story which she said was good. This contest was organized by Brianna, who hopes to be able to purchase art supplies for a department or needy student. What a joy to meet a student who appreciates the arts. She is fortunate to have Denise Nelson as her Future Business Leaders of America sponsor who can guide her to more opportunities.

Many high school fans will be driving to Lamar to the holiday basketball tournament. It such a great place for high school students, and especially college-age students, to come home to visit and, of course, watch their home school play. Dr. Sean Qquist has been one of the hosts and organizers for many years. He loves sports, and has cared for high school student athletes from all over eastern Colorado and western Kansas who have come to his offices in Lamar and Eads for 16 years.

There have been many festive parties in the community, with some at the senior center or community building. Some groups that I know of are the county employees, hospital board and leadership team, the Salvation Army volunteers, the churches, the residents at Prairie Pines Assisted Living Community and Weisbrod Hospital and, no doubt, other groups. We are so blessed to live here in the United States, to be free, and to have the chance to celebrate life and be thankful too.

Roger and Betsy Evans, who live in the hills above Sand Creek, plan to prepare a Christmas lunch at the Kit Carson Senior Center Christmas day for people who don’t have a place to be. It would be nice to RSVP to them.

Eads area senior citizens, do remember the Wednesday noon dinner December 20 at the center.

Merry Christmas to you. It is time for you to make someone happy.