The psalmist wrote. “In my distress, I cried to the Lord. And He heard me.:” Psalm 120:1 (KJV)

The Thought of the Day February 4, 2025, was “My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.” (Psalm 63:8. NRSVUE)

When I contemplate those Psalm verses above, I recall that sometimes I do call out to God when I am startled or afraid. And I do get answers from Him. (If I am around other people or a person, I quickly tell them that I am not cursing God, but calling out to Him - God.)

The leaders at Kit Carson School made a very good and patriotic decision again when they had a school assembly to honor five veterans. The Kit Carson seniors made the oral presentations about the five men who were honored to receive handmade patriotic quilts by local quilter Mary Rhoades of Kit Carson. Since Mrs. Rhoades had to work in Lamar that day, Carole Spady of Haswell of the Colorado Prairie Quilters, traveled to Kit Carson to explain more about the program “Quilts of Valor.” Mary had written the military history. Senior Gunner Randel welcomed the students and people who came to enjoy and celebrate these veterans. Senior Josiah Irwin introduced Rex Ball, who enlisted in the Marine Corps out of high school in 1977 until 1982 after sailing to many countries, including Japan, Okinawa, and other islands. Gunner Randel was pleased to introduce his uncle, Frank Heins, who was drafted into the Army in 1965. Although his service was during the Vietnam years, he served at several bases in the USA. Senior Ashlee Koch then introduced Ken Putnam, former Cheyenne County Sheriff, who served from 1967 to 1970 in the Marines during the Vietmam Conflict, served in combat support services on the “jump team,” as a radio operator. Next, Brennan Framel, a senior, introduced Ian DeBono, who served in the Navy from 1966 to 1970 where he was part of the helicopter squads along the Vietnam coastlines, and where his squadron was in charge of search and rescue. He was also part of the Apollo 4 search and rescue team off his ship, Benington. At the end of his service, he was awarded many medals of commendation for his service in Vietnam, search and rescue, armed service, and Navy Meritorious Service award. Mr. DeBono is the father of Kit Carson school principal Gina DeChant. Ashlee Koch then presented Paul Howard, who enlisted in the Navy, traveling on a ship to and from Vietnam. He also sailed to many other countries, including New Zealand and Japan, and to Alaska and stateside before returning to begin a family in Arapoahoe. What a blessing these men have been and still are to those of us who know them.

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The Eads girls basketball team has had some exciting games this year. It would have been nerve wracking to watch the game way down at Kim where, in overtime, Eads won by 11 points.

Verna Gaye (Kelley) Ebright of Eads was honored and remembered by many family members, relatives, and friends at her funeral February 1 in the Eads Community Church. The family appreciates and thanks the friends who came, and those who donated and prepared the meal after the service. Reverend Blacker, former pastor of the Lamar Christian Church, was the minister for Verna’s funeral service. He was well acquainted with Verna since Pastor and Mrs. Blacker live next door to her daughter, Karen and Mike Bryant, in Lamar.

Sunday, we were delighted that Lane and Deborah Gooden came to bring a chapel service with us. We sang hymns from the hymn books that Pearl Hainer gave to Weisbrod Hospital years ago. The Gooden’s always have such meaningful Bible readings for us to discuss and listen to. We had more people come to our church time this month.

Sarah (Seibl) Ferris reported that more people went to the Eads Senior Citizen Center Sunday night to play Bingo. Justin McLoud as the caller brought a lot of humor to the night.

The Eads Chamber of Commerce met last week. Jan Richards presented a rough draft of the scholarship application form, which we modified. We will offer two scholarships to seniors in Eads or Plainview this May. Our emphasis is on trade schools, or a college with a year or two of skill training.

Excitement was high around Eads High School last Monday because our campus was where many schools in Eastern Colorado convened for the Regional Knowledge Bowl. They were vying for placing to compete in the State Knowledge Bowl soon.

Eads senior citizens enjoyed their monthly brunch last Thursday morning. Remember, our noon dinner is the third Wednesday. So, February 19 is our monthly lunch! Our Gail Voss and some ladies have a great meal planned, but seniors can bring a dish or donation.

Denise Nelson, sponsor of Future Business Leaders of America, will have a good repot on the District FBLA competitions soon, as well as Dawn James, sponsor of the Knowledge Bowl teams.

Do support your local school’s sports teams and clubs and school programs. Our local youth and children are precious to us.

Blessings be with you.