About Town – February 26, 2024

Doris Lessenden

Wrestling fans gathered from all over the state in Denver last weekend for three days. We were pleased that our Eads High School senior, Keenan Smith, placed sixth. Since he was unable to wrestle for several weeks because of an injury, fans know that this is a great feat for him. Through the years, I have admired the close friendships and family-like spirit among wrestlers and their fans. They are good sportsmen. Already last week, the district basketball tournament is being played at various sites in the State. We were glad when Nurse Alyssa Hadley Eder set the big screen television so we could watch the games played by Eads, Kit Carson, and Wiley Tuesday afternoon. Eads boys and girls won their games.

Last Saturday, the dining room at Weisbrod was filled with family and friends who came to celebrate Vera Hammons’ birthday. Her daughter, Talara Coen, brought homemade ice cream and homemade raspberry sherbet served with angel food cake and strawberries. She had good time reading her cards, opening gifts, and admiring all the fresh flowers she was gifted.

We extend our sympathy to Laura Negley and her family whose father, Albert Reigel, died in Greeley. He enjoyed visiting in our community.

Chamber of Commerce President Dennis Pearson reminds people that they are welcome to write a letter of nomination for the “Volunteer of the Year” and “Citizen of the Year.” Submit your nominations by March 1 to his office or P.O. Box 163, Eads, CO 81036.

Sharon Scott was entertained for her 80^th birthday February 17 at the Towner Community Building. She is such a good, community-minded lady.

I saw Avery Snover bring an evening meal to a friend at the hospital recently. It was good to see him. I always admired him for his willingness to help others. I remember especially the times he wore that hot Eads Eagle mascot costume, and the Santa Claus attire for the elder parties. He has always put community as a priority in his life.

I read in the Kiowa County Press that “40 years ago, that Gary Crow was elected President of the Chamber of Commerce.” Tom Davis and Dora Lu Gulley were the other officers. That year, Gary did an unforgettable kindness for the teachers. I remember him coming into my classroom with a box of carnation corsages. We could pick the color we liked to wear on “National Teacher’s day.”

February 22 was “National FFA Day.” The nation was asked to donate to the National FFA Foundation. I plan to donate to the Eads Future Farmers of America. This is such an important class and club in our school. Jason Lenox is our instructor, who has brought about good accomplishments for our students.

Last Wednesday, the monthly senior citizen meals and business meetings in Eads and Haswell were well attended. Diners in Eads enjoyed a selection of five soups and chicken salad or buffalo beef sandwiches, plus other sides. In Haswell the senior citizens also had a delicious meal as well.

Orville and Rita Mousel, who live in Kiowa Creek Estates, recently celebrated their 72^nd wedding anniversary. Orville is one of the esteemed veterans who survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor in Hawaii that began the horrors of World War II. I remember that Orville told me that his family eventually had a funeral for him in Cheyenne Wells because they had received word he had died in the bombings. Sometime later, they were surprised - but very happy - that he was coming home! Orville was a loyal American who served and worked in the Navy for many more years. He told me one time that he held his wife when she was a baby. Orville explained that his family went to visit Rita’s family after she was born and, while at their farm, he was able to hold baby Rita. What a beautiful beginning for their love story that has now lasted 72 years.

I often remind young men and older men, “women of all ages love fresh flowers.” I have noticed in my new lifestyle that even ladies in their 80s and 90s enjoy looking at fresh flower arrangements. I am blessed often when my friend, Liz Hulteen, goes to Lamar and buys me bouquets of flowers so I can share them with my friends.

If you forgot in your busy life to buy flowers or a plant for your mother, grandmother, or friends, I know it is quick to get flowers from a shop in nearby town or shop in Safeway or WalMart some times. One of the most precious bouquets I received was in 1956 from little four year old Lonnie Blooding: a bunch of yellow dandelions.

 Shalom Peace to you. Remember to love one another.