“Children are a gift from God.” Psalm 127:3

All across the United States last Wednesday morning, students and some adults met at the flag poles of their schools to pray for their schools, students, staff, activities, and other reasons. This movement started in Texas after a youth group began the tradition. I caught the idea from Texas friends after attending an Fellowship of Christian Athletes conference in Estes Park. That was about 30 years ago or more. I was so pleased to see so many students who came to the Eads High School pole at 7:30 a.m. They prayed aloud if the wished to in a big circle, and then sang a song with the Melon Family, who are a well-known traveling family of singers and are high school and college age. Deborah Gooden had cups of orange juice and delicious doughnuts for those who wanted some before going into classes. Thank you to the supportive pastors and parents.

Andrea Brown Buller invited me to watch the golf meet at the golf course that day. She was in charge of the noon meal for the golfers. I admire our team of Jason Bletzacker, Carson Buller, and Aiden Hough of Eads; Brenden Frammel, who drives down from Kit Carson; and Aaron Musgrave, who drives up from McClave.

There was a touch football game that evening at the Eads field for grade school students. They were planning hall and gymnasium decorations and attire wear on “dress days” during homecoming week. Because of so many competitive games away, the traditional pep rally was Saturday night.

The Homecoming Royalty Court are freshmen, Peyton Eder and Gaige Rittgers; sophomores, Bailey Sierra and Weston Mitcheck; juniors, Kara Wilson and Connor Lynch; and seniors, Alessandra Paez, Stockton Mitchek, Zoe Arnold-Kraft, and Phoenix Neal. The King and Queen will be crowned during the homecoming football game October 4.

I was pleased to see Merena Lowe and some of the young actresses and actors of the “Alice in Wonderland” summer production in the fair parade. Merna is directing “The Community Garden” for November 15-16. The tryouts are October 2-3 for ages 12 to 100.

How nice to see Gary Kelley from South Fork during the Fair. He likes the breakfasts. When I saw him, he was getting a barbeque meal for his sister, Betty.

We extended our sympathy to the families of Darrell “Pete” Koch. He will be missed by his extended families and the local restaurant patrons where he frequently dined in and went to visit.

Kendra (Nelson) and her husband, Rock, from Indiana spent time with her mother, Phyllis, during fair time. They brought her in from her country home to visit with friends during the fair breakfasts.

It was good to watch Roberta “Birdie” (Mays) Hines during the fair at Tamara Buck’s jewelry booth. Her daughter, Tonya Lane, was lovingly buying them mother-daughter bracelets that Tamara welds on their wrists. Tamara’s jewelry is tiny silver or gold high quality chains that she daintily welds on the person.

I was slowly rolling by Holly Mitchek’s new establishment while I looked at her three large pots of flowering plants. A happy patron came out and asked me if I needed to have the door opened. Then she proudly showed me her pretty fingernails that Courtney Lane is so well known for doing. It was Raelynn Riley, who works at Hometown Gas and Grill or the Salvation Army store.

Last week, it was so nice to go to the Prairie Pines coffee hour Thursday afternoon. Activity Director Charlotte Gunning and Patricia Benner Roper served us ice cream sundaes while we visited.

Sunday, Praise Community Church hosted a singing concert by the Mellon Family, who travels throughout the USA. I heard that they were very good. Our CNA, Amy Barton, showed me a video of when they invited the little children to come on stage to play little instruments.

The Hospital Auxiliary met in September to discuss the Fall Bazaar for November 23. Organizer Linda Trosper is sending out letters for reservations of booths at the community building in Eads. Potential vendors may call Linda at 719-438-5777. We are eager to have a successful Bazaar to help pay for projects at Weisbrod Health, the new name of our hospital.

Tuesday was such a fun day to see all the third grade students from Eads Elementary School. Their teacher, Charlene Gifford, walked with them to the Weisbrod Health extended care unit. There are so many little ones that some of us have several “adopted grandchildren.” I am thrilled to have my three who are Jace Rouse, Cree Cordova, and Tess Van Campen. The residents were impressed with how well behaved and charming the third graders were. I have observed Mrs. Gifford, who is an outstanding educator whom I do, and we do, hold in high respect.

Alicia James is the second grade teacher, whose students had such a beautiful patriotic display at the fair. She and the students had colored many stars on white paper in red, white, and blue. This was the backdrop for very large letters spelling out “Thank You Veterans!” Then the students’ names, which were on each side of the thank you slogan. What a great way to teach children to care about veterans!