Psalm 9:1 “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart….”

Ken and Diana Flory were pleased to have Diana’s sister, Angie, and husband, Jack Barnes, visit them last weekend from Rifle. Jack especially came to see the “Big Boy” train engine when it stopped in Kit Carson last Saturday. In the evening his sister, Michelle Wyckoff, came over from Arlington for dinner with them and Lola Igou at JJ’s Restaurant. Ken and lots of other people from Kiowa County drove to Kit Carson to view the train and take photos. Pinky and Mary Lou Williams of Brandon were excited to tell about the sights and so many people from other states, towns, and cities who went to see this massive train engine. Mary Lou said that it meant so much to her husband, Pinky, because had ridden this train in 1934 in Texas.

The “Real Deal” regional publication with advertisement of businesses in the Arkansas Valley came in our mailboxes last week. I was so pleased to read Dr. Charles Philpy’s name. He is a former Eads High School student who is now a Doctor of Optometry who works in Lamar in the new Ark Valley Vision Care Center next to the Lutheran Church and near Taco Johns. Congratulations to Charlie! His parents are John and Katie Philpy of Eads.

Many shoppers went to the Weisbrod Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar. Forty years ago, Linda Trosper was one of the original organizers for this yearly Bazaar which benefits the nursing home and hospital. Linda is to be commended for her good organization and diligent loyal work to make it happen each year. We do appreciate her so very much for sharing her talents and time for others.

Last Sunday, many family members and some local citizens gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving dinner in the community building on the fairgrounds. The Weisbrod Hospital Dietary staff prepared and served turkeys, potatoes, gravy, and stuffing while the guests brought side dishes and desserts. This is such a pleasant happening each year. Phil Pollreis has provided the dinner music for about thirty years. At the end of the meal, people could have family group photos taken by Braylynn Eder in a pretty setting. The Auxiliary pays for a photo for the families. Afterwards a number of singers quickly left to the United Methodist Church to practice for the annual Cantata, which will take place on December 8 at 6:30 p.m. It is directed by Pastor Janita Krayniak.

Kenan and Ashley Gooden have taken on the responsibility of delivering many Samaritan’s Purse filled shoe boxes from Eads to the regional center. These hundreds of boxes will be sent to many countries or in the USA where there has been a natural disaster or to poverty areas.

Mrs. Gaye Uhland has carried on her tradition of teaching her little Eads Kindergarten students to cook a Thanksgiving dinner for their parents. Good memories!

Mrs. Monica Uhland will be conducting a concert of her Kindergarten to fifth grade students this Thursday, December 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Eads High School gymnasium. The audiences are always so pleased and happy when they see and hear these concerts and what Mrs. Monica Uhland has helped them to accomplish. The students sing with such gusto and expression as well as provisioned motions.

There will be a pancake supper fundraiser sponsored by the Future Business Leaders of America before the concert for those who want to dine out that evening beginning at 4:00 p.m. in the multiple purpose room.

Senior citizens can partake of the monthly brunch Thursday morning, December 5, at 10:00 a.m. These are always such congenial gatherings. Senior citizens (55) and guests are welcome. One can pay $3.50 if they don’t want to prepare food or they can bring a side dish. Or just come to eat and visit!

Family and friends of Jeannie Strong were saddened to hear of Jeannie’s death last Saturday morning at Weisbrod. Jeannie had lived there nine years. She was bedridden most of the time because of multiple sclerosis. People loved and admired Jeannie so much for her pleasant and positive manner and way she faced life. Many of us called her “our prayer warrior.” She was and is an amazing woman who lived by Christian principles.

There will be three more Fridays of drawings for $120 dollars in Eads Bucks from the Chamber of Commerce and Kiowa County Economic Development Foundation.

Janet Frederick of the National Park Service staff said a number of people from the Cheyenne and Arapaho tribes of Oklahoma and Northern Cheyenne tribe members of Montana came to Eads and the Sand Creek Massacre National Historic Site north of Chivington for the annual Healing Run. The tribal members and local citizens enjoyed a Thanksgiving dinner at the community building Thursday afternoon.

Once in a while Raylynn Riley blesses me with treasures she finds at auctions or at the Salvation Army store. Last week she brought me a Lutheran Evangelical Church Worship Book that was printed in 1890. What a wonderful neighbor I have!

When one looks at the news around the world, we can feel very blessed in Kiowa County. We have had good weather this year, green grass, good harvests, business community is growing, school and sports activities are great! We are indeed favored!