About Town
April 25, 2003
Last Tuesday was a very special morning for the Eads basketball teams, students and fans when the Channel 4 TV station helicopter flew out one the track field bringing a photographer and Marcia Neville. Both boys and girls I am sure must have felt honored. I’d like to say "tip of the hat" to Coaches Bill Koehler and Lane Gooden who were also there for them all season. We also enjoyed seeing the FFA students who were giving tours of their farm animals and farm equipment that day. I saw how excited some of the younger students were to see all kinds of livestock and to crawl in the big trucks and machinery.
I’m told that Mabel Williams’ daughter, Judy, brought her from Colorado Springs to the Wednesday Senior Citizen’s dinner last week. We always enjoyed this dear lady and her great sense of humor. A member of her great grandson’s class at Bethune told us that he is a senior this year. His mother, Donna James Williams is a teacher at Bethune and EHS alumni. I’ve missed the last three months of dinner meetings because of the weather, so I was disappointed not to see Mabel.
Evelyn Durrett came over from Ordway one day last week. We have missed her at the card tables also. She is recuperating from a fall several months ago. I’m told that she is doing well. Only those who have gone that road of healing know what an "up hill" process it can be.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott Miner and son, Mike and wife, Lisa were here from Texas to visit their parents Gerald and Opal Miner and Bob and Bert Howerton and sister, Connie in Eads.
The Good Friday Services in Eads were a blessing to many people who attended to hear the special music presented by each church and the sermon by Chivington’s pastor Galen Burnett.
Clara Uhland of Eads has been seriously ill and in the Lamar Hospital. Our hearts go out to our dear country neighbor, Clara.
Sincere sympathy to the family of Mildred Kazsa who lived in Eads for most of her life. She has been living near her son, Kenneth and family in Dumas, Texas.
Many of the members of the Artist of the Plains Gallery came home in the wind and rain last Tuesday. They are displaying lovely quilts at the Gallery for the next two weeks.
We are so sorry to hear that Philomene Leisen has not been well and hope she will be stronger very soon.
Bruce Laird was honored Saturday when he became an Eagle Scout in an impressive ceremony officiated by Scoutmaster, Terry Voss. Scouts A. J. and Tyler McCracken, Anthony Voss, all of Eads and Brian Solt of Wiley took part in the happening as well as former Eagle Scout Larry D. Gifford, Pastor Gary Geottle, and Chuck Sherer of Lamar. Bruce’s sister, Shalyn Laird sang "God Bless America" and helped her mother Areta serve cake and refreshments. His father, Terry Laird had saved for years a large metal "On My Honor" work of art by Bud Mast with 15 candle holders. This was made when Ellery Lovett’s son, Daryll, became an Eagle Scout in the 70’s so you can see this day meant a lot to Terry too.
Last weekend we saw Tearle Lessenden loading his horses to go over to Haswell to help his Uncle Rick round up cattle. I notice that cattle on pastures are looking for weeds and green grass. Must be something there to pick.
Herb Crow of Kit Carson and Marvin Templer of Eads are in the Nursing Home for a little while till they get stronger. We wish them well.
Congratulations to the Eads Middle School Knowledge Bowl teams and most especially to their sponsors Dawn James and Tammy Ullman , who take the time to work with them. This is a great opportunity to stress academics and to encourage gifted and talented students. They won top placings at the Wiley meet and will go to Karval next week.
John Watts, Kristi Hirsch’s cousin, brought a horse to give to her seven children on Saturday before Easter. What a joy that will be to them. For me having a horse was a must. A horse was my method of conveyance to get to school (three and a half miles). Kids have it so easy these days. I hope they appreciate the bus, I would.
Lois McCracken hosted an Easter meal for Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McCracken and children, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Walker, Jennifer Walker, Kenneth McCracken, and Marie Lang Sunday.
Saturday as I got up, it was drizzling rain, as it did most of the day. When we drove to the west end of the county, we were glad to see the prairies were greening up. However, it was windy most of last week and I have seen many neighbors dragging broken branches out of their yards.
Cardon and Joyce Berry were so glad to have their son, Jimmy, and family here from Cheyenne, Wyoming over the week-end. Jim’s sister, Cindy, and family had several meals at Cardon and Joyce’s home. They had fun as many families did, hunting and finding eggs with their two year old granddaughter, Megan, and Cindy’s three boys.
Our sincere sympathy to the family of Frankie Osborne of Eads who has had a long battle with cancer. This is a sad time for them and for his parents, Frank and Hazel Osborne of Eads.
Harvey and Sandie Kelley have been at Wray, for several weeks to help Jeff with the cattle and daughter-in-law, Michelle, to set up a new clothing store.
We are sorry to hear that Emmet Thrasher is not well these days.
Doris hosted Eads Progressive Club Thursday. It was fun to see my long time friends. We all are glad to have Nola Engstrom back. Ruth Wissel showed us wonderful photos of the tree planting process for the living windbreak west of town. She explained the types of machinery, mulch, watering system, and all. Ruth and Mary Marble served hot coffee and cocoa and treats all day long out of their pick-up.
On Easter Sunday, we attended the Haswell United Methodist Church and family dinner at Virgil and Wanda’s ranch. Guests were their children and families, Mr. and Mrs. Frankie Stoker, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Lessenden, Celena and Tearle, Mr. and Mrs. Brad Buck and children, Doris and I. It was really fun to watch the kids flying their huge bird kites, searching for eggs, taking wagon rides, and other sorts of fun.
Doris and I very much appreciate all the beautiful Easter cards and kind and thoughtful things "God’s Angels" do for us on a daily basis. You are loved and appreciated and may you be blessed also. We also appreciated the calls about how people like to read the "About Town" column.
And then Sunday evening the "Easter Bunny" came to our house with a lovely box containing my first one pound solid chocolate rabbit! What fun…Thanks to Sis Howard, who does the nicest things for us.
Phyllis Vanderwork mailed us the program from their son, Dr. Vernon Vanderwork’s, funeral, some of his poetry, and a lovely book on "Multiple Sclerosis: Burden or Blessing?" This book written by Vernon is heart touching to read. His mother, Phyllis, said that one of her precious memories was when they released balloons at his Celebration of Life at the Eads Cemetery. God bless and comfort this dear family.