About Town

By Ida and Doris Lessenden

January 23, 2004

Marvin and Blanche Templer were so glad to have their son, Eddie and wife, Bo-Yeon, of Vienna, Virginia, here to visit. Their daughter, Kimberly, who is a 3^rd Degree Air Force Academy cadet, was here on Saturday and Sunday with them. Their son, Michael, attends Georgia Tech in Atlanta, Georgia. The Templers were our "country neighbors" years ago when they lived where Jack and Honeybelle Dixon live now. Doris made a copy of Eddie’s class of l963 addresses from the Alumni Book for him. It was surely good to see his family and it is such a joy to Doris to realize what fine citizens many of her former students have become and to learn of the impressive jobs they hold.

Sincere sympathy to Ethel Richards in the loss of her brother, Norman Neale. Ethel and her daughter, Jeanne, have been with Norman in Australia for several weeks during his illness.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Belva Berry with her passing. Belva’s grandson, Patrick Berry, from Texas officiated for her funeral services here in Eads. Her grandsons, Jim of Wyoming and Patrick sang solos. Granddaughter, Cindy McLoud, read the Scriptures and grandson, Mike Berry from Texas read the Eulogy. During the sharing time about Belva’s good life her daughter-in-law, Joyce Berry, related uplifting and happy memories of Belva. We also have fond memories of Belva and her family from our Prairie Queen 4-H days.

Susie Marble has quit her management job on the east coast with a large hotel to return to Colorado. Her mother, Virgina, had an operation last week and her father; Everette and Evelyn Marble have not been well this winter. It was good for me and Susie’s friends to get to visit with her at a recent basketball game.

The Haswell Mile Marker 4-H Club had a dress up meeting Sunday afternoon at the home of Marisa Dixon in Eads. The 4-H members had installation of their new officers. The club takes turns meeting in the homes of members in Eads, in Haswell and at ranches of other members. Their next big project is the annual Valentine’s Dance which is quite a nice affair at Haswell with a band on February 6^th.

We haven’t seen or heard of Phyllis Vanderwork for a while. Come to find out the dear lady had a little accident with their pet dog so she is recovering from a broken arm. January 13^th was a touching time for their family when they gathered at their son, Vernon’s grave to release helium balloons and remember his birthday and their love for him.

Red and Glaida Craven of Kit Carson visited Ida Lessenden at Weisbrod recently when they were on their way to Lamar to celebrate his 94^th birthday with their daughter, Jaryl Everist.

The Eads Knowledge Bowl Team and their sponsors, Sue Fox and Carole Spady, hosted the annual Knowledge Bowl last Friday. The sponsors were grateful to the school staff and community volunteers who worked with the 24 teams from eleven schools at the invitational meet. The teams, the on-lookers, and workers really enjoyed the morning breakfast and the noon potato and dessert bars that the junior class offered. Saturday, the Eads team will be traveling to Springfield and on Monday some of the students will go to the annual Karval matches.

The National Stock Show in Denver is drawing people from all over the nation. Vance and Lesa Cole of Eads showed their goats at the National Show last week and this week, Ashley Brown showed her sheep two days at the Stock Show. Tuesday the Eads FFA Chapter took their annual trip to Denver which is an educational and fun trip for the students.

The Eads Basketball Teams traveled to Karval and to Stratton last week for some really exciting games. They will be glad to be home on Friday for the games with Cheraw beginning at 4:00 p.m. Please note both boys’ games will be first on the schedule.

When Tina Kraft brought the impressive certificates from Congresswoman, Marilyn Musgrave, to show Doris, she was thrilled. Tina and David’s, son, Shawn Kraft, who is a senior at Eads High has been nominated for a place at the Air Force Academy and WestPoint. Shawn went to Loveland a while back where there were many students being interviewed for these coveted nominations to a military academy. Shawn was one of ten that Marilyn Musgrave and her staff could select. In time and after more selection processes Shawn will know if this is his choice or one of the colleges who is vying for him as a student. Congratulations to Shawn, a fine young man.

Darci and Nick Johnson and their baby, Taite Aaron, were honored with a baby shower Monday evening at the courthouse meeting room.

A number of citizens turned out for the 10K/5 meeting at the high school last week. This is a Diabetic Prevention program where all people are encouraged to walk 10,000 steps a day and to eat at least five fruits and vegetables a day. Tracie Ball and Linda Roth came from Cheyenne Wells to work with Kiowa County Nursing services nurses, Renay Seifried and Sherry Emmert. The participants are given pedometers to keep a record of their walking. I am told that Chuck Igou has been a dedicated walker about town for years as he clicks off 10,000 or more steps a day.

Kim Englehardt has been teaching Certified Nursing Assistant classes recently at Weisbrod Hospital. I have heard high acclaim for Kim’s class instruction from, former students. These classes offer marvelous career opportunities and a great chance for college students to have a part time job. An added benefit for our community is that this provides employment for more men and women to work in Eads. In fact we have several former students now who are employed at Weisbrod and in other cities. Kim invites family and friends to the 7:00 p.m. graduation of the new CNA students on January 27th at the Nursing Home.

Our Eads Wrestlers did well at the meets with Holly and Wiggins. On Saturday Cody Cordova, Kelly Linholm, and Brandon Cordova placed in the top four brackets at Wiggins. This Saturday, the team will be in Strasburg.

Jennifer James would be quick to agree that "dreams do come true". I clearly remember that when Jennifer was in my Career Class, one of her dreams and goals was to be an intern for a congressman or state representative. Congratulations, to Jennifer as that is just what she will get to do for Representative Greg Brophy this summer after she graduates from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Jamie Richardson, senior at Eads and Kami Stum, senior at Plainview are two outstanding students who were selected from ten schools to be honored as DAR (Daughter’s of the American Revolution) " Good Citizens". Jamie and her parents, Neal and Connie Richardson and Wes and her grandmother, Shirley Watts attended the event this month at the Elk’s Lodge. Kami’s parents Monte and Linda Stum and Kirbi also attended where they met students from 10 schools who received recognition and gifts from the DAR ladies along with their daughters and sisters.

I had a letter from Riki Berry, a Colorado State University student, recently. She is volunteering with the Habitat for Humanity group in Fort Collins to build a home this spring. I have often thought that this was such an honorable organization. I am pleased that Riki is continuing to give of her time and talents to others.

As my mother would say, "A Tip of the Hat" this week to Lori Morlan and Rhonda Uhland who are the parent liaisons for the junior class. These ladies and the student families have really great food at the ball games and wrestling meets. Their baked potato bars are super as well as a variety of other entrees.

Carli Korrell, Bill and Charlotte Woelk’s granddaughter, and son, Jeff, and Georgia Ann Woelk and Sierra were here for the weekend to help Bill Woelk celebrate his birthday. Happy Birthday, Bill!