About Town

By Ida and Doris Lessenden

September 17, 2004

I had a call from an older gentleman Sunday morning who said, "Doris, I sure think it would be nice if you would mention in the Press how so many people were glad to see a marching band in the county fair parade. We think Bob Seay is doing a good job and we like to hear the Eads Band!" I already had Bob and the band on my outline so I too want to add my ascent to his comment. With so little time to practice, it was good and we are proud of the students. We really do need to have a music and art programs in our schools. We as citizens need to support these programs and teachers. Sandra Jones is the high school art teacher while Middle School students really do look forward to being in a class with Lane Gooden to get a chance to do some art projects. I remember as an elementary student, that Fridays were the best days for me because we could have art in our classes.

One thing about the fair that makes it so special for many folks is to see "old friends" and for Doris, it is to see her former students. Rhonda (Batterton) Reusch was here from Medina, Ohio, with two of her five children who have graduated from college. They came to visit her Dad, Dave, who has not been well. It was good to see her with her brothers, Brent and Blaine’s families, and Mother, Phyllis. Rhonda and Doris were remembering the great trip they had when Doris took Rhonda and Sharon (Fischer) Bowen and Kelly Lujan to Aspen for a week in the 70’s where they took a watercolor painting class under Adams State College teachers.

It was so great to see five of the six Durrett sisters back for the fair. Donna Rose came from Nebraska, Betty from Idalia, Carol from Missouri, Barbara from Fort Morgan, and Jean from Littleton. Friday morning, Donna bought a baton for $1.00 at the Healthmart yard sale and challenged her sister, Betty, to give a twirling demonstration right there at the outdoor breakfast. So Phil Pollreis provided the marching music from his band wagon. Wow, it was tremendous to see how this retired music teacher is in shape to twirl on the spur of the moment! We wonder if Philomene Liesen, her Eads band teacher, was on hand to see her prize winning student?

I have heard many people talking about how good the county fair exhibits were from the flowers and crops, to gardening, lots of baked foods, art and photo displays, and the FFA and 4-H livestock exhibits. The three rodeo cowgirls in the Royalty Court wore sparkling and stunning outfits every day. Wednesday night at the hog show, Hollie Watson, Addie Seigfried, and Tanaia Hansen wore sequined purple shirts and silver chaps and slacks. On Thursday I saw them in emerald green and silver at the sheep and goat show. Friday they wore shiny silver shirts with white accessories and black jeans and on Saturday, they were in beautiful Talisman rose shirts with silver glittery vests at the parade.

Cardon and Joyce Berry and son, Jimmy, Julie, and little Megan went to south Denver Sunday to a family reunion of her Selby side of the family. Joyce was excited to see her two sisters and families, many cousins, some of whom she hadn’t seen for 40 years. Three of her aunts came from other states for their big picnic at the home of her cousin.

A number of families brought their travel trailers to Eads for the fair. Some that I recognized were Richard Ritchie from Chicago, Lee Foxworthy’s from Parker, Floyd and Phyllis Griswould from Limon and "around the country", and a bunch of 4-H and FFA members out west of the barns, like the Spady’s, the Lessenden’s, Smith’s, Jones’, Koeller’s, and many others.

Harv and Kathy Shade were fixing a Sunday noon picnic meal for her uncles: Richard Ritchie from Chicago and Jerry Ritchie of Lamar, her Aunt Sandie and Marvin Maltbie, from Lamar, her parents, Gene and Charlotte Lynn from Springfield, and daughter, Audrey, Adrian and their baby, Saige from Greeley.

There was an enormous crowd of spectators for the Eads FFA Demolition Derby Sunday. Many drivers in hyped up brightly painted cars were in the competition which came down to the top five drivers who received cash awards. Ryan Brittan of Haswell came in first to capture the trophy. Two other trophies were given and a "Mad Dog" award. If readers would like to purchase a chance to win a 2005 Chevy Truck call a FFA member before mid-October.

Cindy Williams, manager-owner of the Our Place Restaurant told me Monday morning that she was pleased that they had a good turnout of people who came to eat when they stayed open for 24 hours Friday and Saturday and late on Sunday.

I hadn’t seen a "goat show" before. I learned more by sitting near Pam Cole whose children, Vance and Lesa, have raised goats and exhibited them also at the National Western Stock Show. This is an increasingly popular project among the youth.

Lougene Jacobs was the honored senior citizen at the Swink-Eads volleyball game last week. This charming lady has loyally supported the Eagle teams for years. Her current interest is especially to watch her granddaughter, Alyssa Hadley, who is a junior. Lougene has also helped make some of those tasty burritos you may have eaten at the Junior concession stand this year where her daughter, Debi, is one of the Junior sponsors along with Pegi Hueller.

Annie Cole’s nephew, Don Schnabel, from south of Granada in the Star Community made a real hit when he sang at the Nursing Home last week. Several residents told me that he had a karaoke machine hooked up to the television so they could sing along with him. They said it was such fun because it was old songs they knew.

A huge "thank you" goes to Rhonda Krueger, Tanya Lane, Pam Batterton, and Bob Howerton, and anyone else I may have missed for getting some of the Weisbrod residents out to the morning breakfast, to the county rodeo, and the parade. They had a good time and the residents’ families were pleased. Some residents rode in the parade in the nice carriage that Bob built for them and others watched from the patio porch or with family members.

Our sincere condolences go out to the family of Maurice Ure of Kit Carson. His wife, Mary Anne, drove down most every afternoon to spend time with him at Weisbrod. Maurice really enjoyed music and getting reacquainted with folks he knew from his work at the grain elevator.

The Eads Lions Club welcome people to come to their hamburger-hot dog supper on Tuesday, September 21^st. People can come to eat and also stay to play bingo at 7:00 p.m. if they like.

Our neighbor, Lori Musgrave says that her husband, Joe, is doing fairly well in Korea. She and little Bradley are hoping Joe can come home for a few days in November.

The Eads School 2004 Yearbook is in. This is a history-making edition because it is all in color! The very beautiful book was all accomplished by a few students in Tamara Ullman’s class. She is an outstanding teacher who has a class this fall at the high school.

The Child Evangelism Fellowship pony and stage coach was a popular ride with youth and some adults at the fair. Thanks to the Area Leader, Kaye Splitter, and her husband from Holly, the youth heard the gospel story and the salvation message as they rode around in the coach.

Kas Davisson of Oklahoma City arrived last weekend and spent several days visiting her mother, Betty Jacobs, and taking in the fair. These ladies say, "Thanks to the hard work of many people. It was an excellent fair. Attendance was great, crowds at the rodeo were enthusiastic, exhibits were very good, barbecue was delicious, and the parade was fantastic!" Betty said for a quiet, restful interlude, they visited the Art Gallery and found it perfect.

Monday I saw Freshmen, Tally Hansen and Dru Koch, taking down the flags at school about 4:00 p.m. I commend them for giving their time. I have observed that they have true leadership potential.