Spring Break

Looking for something to do over spring break? Why not have fun and make a difference at the same time? There are a wide variety of places that need volunteers and you will be amazed at how much YOU get out of it! Volunteering allows you to sharpen your skills...learn new, valuable skills, and contribute back to society in ways that will enrich your life.
Don't allow yourself to become bored...volunteer!
If you are looking for ways to volunteer in Hodgeman County -- please feel free to contact me at hodgeman1@fairpoint.net.

Just a short distance off the beaten path you can walk and relax in the beautiful Kenyon Nature Park in Jetmore. I was there earlier this week and s t r e t c h e d out my lunch hour as long as I could...it was such a nice place to be refreshed and rejuvenated! I can't believe that there aren't more Wedding and Graduation photos taken from the little bridge on the South End! Take a few minutes to enjoy it for yourself!

Vintage Base Ball

It's springtime and we're all ready for some Base Ball in Hodgeman County! No, I didn't misspell it...in the 1860's Base Ball was two words and in Hodgeman County we get a kick out of playing Vintage Base Ball! Vintage Base Ball combines the sport of Base Ball with a living history lesson...it's fun AND Educational!
If you would like to join the team -- schedule a game with us for your festival or event -- or even just come and watch one of the games -- contact Mark Wellbrock at 620-357-6441. We are finalizing the 2010 schedule now.
Go to www.hodgemancountyks.com and click on the Recreational Link to learn more.

RCD

Are you familiar with RC&D? RC&D is one of the most successful rural development programs of the Federal Government. Began in 1962...they have grown and evolved and empower Rural Americans to work together to help make their lives and their communities better places!
RC&D is short for Resource Conservation and Development. Hodgeman County is part of the Coronado Crossing RC&D...this particular RC&D covers 7 counties in SW Kansas.
RC&D's help people protect and develop their economic,natural and social resources in ways that improve their area's economy, environment, and quality of life. They provide ways for people to plan and implement projects that will make their communities a better place to live. They bring together people, needs, opportunities, and solutions.
Anyone can join an RC&D! If you want to improve the quality of life in your community and believe that you can make a difference...we need you!
For more information, google RC&D programs, or contact Lea Ann E. Seiler at hodgeman1@fairpoint.net and I will get you in touch with an RC&D representative in your area.

Springtime

I, for one, am done with winter. Of course I understand that that doesn't mean it's going to be over right away -- but if yesterday was a glimpse of what's to come -- I am SO ready!
The kids rode bikes, played with the dog, jumped rope, and just generally spent the day outside soaking up the sunshine! I know it wont be long before the flowers will be blooming at the Veterans Memorial and City Parks, Community Easter Egg Hunts will take place, the engines will be roaring at The Great American Dirt Track, and HorseThief Reservoir will be opening! Life is good in Hodgeman County! If you live here already, enjoy. If you don't...come and visit us!

Hodgeman County Christmas

Join us in Hodgeman County as we welcome in the Holiday Season on December 5th & 6th. On December 5th there will be something for everyone as we have Breakfast with Mrs. Clausat the King Center from 9-11:00...have our pets' holiday photos taken by Rhonda Stithem at Jetmore Veterinary Clinic from 10-12:00...watch kids movies at the Haun Museum from 2-4...and shop to our hearts content at the Merry Market(4-H Building from 1-4). Young elves and elves-at-heart can take part in the Elf 101 Classes....Snowflake Cutting and Ornament Painting while Mom & Dad shop. You can also craft your letter to Santa or send a Holiday Greeting to our Military Holiday Heroes at the Senior Center from 1-3 p.m. Mike Thornburg will be on hand to help you! At 4:00 Santa is scheduled to make his annual arrival via Fire Engine at the King Center and you will have a chance to visit with him in person. While you're there...make sure and look over the Theta Pi Bake Sale and stay afterwards for soup and chili with the Girl Scouts. At 5:00 we'll meet back up at the Courthouse Square on Main Street for a wonderful gift from the Baptist Church...Carolers! After the caroling -- stop in at the City Hall for some warm cider or hot cocoa to warm you up for the Lighted Christmas Parade -- hosted this year by the Jetmore/Hanston Lions Club. If you get a bit chilly, it's ok...the next stop is the Museum where we can watch a full feature Holiday film and enjoy some popcorn where it's nice and warm.
On Sunday, December 6th we'll do some caroling of our own...the Old Fashioned Way! By Horse and Wagon! Meet up at the United Methodist Church at 4:00 and we'll go around town brightening spirits...but bring some mittens...as it might get chilly! We'll finish up with a tummy-filling and heart-warming soup/salad/dessert supper when we're done!

I ventured out last Friday to do a little shopping...not the 3 a.m. kind like many were doing...more like the 10:00 a.m. kind. Anyway, I had my 9 year old daughter with me. She wanted a new CD and had some Birthday money, so we went to look for it. I wasn't having much luck, so I asked her to catch the attention of one of the salesmen. She did and it was a moment that made me proud! In her tiny little voice she said, "I need a CD of Tchaikovsky. I want it to have the Russian Dance, the Chinese Dance, and the Waltz of the Flowers...I like the Reed Flutes" and smiled up at his astonished face. He said, "How old are you?" Then looked at me and asked, "Is she in some type of gifted program for musicians? I can't even say Tchaikovsky right and I have no idea what a Reed Flute is." I told him that she was 9 and no, she was not in any gifted programs -- just 3rd Grade Music Class at Pawnee Heights. But I did think about our conversation a lot on the way home. I repeated the story to her Music Teacher, Miss Boyd. I know that most conversations about Education right now are about budgets and budget cuts -- isn't it nice that we still have wonderful educators like Miss Boyd who teach passionately and inspire our children to believe that they are only limited by their imagination? I am filled with Gratitude for Miss Boyd and those like her!
As for the much sought-after CD...we finally found it in the Bargain-Bin for $2.50...what a bargain! She's been listening to it for almost a week now.