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CHRISTMAS IN A SMALL TOWN
By Lucy McGuire What do you remember about Christmas when you were a kid? I remember relatives and presents and beautiful food, lights around town and seeing Santa. Watching pageants at church and getting to be an angel or a wise man or sometimes play Mary. There was an air of excitement in my world for weeks before and the day itself was rich with loving hugs and squabbling cousins. I was among the luckiest of children. My mother’s mother always made her special pecan torte. I didn’t like it much as a child, but it always looked gorgeous and smelled truly fascinating. How my tee-totaling family, who lived in a dry county in east Texas, always came up with whisky for the dark layers remains a mystery. Once I was old enough to read the recipe I developed a new respect for my grandmother. The recipe said things like use butter the size of an egg and bake until done. When I started doing my own Christmas baking, I adapted the information into a Duncan Hines cake mix and came up with something I actually liked to cook. I don’t make it every year anymore, but I always think of it. The merchants in downtown Monument sponsor a day rich with potential memories for you and your children. We do it for a variety of reasons. Of course we want your business. Who doesn’t? Businesses everywhere, large and small are struggling to stay in business, so of course we hope you will shop with us. But there is more to our madness than that. This is our home, as it is yours. We have chosen it, as have most of you. We know it will not always be the same; no one wants that. Change is usually for the best. It’s a great place now though, isn’t it? The beauty around us and our sense of community create a truly special place. We feel blessed and this is how we share that feeling with you. Someday your children will be the ones saying, “I remember Christmas when I was a kid. My family lived in this little old town on the edge of the Rocky Mountains and every year there’d be a big sort of party downtown and my folks would take me down to talk to Santa Claus and get my picture taken. I always loved the hayrides. Dad had to lift me up to the wagon and convince me I wouldn’t fall off. I’d make ornaments with a bunch of other kids. I bet my mom still has those, somewhere.” Please come downtown and enjoy the day. Bring your kids or borrow some for the day. There are schedules of events in almost every store. Pick up one and plan your day. Listen to carolers, talk to Santa, make some crafts with your family, and enjoy a hayride. These are the memories that your children will hold dear in years to come. They will remember what they did and more importantly, that they did it with you. EDITORIAL - Issue 139 - 6-28-04
EVERYDAY'S A HOLIDAY by G.W. Wilkins The other day I received a call from a friend and local businessman. “Have you heard the latest?” he queried. “The town council convened monday evening, and has designated July 1 as ‘Home Depot Day’.” I was speechless (something that rarely happens!)
All night I mulled over the idea and what it potentially entailed.
But wait! What was the motivation behind this declaration? At first I was a bit confused, but then I began to see the light. It was ingenius! “Those doggone clever people,” I thought to myself. Of course, it’s pure speculation on my part, but I believe the council is simply paving the way for an “Everyday’s A Holiday,” theme for the town! That would surely attract outside interest. Imagine each day of the year would be dedicated to a different business. I don’t know who thought this up, but kudo’s to you! It was at this point, I began to question the logistics of it all. Would there be enough days in the year to cover ALL the businesses? What would happen on leap years? Would February 29 be considered a free day? Being the curious person I am, I decided to give the Chamber of Commerce a call. I found there are 277 members. Uh, oh, now what? What do we do with the remaining 88 (89 on leap years) days of the year? If this theme is going to work, everyday has to be a holiday! Of course, there are some businesses who are not members of the chamber, maybe they need to be included, but then we would have more businesses than days. I suppose we could split those particular days up, such as “Acme Nose Hair Removal Company [slash] Sally’s Foot Massage Parlor Day.” From midnight to noon, we could honor Acme, and for the remaining twelve hours we would pay homage to Sally. It’s workable! So much to do, and so little time to do it, but nothing worthwhile comes easy! I can tell you I’m filled with anticipation. Just imagine, “Tidbits Day.” ©2004 - Funder Enlightening Inc. |
I LOST A GOOD FRIEND...
THE COMMUNITY LOST A WONDERFUL MAN by G.W.Wilkins I first met Ron Andersen in December of 1998. I was considering a move from Castle Rock to Monument, and I needed a place to live. Ron offered a duplex he had for rent that fit the bill, and the deal was signed. Little did I know at the time that he would become such a close friend. And yet, looking back, I should have known! His warm personality, his keen sense of humor and his pure, simple honesty were all the traits I looked for in a friend. Here was a man that was very successful in business, yet never allowed himself to become self-absorbed. If he saw you on the street, you could always expect a sincere hello and a warm smile. A facade? No, that was just Ron’s way, he was as genuine as anyone I’ve ever known. When I first began publishing Tidbits in 2001, Ron was always supportive, and remained so to the end. He once told me it was the only publication he would read from cover to cover. I wish I could tell him now, how much that meant to me. Ron passed away this year on November 27, just two days after Thanksgiving. Three bouts with cancer left him weary, but he never lost hope. I was awed by the courage and perseverance he displayed throughout his painful ordeal. I never heard him complain, or ask why it was happening to him. He faced it head on, and defeated it twice with the aid of his loving wife Donna, who stood beside him through it all. Upon attending his funeral service, I realized I wasn’t the only person who felt this way. The church was filled with people who loved and respected Ron. He left an indelible mark on the community, and I for one will never forget him. God bless you Ron, and we know you are in a better place today! 
Issue 161 - 11/29/04 THE ONE By Cristina Tillberry You’re the one I cherish the one I hold You’re the one I’ve looked up to all my life You’re the one special person who created me You’re the one creation I’ve lived with forever You’re the one who cares for me when I’m sick You’re the one that warms me when I’m cold You’re the one that fed me when I was young And now you just can’t let me down Issue 165 - 12/27/04 BREAKFAST By Cristina Tillberry Everyday in the morning, I wake up and smell something But I don’t know what. It smells sweet with sugar I hear the toaster pop. The sweet sound of sizzling bacon. Crack! The sound of egg shells Yum!! The smell of coffee with a lot of sugar and cream. I smell sausage. It tastes good with syrup. The smell of French toast draws me down to the table I see a plate of great breakfast right in front of my face. |
ONE MAN WHO UNDERSTANDS THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON!
by G.W. Wilkins
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While most people scurried to and fro getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner, Keith Hernandez spent his holiday preparing a feast for those who had nowhere else to go. Those who had been forgotten by everyone except Keith. Keith, proprietor of “Sweet Peas,” that great little sandwich shop in the West End Center (Suite P - get it?), prepared seven turkeys with all the fixings, for the more than 50 guests who showed up at his restaurant in Palmer Lake. 
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With a crew of very special volunteers helping to make the day a special one for so many, no one went away hungry. Sharing great food, and companionship, it was truly a joyous occasion. It’s people like Keith, who make our community such a wonderful place to live. People willing to give their time and resources to bring happiness to others.
Thank you Keith, and God Bless!
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