2020 Home for the Holiday
"Making this holiday season the best ever"

Greetings and warm wishes to you from a few of our most favorite people

Send a link to a friend  Share

[December 09, 2020] 

From Emily Davenport
Logan County Board Chairman


This has been a very trying year for everyone, but I truly believe if we pull together as a community we will make it through. On behalf of the Logan County Board, I wish everyone a happy holiday season, as well as, good health.
 


From Annie Coers
New Holland Mayor

As I look back at the 2020 year that has drug on forever but yet has flown by so quickly, I realize how blessed I truly am.

Every day is a new day. Life can truly be a struggle but standing strong and accepting what is put before you can make you a new person.

Covid-19 has changed many of us forever; some for the bad, some for the good. We have lost loved ones, lost a job or business and maybe even lost your will to survive.

The best thought for the year that I found in my daily calendar is, "Try something new each day. After all, we were given life to find it out. Living doesn't last forever.” ~ Ruth Gordon

Roll with each punch. Try to find the positive in every bad situation and remember to take time out for your family. Build those memories that will last a lifetime.



Christmas isn't about the presents under the tree. It's about the memories we share with one another. As a child I don't remember the gifts under the tree, but I remember how I felt to share the day with my siblings, parents, grandparents and aunts/uncles. Make that family bond stronger and create a new tradition. Cook a meal for that homeless veteran or call that friend who you haven't talked to in years.

Christ is the reason for the season.


From Tracy Welch
Acting Mayor for Lincoln


This has been an interesting year but in ways we never imagined. We have faced many challenges and as a result, have grown to better understand the value of community and time with our loved ones. My wish is that everyone continues to be safe and enjoys the Holidays!


Angela Stoltzenburg
Director ALMH Community Health Collaborative
Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital


There is no better time than now to focus on taking care of each other and sharing hope. Our sense of community is one of our greatest gifts. Wishing Logan County the true joy that comes about from acts of compassion, kindness and understanding for our friends and neighbors. Let’s support one another in our efforts to stay healthy and look forward to the better days that are in our future.

See Memorial Health System's online article for tips, How to Count Your Blessings Together Online This Year.
https://www.livewellmagazine.org/
how-to-count-your-blessings-together-
online-this-year/utm_source=Listrak&
utm_medium=Email&utm_term=Host+
a+virtual+gathering&utm_campaign=
Happy+Thanksgiving+from+Memorial
+Health+System


From Joe Schaler
Purple Heart Veteran and veterans advocate


I am honored and humbled to have the opportunity this holiday season to wish Merry Christmas to every one in Logan County, especially our veterans and a special holiday salute to those on active duty.

We have demonstrated time and again that we are the most patriotic county so as we move towards the new year my daily prayer is that we all increase our servant heart.



I have been a part of and have witnessed on innumerable occasions where we have lifted others up and placed their needs above ours. Whenever we do this, it helps drain away our own anxieties and worries and doing this day in and day out will undoubtedly lift all of us through this coming year.


From the Humane Society of Logan County

"Thank you to the community for your continued support, dedication, and kindness to HSLC."


From 'Dr.' Bill Gossett
Veteran, all around good sport and Viewpoint community talk show co-host with the delightful Judy Busby


HOLIDAZE - Version 2020 - Nobody will dispute that this has been a most unusual year, by any definition. However, there is one constant hat helps keep all of us grounded; that, of course, would be our families and our love for them. As we enter the most grand of all Holiday Seasons, I hope we all remind ourselves that some find themselves alone at a time that really makes it difficult to be alone... covid prevents visits; may I urge the sending of cards, notes to those in this “alone” category. One of life’s gifts is the gift of friendship. Those without families will be blessed and grateful to get a “surprise” greeting.

HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON !!


BILL GOSSETT


 

 


From Seth Goodman
Community and youth leader, businessman, former Mayor of Lincoln


This holiday season, I wish you and yours contentment. Sheer happiness as we remember the true reasons for the holidays -- to be truly thankful for what we have, where we are in life, where we have been, and where we are going.

2020 has been quite the ride, this we all know. However, 2020 has taught many of us patience. It has taught us to be truly thankful. For those who step up for each of us individually, as well as for those within the community who step up in an effort to help our community continue to prosper -- even during the most difficult of times.

If you can give nothing more than a smile and kind sentiment this holiday season to those around you, consider it more than enough.

To each of you, be blessed, be a blessing, and remember what is truly important this holiday season as well as throughout the upcoming year. Find contentment even in the smallest of things, for there you will find what truly matters today and always.

Happy Holidays!
Seth Goodman -- Broker/Owner, ME Realty


From Joe and Irene Hackett
Retired educators, Hartsburg-Emden community personalities


To friends, family and former students,
We wish you all a Great Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Bright New Year 2021.

Please stay hopeful during this pandemic, and pray for families that have been affected by this virus.

God bless you all!


From JoAnne Marlin
Great baker and fudge maker
Retired Logan County servant


2020 has been a stressful year, we’ve been placed in situations we didn’t ask for. We’ve experienced hardship we never imagined, and we’ve seen things we never thought we would. But, we have also learned God will never leave us. We are only here through His mercy and grace and I am a believer that He will bring us through. You just need to believe and keep praying.


JoAnne shares a photo of her five beautiful grandchildren that are the light of her life.

Wishing everyone a Blessed and safe Thanksgiving and Christmas from me to all of you,
JoAnne Marlin


From Pastor Glenn Shelton
Community Leader, retired Second Baptist preacher, all around great guy full of wisdom


"There Will Be Some Changes Made"

We are certainly living in a changing world today. There is only one human thing certain in this old world and that is the fact of change. There is nothing so certain and sure as change. We do not know what changes are coming, but we are sure that they will come. Change, change, change....

Presently we are facing at least three crises: Covid-19, economics and race relation. However, my friends I want to assure you that there will be some positive changes made and very soon. The world is full of changes. To keep up with the changes there are a few things we may have to do. I know you will agree that people change. Not in just words but in deeds also. There is that change which occurs by what we call the New Birth. Those who have experienced this newness can attest that we are new creatures; old things have passed away: behold (look, open your spiritual eyes) all things are become new. As we progress (mature), we are still changing. We are growing in HIS (Jesus) grace.

Yes, we have this deadly virus spreading around the world. It touches babies, children, young adults, middle age, senior citizens, all races, male and female. Our churches, schools, our work places, even in our home, and I could go on, and on, and on; but, let me encourage you to take joy my friends changes are being made. Several vaccines have been developed that have proven to be highly effective (over 90%) in stopping this disease and soon and very soon we all will be protected and cured. When that happens, the laid off will be able to work again, production will rise because of increased demands creating more opportunities. Yes, yes, yes changes are being made.

Now for race relations: Being a Black American, I certainly did not expect my European American brothers and sisters as a whole to discuss how we can eradicate this deadly sin. My Lord has shown me, you, us, that some changes are being made. Oh to be sure people of color still struggle because the field is not level. People of color are still climbing that man-made slope and it gets slippery some times. I say to you who have been adversely affected, hold on and keep smiling every day because now I know changes are being made.

[to top of second column]

Yes, we are living in a world of changes, but I want to remind you of one who never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. "Hallelujah!"

I want to close this discourse with you with a story that a friend on mine shared with our Logan County Bible Fellowship class one Saturday morning. He was visiting a church one Sunday and after service the minister said, "And don't forget the best is yet to come." I said, “Amen,” and took that saying to the Second Baptist Church in Lincoln and we have adopted it as our motto for the past two years.

So I say to all the readers, Happy Thanksgiving, for we have a lot to be thankful for. Don't forget to sing Happy Birthday to Jesus as you celebrate His birth date. And from my home to yours have a peaceful, prosperous and powerful New Year. And forever keep in your heart and mind that “There will be some positive changes made," but, the ‘Best Is Yet To Come.’


From Tonita Reifsteck
Actively involved in our community through St. Johns United Methodist Church of Christ honoring veterans, Relay for Life, Habitat for Humanity, and an all-around busy, busy woman doing good works


My grandmother often said, “Into every life a little rain must fall.” Yet in 2020, it feels more like a monsoon hit us! Yet, even now – especially now it is time to “Count Our Many Blessings – name them one by one!”

As I reflect on some of mine, may they spark a bright remembrance for others that brighten their isolation mode of life.

Born in the depression, I grew up on a farm with a large extended family, a super teacher, eight years in one room; neighbors, 4-H, H.S., college, jobs and friends worldwide. Marriage into a life of pure joy in a partnership of serving others but reaping more blessings than ever imagined! That is reflected by the mementoes on our Christmas tree - every ornament representing those that touched my life - a family event, friends, communities, travels - still in touch.

Now in the sunset of my life – this pandemic becomes a cloud that for many block out blessings, making them hard to see. Many years ago an anthem’s message was so powerful I have used it as a prayer since. May it also be a source of blessing for you:

“Reach out and touch a soul that is hungry, a spirit in despair

Reach out and touch a life torn and dirty, a man/woman who is lonely...if you care.

Reach out and touch that neighbor who hates, you - that stranger who meets you.
 
Reach out and touch the brother who needs you --- if you dare.



Reach out and touch a friend who is weary a seeker unaware; your own self if you dare.

Reach out and touch and let the smile of God touch through you.”

Reach out – look up in faith because there is always a rainbow after the rain – may you see yours in this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season and even in 2021.

Tonita “Toni” Reifsteck


From Nila Smith
President Logan County Tourism Bureau
Co-coordinator Logan County Ribbon Cutters


For the past few years, I have had the honor and the privilege of being involved with two really good community groups, the Logan County Tourism Bureau and the Logan County Ribbon Cutters sponsored by Lincoln Daily News. The first group promotes all the wonderful and unique aspects of our community while the second serves to hold up and encourage new business growth as well as celebrating the milestone accomplishments of our seasoned business owners.

In 2020, both groups have been stifled by the coronavirus. This pandemic has hurt our entire community both emotionally and financially. It’s a hard pill to swallow when we can’t be the best of ourselves because we are being held back by circumstances beyond our control.

But, a new year is on the way, and with all good luck, we will see an end to the coronavirus in 2021.

What we’ve gone through the last several months reminds me of a story that I heard many years ago. It has stuck with me, and I drag it back to the foreground of my brain when times get tough.

There was one a great king whose land was suffering a terrible trial. He wanted to lead and to comfort his people, but he lacked the words. He called together all the wisest men in his land and charged them to give him the words that would help his people through this awful time. The men waxed prophetic before the king, but alas, nothing they said struck the cord the king was hoping for. Then from the background came the court jester. He humbly laid a piece of paper in front of the king. When the king read the note it simply said, “This too shall pass.”

So if you will, permit me to be your jester, and just say to you, this too will pass. We will survive this trial, we will come out on the other side stronger and better and perhaps a bit more appreciative of what we have and what we have accomplished in our lives.



I’d add, that I truly love this community, and wish that I could wrap my arms around all of you and help you to have faith. We’ll get through this because we are strong, and we’re all in it together.

God bless everyone not just today, but every day to come.

Nila Smith
President, Logan County Tourism Bureau
Co-coordinator Logan County Ribbon Cutters


Richard & Nila Smith


From Jan Youngquist
Lincoln Daily News


The simplest acts

My mother worked part-time for famous candy makers, George’s Homemade Candies. I was sent in often to let her know we had arrived to pick her up after work. What a delight for a child to walk into the shop and whiff the heady chocolate and fresh roasting nuts. Christmas was exceptional with added colors and holiday candies.

One time while standing at the candy counter waiting, the door bells chimed and unbeknownst the me, Captain Kangaroo had driven down from Chicago, slipped past and went to the back room for a regular personal visit with the candy maker. Today's celebrity comparison might be Big Bird or Blippy. The Captain was one of many celebrities that appreciated the to-die-for private recipe chocolate covered creams and caramel on a stick called ‘Whips.’

I was maybe five years old and my little brother nearly two. Nearing Christmas Eve darkness had fallen and a fresh deep snow lay on the ground. My father bundled us up for the trip to pick up mom, but then surprised us at the car. He drug a red metal runner sled from the garage.

He sat us on it and tucked blankets over and under, and told me to hold on tight to my brother.

He pulled us down the alley, two turns and half way up our front street past homes strung with large, old-fashioned bulbs glowing yellow, red, orange, green and blue.

The thing was, while only the area around my eyes was exposed, the bitter cold and the kicked up and blowing snow stung and blurred my sight, so that the lights turned into beautiful impressionistic scenes.

I will always remember - the winter smell and sounds - the crunch, squeak and shush, as buckled rubber boot falls crushed each foot of fluff; and the cadence of the sled struts as they glided and chugged into the deep and silent night.

On return, I had managed though not easily, to stay on board and more importantly to not lose my brother. Just imagine if I’d lost him in a drift. We might have been out all night looking for him. I'd still be hearing about it.

Slightly frozen and in awe, we tumbled into the car and with heater blasting hot as only those 1950's cars could, we thawed on the way to pick up mom.

It was for me the memory of a lifetime that our father gave us on a beautiful, silent and snowy eve. I still treasure a snowy night walk, feeling the flakes on my face and hearing the crunch beneath my feet. I think of that night and feel the shared tender awe and closeness of family all over again.

My wish for you this year is to remember your moment, and to create a simple memory to be held special by someone else this season. The smallest acts often become the deepest remembered.


John and Janet Babczak, Streator, IL

Wishing you the simplest happiness this season!

 

Read all the articles in our new
2020 Home for the Holiday magazine

Title
CLICK ON TITLES TO GO TO PAGES
Page
Making this holiday season the best ever 4
An attitude of gratitude 7
A family filled with gratitude 13
What can you find when you shop local this year 17
Holiday recipes bring out the memories 30
Personal activities that make you grow during challenging times 37
A curmudgeon's guide to celebrating holidays this year! 44
Greetings and warm wishes to you from a few of our most favorite people 49

 

< Recent features

Back to top