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 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!
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