Category: On The Bricks

Last week the Main Street Guymon Awards Evening happened. People who have done wonderful things for and with the organization gathered together to break bread and celebrate. We celebrated the businesses that have done a good job. We celebrated the people who have given of themselves to make Guymon a better place. We celebrated friendships. We celebrated because it is a good thing to come together in a positive manner.

The people that handed over their tickets and sat in those chairs are my favorite people. They are the ones who get something done. They aren’t just talking about doing something, they’re doing it. They aren’t just out to promote themselves or to get a free meal, they’re there for the long haul. They are the ones who back up their words. They are ones who know how to sweat. And who aren’t afraid to care.

They are volunteers and entrepreneurs. They are gamblers because they invest in people, in community. They work to build something better that will last long past their last breath.

Four people committed to having their names on the slate of nominations for a position on the board of directors. They stood up and publicly said they were willing and able to give of themselves and work in this capacity. Four people. Three positions. All four would serve well. One went home without the vote and still they put themselves out there. I respect them for so many reasons. All of them. These are the people of our community’s future. They have an attitude that can keep us moving forward and moving positive.

Would you fit in with this crowd?

Do you appreciate the people who were there?

I do. Every single day.

It was a celebration on the bricks.

Wish you had been there.

The winners of our awards were Aggie Families, All Fired Up Art Gallery, Bank of the Panhandle, Beef Up Guymon Fund Raiser and Elanco, Charles White Insurance, City Bank and Trust, Fiesta Event and Soila Medina, Galleon Restaurant, Golden Crown, OPSU Baseball Team, Shop and Dine Group, Shop Local Coalition, Taos McIntyre, Veterans Banner Program and Jim Norris.

Volunteers from the Main Street Board of Directors, Transformers, Vital Volunteers, Career Focus, Cassie’s Kids, Aggie Families, Lunch and Cash Mob were also there in mass. Amazing, wonderful, and giving people. Many of those with the mentoring programs also brought their mentees and Aggies. I loved it.

I hope you have found something that brings the best out in you, too. Something where you give. Something that reminds you to appreciate all we have. Something that makes you care. Somewhere you can fit in. If you haven’t and want to, come by. Let’s talk.

See you on the Bricks!

At a meeting this week, tips on dealing with difficult emotionally charged customers / clients / patients / staff / neighbors / people came up in the conversation. A very wise person in the meeting shared and it is well worth reading. These are words we all need to hear … over and over.
Give your difficult person your undivided attention.

Pay attention. When attention is paid to someone, they feel validated; they feel important. By really listening, and conveying that through body language as well as words, you can take away the person’s reason for escalating the situation.

Be non – judgmental.

It’s important to acknowledge the customers frustration and apologize for their inconvenience. Ensure that your body language and tone are non – judgmental. This goes a long ways towards calming the individual.

Show some feeling.

A feeling response might be; I understand your frustration. Let me see what I can do to help. Most likely it will elicit a response that is positive since the individual will know that the agent understands what’s happening and is willing to work on resolving the issue.

Allow silence.

At times, allowing a moment of silence can be the best choice.

Have a team approach.

It’s easier to maintain professionalism when assistance is nearby. Support and backup are both crucial when trying to handle an escalated situation. Work to provide exceptional customer service and work together as a team.

Develop a plan.

Devise a plan before one is needed. Decisions made before an incident occurs are likely to be more rational than those made when on the receiving end of emotional outbursts. Then think about the things that are upsetting and practice dealing with those issues ahead of time.

Clarify.

When a customer makes a statement, you might think you know what the person means. The only way to be sure is to ask. Sometimes a question may be perceived as challenging and can make the customer defensive. Restate what you heard in order to gain clarification.

Good words to follow. Now the next lesson I need is how to keep from being that difficult emotional person / client / patient / person. You know how it is.

There are just some days that being nice seems to be so very impossible. I’ve always thought that rather than having only sick and vacation days, we also need to have Stay Away Days. Because everyone once in awhile we can do our best for society by staying home and seeing nobody.

Or is that just me?

Once in a college elementary education class my teacher, Jo Wise, stated, “There will be those days that you really aren’t feeling nice. Those students don’t deserve to be the brunt of your mood. So, do you know what you do on those days? Lay low. Just lay low.”

That was very good advice. For everyone, not just educators.

Thank you to all who came out and supported Main Street Guymon volunteers and members at the recent Main Street Awards Evening. You are good to us. You make it easy to want to work within this fine community. Blessings to each of you that give so that we can give back.

See you on the Bricks!

Here’s to you and here’s to me in hopes we never disagree ….

You make a toast to recognize, celebrate, and share the moment with others, passing along good wishes. It is an opportunity to add extra meaning and significance to an event and can be appropriate for almost any occasion. Yet, today making a toast is not as common as it should be.

Many of us only hear quick toasts at formal events, and sometimes they aren’t thought out toasts.

A toast should be short and sweet. Two minutes is a maximum amount of time for a good toast.

A toast is not about you. Your toast should focus on someone or something else.

Use powerful adjectives to describe the person you’re toasting.

Be light on the humor so you don’t steal attention from the subject of the toast.

And, just to be careful, if you’re new to toasting, you might write it down just in case you have a brain freeze and forget what you had planned to say.

Then at the end, tell the audience when it is time to raise their glasses. Ask the audience to raise their glass, express feelings toward the subject and finally end with “Cheers”.

Here’s some things happening in Guymon that you might not want to miss …

• Feb. 20-22 are auditions for the Guymon Community Theatre production of Spamalot, a musical ripped off from the motion picture “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” Should be funny!
• Feb. 20 is the Main Street Guymon Awards Evening when we salute our volunteers and give out awards for wonderful projects and works that happened in 2017.
• There’s a Sorry Tournament at the OPSU Library at 6:30 pm on Feb. 21. I love board games.
• At noon on Feb. 22 is the TCEC Community Connections Spotlight at H&R Block. That same evening is OPSU basketball with the women at 6 pm and the men starting at 8.
• Feb. 24 is a Saturday and there are quite a few things happening that day. From 11 to 2, with a light lunch provided, is a Parenting meeting for parents or guardians of children with special needs. Call Shand Oden at 580-461-3528 if you’re interested in going or to learn more about it.
• Then from 1:30 – 3:30 is a free Leadership Workshop provided by the Toastmasters groups. Leaders are from Amarillo and there is no obligation to join Toastmasters, but a chance to learn more about getting ahead in today’s business world. Call 338-7270 to reserve a spot.
• At 5 pm that same day, the 24th, is an OPSU men’s basketball game.

A great week ahead of us. Let’s toast to all we have a chance to take part in!

See you on the bricks!

When doing something, pay attention to what you’re doing. We are so ineffective when our mind is elsewhere. This is something I really need to work on.

A recent article in the Toastmaster magazine by Caren Schhnur Neile made a lot of sense. She said, “Be completely present. Dedicate your full mind to what you’re doing. Instead of thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, concentrate on what your senses tell you about that very moment. And instead of weighing the pros and cons of what you or anyone else is doing, simply be.

“When our focus is on the present moment, we will not only accomplish the task at hand, we will also be more accepting of our emotions and those of others. When we listen, we can completely listen with our ears, eyes, and hearts. When we speak, we can feel confident that intrusive thoughts and emotions whatever they are, will not prevent us from communicating our message. And when we lead, we can do so with the sensitivity that comes from feeling good about ourselves, connecting with others and having the mental clarity to focus positively on what really matters.

“To be in the moment, step away from the phone. A recent study found that when cell phones are within reach, students don’t perform as well on tests – even if they don’t use them! Just the knowledge that a phone is around is apparently enough to distract us.

“Do one thing at a time and do it well. Psychologists claim there is really no such thing as multitasking. Rather than actually engaging in two or more tasks simultaneously, our brains toggle from one to the other, accomplishing about as much on each as if we were drunk.

“Switch it up. Are you right – handed? Try to accomplish a simple task like brushing your teach or stirring milk into your coffee with your left. We do so many things without paying attend that changing a simple habit once in a while forces us to focus on our actions.

“Sense it. Many of us tend to focus on the sense of sight without paying nearly as much attention to our other senses. Take a walk in the park or the mall – or just sit at your desk. Use all your senses to fully experience the moment.”

Cultivate this type of awareness and promote your mental strength and clarity.

You up to that challenge for today? I’m game. It makes sense to me!

And remember what Goethe said, “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”

Oh, and this quote really fits the above article. “We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” That was said by Arianna Huffington.

Be sure to go see the Guymon Community Theatre production “The Shadow Box” on Feb. 15, 16, or 17 at 8 pm. Tickets are $8 and call 338-0019 to make your reservations. I hear the show is outstanding.

There is a Mother – Son Dinner on Feb. 16 at 6 pm, benefiting Panhandle Services for Children. Tickets are $30 a couple and $10 for extras. It is at the Methodist Enrichment Center.

OPSU Baseball games on Feb. 16 and 17 and 20. Usually around noon or so.

The Chamber Pioneer Days Rodeo Committee Fundraiser, the Dinner, Dance, and Draw Down is a steak dinner with music by the Wooden Nickel Band, tickets are $50 each and you have a chance to win $5,000. That’s at Pickle Creek and doors open at 6:30 with dinner at 7 on Feb. 17.

Take your winnings for the Draw Down and go to the OPSU First Pitch Baseball Banquet at Hunney’s on Feb. 18 at 6 pm. Cost is $16 per person and should be fun!

Then on the 20th is the Main Street Guymon Awards Evening. Cost is $25 a ticket and it happens at the RC Party Room at 5th and Main.

Hope to see you there. Focus. On the bricks!

“Kaizen” is a Japanese word that translates to “continuous improvement” or “change for the better,” according to the International Toastmasters President. He goes on to explain that Kaizen is more than just a word, it’s a lifestyle. It represents striving for constant improvement in all areas of life.

One of Kaizen’s principles is “Think of how to do it, not why it cannot be done.” Identify the obstacles keeping you from reaching a goal and then come up with way to overcome them. Don’t tackle the entire problem at once, but rather, break it down into smaller, more manageable piece. And keep persevering.

“Don’t seek perfection” is another Kaizen principle. Halfway to a goal is better than no progress at all. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds and you lose only 25, you are not a failure even though you haven’t completely reached your goal.

We can’t always be perfect, but we can always improve. Strive for improvement and excellence. Those are attainable goals.

In every project you undertake, as yourself if it can be improved.

Resolve to work toward continual, incremental improvement in every aspect of your life and excellence will be a word associated with all you do. You will always be raising the bar.

So, the goal is to never stop improving.

The goal isn’t to be perfect by the end, but to be better tomorrow.

While you’re improving yourself consider possible 2018 Guymon Pioneer Day themes. The committee is asking for short, concise theme suggestions that lend themselves to great logo and parade float ideas. Submit the theme by 5 pm on Feb. 16, to the Guymon Chamber of Commerce, Rt. 5 Box 120, Guymon, or call Jada at 580-338-3376. Be sure to include your name and phone number with your theme idea.

They are also looking for Pioneer Queen and Parade Marshall nominations. According to the information from the Chamber, “beginning in 1940, the founders of the Pioneer Days celebration have honored the memories of the mothers by selecting one lady who would represent all the pioneer women. Beginning in 1964, a Parade Marshall was named to represent all pioneer men. These individuals represent all the pioneers who braved the many hardships and lived through those homesteading years almost on faith and hope alone and who set a good example of courage for their descendants to follow.

The criteria for the queen and marshal is 1) a descendant of settlers in No Man’s Land in the late 1800s or early 1900s; 2) live in Texas, Cimarron or Beaver County at the time of the honor; 3) have lived in the Oklahoma Panhandle for at least 50 years; and 4) must be willing and able to serve if selected. Submissions need to me sent to the Chamber, Rt. 5 Box 120, Guymon 73942.

You can also improve your community involvement by attending some of the following events.

Bank of the Panhandle is putting on the Craft for a Cause on Feb. 12 with the proceeds benefitting Meals of Wheels. It takes place at 6:30 pm in the Main Street Guymon office at 116 NE 5th, at 6:30 and costs $25 a person. Call 580-468-3584 to reserve your spot.

That same evening you can support the OPSU men and women’s basketball teams with the women playing at 6 pm and the men at 8 pm.

Don’t forget to vote on Feb. 13.

And Feb. 15, 16, and 17 is the last weekend for the Guymon Community Theatre production of “The Shadow Box” where tickets are $8 a person and the talent is amazing. Go see this thought provoking play directed by Michael Patterson. Call 338-0019 to make your reservation.

Also, on Feb. 16 is the Mother Son Dinner, a benefit for Panhandle Services for Children. The dinner begins at 6 pm and it costs $30 a couple with $10 for extra sons and is served at the Methodist Church Enrichment Center.

And it would be awesome if you broadened your community support to include Main Street Guymon (close to my heart) and attend the Annual Awards Evening on Feb. 20. The cost of the ticket is $25 and you’ll see many wonderful volunteers and businesses recognized during that evening from 6 – 7:30 pm. Call me at 338-6264 for more information.

See the new and improving you on the bricks!

Last Saturday three high school boys, Main Street Guymon Transformers, went to the Heritage Community and visited with several ladies. Two of the ladies are over 100 years old and all of them had better than 75 years of wisdom stored up. First, the staff there was wonderful. They had everything planned and set out so well. Then the ladies were so gracious and hospitable.

Six ladies came out to visit with us, all were dressed so nicely. They had really made an effort and you could tell that it mattered to them that we were there. I was a bit ashamed at my flaps and warm – up britches and tee. But the ladies didn’t seem to notice. The boys asked some questions of the ladies and the ladies asked some questions of the boys. Several of the ladies wanted to tell a story. And everyone was patient and listened patiently.

It was a blessed time.

Eighty years spanned some of the ladies ages to the young mens. Different cultures, different lifestyles, but kindness travels over all of those. We felt special and they felt special. The boys, who are busy with jobs and school work and fun times, all want to go back.

That’s the way life is supposed to be. We should all work to make people understand their worthiness and in the end, we will find ours.

So, here’s a task, if you’re looking for a challenge. For each day one week, do something that makes another person understand that they do matter to you. We can all do a better job of this.

Margaret Mead said, “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.”

January 25 is a busy day. You can attend the Agriculture Mini – Conference in Goodwell from 6 – 9 pm (call OSU Extension office for more information). You can also attend the OPSU Women’s Basketball game at 6 pm and the Men’s game at 8 pm.

On January 26 and 27 are OPSU baseball games at noon and 2 pm in Goodwell. The 27th also has OPSU women’s basketball at 3 pm and men’s at 5 pm.

Then on Feb. 1 is the Shop and Dine in Downtown with special snacks and drawing at Golden Crown, Merle Norman, Christine’s Home Furnishings, SPC WOW Boutique, Beauty and the Beast, and La Amistad. It’s fun! Remember to take your TCEC Community Connections card with you and get $5 off any unlimited monthly tanning bed package at Beauty and the Beast, 15% off at SPC WOW, and a free gift with purchase over $25 at Merle Norman.

Also on Feb. 1 is the Guymon Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Banquet from 6 – 8 pm. OPSU President Tim Faltyn is the speaker and tickets are $15 before Jan. 29 and $25 after the 29th. It’s a steak dinner and a fun evening when several ag awards are presented. Tickets are available at Anchor D Bank, Farm Credit of Western Oklahoma, OSU Extension office, and the Guymon Chamber.

The OPSU Rodeo Top Hand Auction is at Pickle Creek on Feb. 3.

Super Bowl happens on February 4 and I hope you have something fun planned for that day. You might want to be sure to attend the Souper Bowl, a fund raiser for the Oaks of Mamre, that lunch day. It happens at the Methodist Church and all proceeds go to a great cause.

And don’t forget to put the Methodist Groundhog Supper on Feb. 5 on your calendar. Adult plates are $8 and it runs from 11:30 – 1 in the afternoon and 5 – 7 in the evening.\

All week, Monday through Friday, you can get 10% off of the lunch special at Dizzy B’s with your Community Connections card. And at Pizza Hut you can get a large pizza for medium price. And for coffee lovers, check out the savings at Urban Bru.

Lots to do in our community. Take part! And mark February 13 as your day to go vote.

I’ll see you on the bricks.

There are some really thought provoking quotes that remind me of people or events and when I take a moment to think about them, they just make the whole world seem nicer and more lovable.

Aesop is credited with saying, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

See, you read those words and you know that every single day you can do this. It doesn’t take money, it doesn’t have to take much time, and it doesn’t take being very smart. You just be nice to someone.

Sometimes I read facebook posts. And during one of those brainless moments of reading, I read one where one of my friends asked others to tell about a time when someone was kind to them and they really appreciated it. When I read that, I thought it could be fun to read these comments and proceeded to move down the post. The first post was from a friend of mine who I worked with when I was at the Tourism Department out of Oklahoma City.

Stacy wrote how she had taken a new job and moved to a new town right before her birthday. She had a friend who contacted people in the new town and told them about Stacy and asked them to take a moment to tell her happy birthday that day. She had people call and come by that day, one of the first in her new job, and wish her well. She said it was Melyn Johnson that did that.

You know, I don’t remember anything about any of this, but it does sound like something I would do. I probably emailed my contacts in that town, who also shared, and what took me about three minutes many years later I am getting all this credit for. We never know how much of an impression we make. And when we work together it can be so good.

Such small acts mean so much. I recently went into Dizzy B’s and Lowell handed me one of those new Hershey’s Gold bars, peanuts and pretzels, and told me to try it because it was so good. Was he ever right! Delicious. And, no, he didn’t let me pay for it. How nice was that? I smiled for ages just remembering.

Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

All you need to do to remind yourself that life isn’t so bad is to start helping others who have a harder time. And there are many who have fights that we can’t even imagine. Jim Norris is one who really makes the truth of this statement come out. Needing a liver transplant and yet he doesn’t let this keep him from working for the community. He is on several boards, he is the one who spearheads the Veterans Banner program and he also works one several other community projects. That takes strength.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart.” Elizabeth Andrew said and she was so right. When Coach Keith Schulz stepped up and made the Special Game Day happen where the OPSU Baseball Team had a day for kids, including special needs kids, to play baseball and feel the thrill of being on the field and having the crowd yelling for them with their family watch them, he was my hero. He understood the time it would take and that it was worth it, for the baseball team to appreciate what they had and to share it, and for the families and kids that participated to know that they all matter. And Coach Keith stepped in with a smile and a can – do attitude and did it. It wasn’t about what they would get, but what they could give. I love him for it. There were so many others who stepped in to help and I love them for that, too, but we couldn’t have done it without the baseball team.

Volunteers are not paid. Not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.

Are you wanting to start volunteering? If you want to talk about it, give me a call at 338-6246. There might well be an entity (maybe even Main Street Guymon) that needs some help once in awhile and it might be the perfect fit for you!

See you on the bricks!

Applications for the 2018 Leadership Guymon class are being taken at the Chamber of Commerce. This is an excellent program that benefits the community first, the businesses, and individuals. Would you like to get more involved in your community? Professionally, should you be out more and talking and meeting people? You can do both by applying to be in Leadership Guymon.

It begins on Jan. with a reception and the chance to learn more about expectations and scheduling.

On Jan. 19 is the Community Leadership.

Feb. 2 is the Quality of Life Session and starts by attending Eggs and Issues.

Feb. 16 is the Education Session with an update on all Education facilities & what Guymon and Texas County has to offer.

Mar. 8 is for the Local Government Session, featuring how city government functions. Participants will attend Guymon City Council Meeting as part of the session.

Mar. 26 and 27 is State Government Session with an overnight trip to Oklahoma City and attendance to the Northwest Oklahoma Alliance Legislative Reception. You tour the capitol, visit with legislators and others that impact our communities.

Apr. 6 is the Economic Base Session to learn about local banks and financial institutions, agribusiness, oil and gas and other industries.

Apr. 13 is County Government, focusds on Texas County Government and how it operates.

Apr. 19 is the Graduation Banquet.

There is a cost for the program and you must fill in an application, but it’s easy! Contact Jada at the Guymon Chamber of Commerce for an application. And remember, there is a place in the community that you’re needed. Step on up.

“The best way to find yourself is in the service to others.” Ghandi

One of the important parts in becoming a leader is knowing what you feel passionate about. When you realize what you really care about, then you find ways that you can improve there, ways you can help. It’s an adventure that leads to you being a happier and more respected person. And Texas County has so many areas that are doing excellent things for our communities and our families. And almost all of them need help.

Remember that a volunteer doesn’t get paid because they are priceless.

Time for a mention of TCEC Community Connection opportunities:

• Anytime Fitness has one month free and a free gym bag.
• Beauty and the Beast has $5 off any unlimited tanning bed package.
• Harana MedSpa has 5% off products.
• Merle Norman has a free gift with purchase of cosmetics.
• Texas County YMCA will waive your joiner’s fee, worth $50.

See you on the bricks!

The art of good conversation is a skill that all should aspire to gain. When we are able to be confident in talking to whomever we need to, the world just becomes a lot nicer place to be. Recently the Toastmaster magazine had some very good suggestions to becoming a better conversationalist that I’m going to share.

Express a sincere interest in the other person. Asking someone about themselves is the easiest way in the world to start a conversation. And the person who actually listens to the answer is usually considered a new friend.

Ask meaningful questions. Ask the person to tell you what they think about a topic, event, or news item. Avoid controversial topics or ones that you’re just looking for someone to give your opinions to. Ask something that requires more than a “yes” or “no” answer.

Give compliments. There is always something nice you can say and no better way to attract the undivided attention of someone than to give a flattering remark. You can admire something about their appearance or home, compliment the food they prepared, or their work on a project.

Listen. Respond and listen. A big part of successful communication is responding appropriately, and how can you do that when you didn’t her the previous comment?

Avoid debates. Allow other people to have their opinions. Stay away from historically volatile topics like religion, politics and other controversial topics.

A poor communicator talks on and on. Be careful to not be a one – sided communicator.

We can all improve on our conversation skills. And they are skills. You can practice and improve on them. Everyone can. Start by going out to lunch with a friend and make a point to use some of the suggestions. Each time we practice, we get better. And pretty soon you’ll find you’re the one that people gravitate towards because you make it easy for them to be comfortable in a crowd.

In fact, join the Main Street Lunch Mob and have your perfect opportunity to practice! We meet once a month, January it is on the 16th, at noon in the front room of Pub on the Bricks. We just gather together and support our Main Street Guymon restaurant members. Come alone, bring a friend, it doesn’t matter. It’s Dutch treat and the $5 lunch special is always popular when we go to the Pub.

And you shouldn’t miss the Guymon Lions Club Chili and Stew Supper on Jan. 16. Lunch mob in the afternoon and hit the Chili Supper in the evening at the Methodist Enrichment Center, 6th and Quinn, from 5:30 – 8 pm. Plates are $7 for adults. This is a great way to assist those who do so much for our community.

Another chance to practice your conversation skills is at the TCEC Co-Op Connections Spotlight on Thur., Jan. 11, at Charles White Insurance. The spotlight happens from noon to 1 and when you go, you can sign up to win $100 in Main Bucks! The Co-Op Connections is a great way for you to save money at many local businesses. Check it out at www.tcec.coop.

That evening don’t miss the chance to watch the OPSU Men’s Basketball team play in Goodwell at 8 pm. It’s a great evening to watch them. They also play at 5 pm on Jan. 13.

Love to see you on the bricks!

There are several things about the Christmas season that are way better than the present thing. One of those is the children’s Christmas program at church. I don’t care what program it is, who plans it, who is in it, it is going to be fun. The worst one is memorable for that very reason and it still makes you feel good and smile, and the best one can do the very same. So, they’re all wonderful because watching kids can be so darn entertaining. Watching kids talk about peace and joy and goodwill can’t go wrong. And the hugs afterwards abound.

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia said this and it is something we should remember every single day of 2018. Be the one to give the touch, smile, kind word, to listen, to care. Take the Christmas program attitude through all 12 months.

Charles Michael sent an email out to his Lions Club members after the Christmas Shopping Spree. He said when the next meeting was, and this reminder was the reason for the email. But then he thanked the 28 volunteers that worked the shopping spree. He said he had a great time and then told about a little guy who wanted a little foam couch instead of a toy because he could roll it out and have a bed, which he didn’t have at home.

Another Lion was given $300 from a man she didn’t know who saw the shoppers. Charles proceeded to tell the wonderful job done by the WalMart staff, those with the school buses, and the staff at the Ambassador Restaurant. Kids, 129 of them, spent about $10,000 and Christmas was a time of giving for many. Someone cared.

There is a reason I read Charles Michael’s emails … because so often he is telling very positive things about this community that we both love.

I don’t know what either one of them wanted to be “when they grew up,” but Charles and Colleen Michael are a pair of leaders in our community who we need to thank God every day that we have. Whether it is their work with Lions Club or with the Guymon Community Theatre, they are there making a difference for many.

I read this on Facebook and think it is appropriate for them … Great leaders don’t set out to be a leader – they set out to make a difference. It’s never about the role – always about the goal.

Support the Lions Club by buying a ticket to their Chili and Stew Supper on Jan. 16. From 5:30 – 8 pm in the Methodist Enrichment Center at 6th and Quinn. Tickets are $7 for adults and less for kids.

Visit Charles White Insurance at 1024 N. Main on Jan. 11 from noon to 1 for the TCEC Co-Op Connections Spotlight and have a chance to win $100 in Main Bucks.

That same day, Jan. 11, you can go watch the OPSU Men’s Basketball team play in Goodwell at 8 pm.

Lots of ways to show you care about your community! Pick one to do this week.

Remember what Anthony J. D’Angelo said, “Without a sense of caring, there can be no sense of community.” Be a part of your community this year. We care and want to see you there!

See you on the bricks.