The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Community Pride

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher-Owner

18 August 2004

We have so many wonderful people in our communities, I wouldn't for a second hesitate in telling others that this is a great place to live.

Don't you feel that way? If you take time to focus on the good, you will see it clearly.

There is so much right, it is hard to know where to start.

In Stronghurst, the most recent beautification project by city boosters is the City Park, but the history goes back a long way with community minded people who preserved a village block for our recreation. There are people who established a wonderful La Harpe Park District and golf course, caring nursing homes in several of our towns, senior housing, senior centers, La Harpe Davier hospital, a swimming pool in Oquawka and La Harpe, a wonderful golf course and campgrounds at Hend-Co-Hills... and of course, there are county fairs, old tyme shows to "remember when", and Heritage Trails in Henderson County.

Oquawka has had some sailboat races, the recent beginnings of a catfish cook-off, and each community has community service organizations.

Then we have those serving the village board, county board, school board, township and cemetery boards.

There are EMTs, our volunteer firemen, auxiliary police, veterans, Lions, Eagles, and Masons.

Of course, we are blessed with many wonderful churches that focus on our moral and religious character in our communities and who teach of the loving and forgiving nature of God.

There are summer ball leagues, boys and girls scouts, referees, umpires, coaches, concession stand workers. There are those who plan parades, and Christmas events, teach Bible school, start reading clubs, and garden clubs.

I want to encourage you to overlook the negative that you might hear, and spread community pride around by talking about all that is good where we live.