The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

What Two People Can Do Is Surprising

by Dessa Rodeffer,
Publisher/Editor

4 August1999

The past weekend's event is an example of just what two people can do if they set their minds to it.

Jerry Burford and Mayor Kenny Brown of La Harpe planned a car show and tribute to the late Fred Gibb and his 1969 ZL-1 Camaro that not only astonished the community, but also astonished them.

What originally was planned as a car show around the Village Park ended in over 200 vehicles on display at La Harpe's football field and golf course.

I'm surprised at how many times a few good workers can run the show, whether at church dinners, running the ambulance, serving a club, preparing special feasts such as fish fries, hog roasts, or even Christmas dinner.

I am always looking for extra help to start a project, but what I need is to roll up my sleeves, grab a friend, and plan something wonderful.

At least it seems that is what it takes to get things rolling. After the work is started, many are more apt to fall in line and do what they can to help, too.

Some make good Indians, and others make good chiefs. The secret is to know your expertise. I know my Assistant Editor Shirley Linder is an excellent chief. She can not only run the Quill newspapers, but also plan a successful church ice cream social, teach a bunch of little tykes in Sunday School, and encourages all her family members to take part.

I also was amazed with my baby sitter when my daughter was a toddler. Bonnie Schmitz could have several little ones each day organized into a eating, sleeping, and playing routine. She always was relaxing with the afternoon paper when I picked up Darci. How does she do it, I would ask.

It must be a God-given talent in some people. Whatever the case, I am glad for the special people who create some wonderful events and make special things happen with such ease.

A class reunion, a parade, entries of floats, the player's workshop, organizing sporting events are all events that take time and commitment to succeed.

Our communities are full of good people like this. Let's be better at letting them know how much we appreciate the effort they put out.

Get out the old writing pad and send them a note of thanks and give them some encouragement to do it again. We all respond well to a little pampering, so let's go to it.

I'm glad our small communities are full of so many charitable folks. Aren't you?

Thanks Jerry Burford, and Kenny Brown for your excellent presentation of a great tribute to a man who loved cars, the late Fred Gibb.

Thanks also to the many in our communities who organize, plan, and conduct the many events that we keep attending, year-after-year.