Our landscape had a radical change from the fluffy, white blanket of snow we enjoyed into a bright, glittering blanket of ice which covered the fields in many places making them look like huge skating rinks. Temperatures have remained unseasonably cold for this time of year. They have dipped down below the freezing point several times. However, the forecast for this week predicts a warming of the temperatures accompanied by some moisture in rain, snow or sleet. If we could have our choice, I think we would all choose the rain. I am having a hard time thinking winter. What has happened to our Indian summer that gives us a chance to get our outdoor chores done and to say a final farewell to fall? It also gave us more time for preparing for the colder temperatures, strong winds and snow which usually accompanies our winter weather. I enjoy the changing seasons and I don’t mind winter when it arrives as it gives many of us a chance to catch up on things we have not been able to get done all summer. I just don’t like thinking about it. But I know you can’t have every thing.The Student Council of the Hills-Beaver Creek schools will have a Blood Drive from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, in the high school gym. Appointments may be made by calling the high school office at 962-3240. Carla and Joel Overlander and daughters, Circle Pines, were guests in the home of her mother, Melba Boeve, for the weekend. Pete and Judy Boeve, Sioux Falls, were Sunday evening dinner guests in the home of her mother, Henrietta Huenink. Joyce and Jo Aykens left on Sunday for Hull, N.D., where they attended funeral services for a distant relative of the Aykens family, Pete Nieusma. They returned home on Monday after the funeral. Steen Reformed Church Youth Fellowship will have a fall supper and auction beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13. The auction begins at 7 p.m. at the American Legion in Hills. See you there!Carol Van Bemmel, who has served as secretary for Steen Reformed Church for many years, is retiring from her duties there. Best wishes to her on her retirement. Steen Reformed Church had their annual meeting Monday evening. Election of officers were as follows: elders, Dale Bartels and Robert Sandbulte; and deacons, Dave Esselink and Dave Tilstra. Brian Dengler was approved for full time youth leader of their church for the coming year. Paul Aykens, Orange City, Iowa, spent Tuesday at the home of his mother, Jo Aykens. There is a jacket and winter clothing drive for the Center of Hope in Sioux Falls being conducted. If you have any warm clothing that you no longer wear, contact Steen Reformed Church and they will see that it gets to the proper place. Joyce and Jo Aykens met Paul and Carole Aykens, Susan Veldkamp and daughter Jadeyn, all from Orange City, in Sioux Falls on Friday where they spent the day together. The Hills-Beaver Creek FFA fruit sales will end on Nov. 17. If you have not been contacted call the Hills-Beaver Creek School at 962-3240 if you wish to purchase some. Carolyn Scholten, Cambridge, Wis., and her sister, Martha Jongjes, Edgerton, were callers in the Winnie Scholten home this past week.If you have been listening to the TV and radio of late and have heard all of those hoping to run for office campaigning, I think you will agree with me that it is going to be a long year. As I was thinking about those campaigning for offices many thoughts entered my mind. While looking through some old magazines I found this article which expressed my thoughts very well, especially when I think of what went on at our last election. Just this morning I heard on the radio that several states will not be having primary elections this year as they feel they have been too much party controlled and it has been a waste of money. After hearing that, I decided to share this article with you. "I do not believe the democratic process in an election year is a series of slur-ridden speeches, threats, charges and counter-chargers.I do not subscribe to marketing or political pettiness. With the challenges and changes demanded by today’s society, every man, woman and child must put aside personal determination if the great goal is to be achieved. The key words are unselfish objectivity — keeping one eye on the ball for the greater good of all who are concerned. Party loyalty has its place but not at the price of national disorder.Our country needs outstanding leadership, citizens first, careerists by coincidence. Politics is neither hobby or pastime, rather it is a total dedication of the committed to the genuine purpose of government. We no longer can afford the people, the time, or the funds for anything less. America deserves more than even the best we can give."I think these thoughts were expressed many years ago but I think they apply very well to our nation in this, our election year.
