November 23, 2005

Falls City Notes / Dorothy Cassidy

Ever notice (I'm sure you have!) how much better we feel and how our mood changes when the weather is good? The sun is shining through my window, and somehow things seem more positive.

I guess that is what has got me to thinking. When I look at the conditions in the world and even in our own communities, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless to make any difference. I know my life can make only a small impact on the other side of the world, but I have accepted the challenge to make a difference in just one person's life today.

I know the holidays make us contemplate these things more, and maybe that is the best part of this time of year. We can all resolve to bring some sunshine to someone's life.

Last week I told you about a Falls City High School senior project at work on the city park basketball court. I want to mention the guys by name: Les, Keith, Martin and Trevor -- keep up the good work!

I spent some time with Mr. Casey, who is a teacher and senior class advisor. I was very excited about the projects the students have chosen. They are doing projects to help their school, the community and even assist at a monkey rehabilitation facility. I didn't know there was such a thing until I learned about the project.

Several civic groups are working together on design, planning and landscaping at the library. The Garden Club, Arts Counsel, SOLV, Friends of the Library, as well as high school students and other members of the community were busy cleaning and planting this week.

Grants from the Garden Club, SOLV and others have made this all come together. They have also received approval to relocate the city sculpture on the library site. I'll keep you up to date on their progress.

I want to thank Herman Stout for the beautiful work he did on a flag display case in memory of my husband Michael. It is wonderful.

I would like to introduce Pastor John Hallock and his wife Cari. They are the new pastors of the Mountain Gospel Fellowship church. John is also a chaplain and is almost finished with his seminary degree.

They have three boys -- Gabriel, Joshua and Caleb. They are very caring people and are excited to be a part of the Falls City community. They have a heart to help people in any way they can and have some good ideas for our youth. Welcome!

As I talk to some who have been in the area for many years I hear their interesting stories of how things were in the past. Then I talk to relatively new citizens and hear their dreams and aspirations for the future. There is one common thread -- we all love this community, its people and its natural beauty.

Until next time, blessings on your home.