Thanks for making community wonderful

Cheers. This is a festive time of year and I want to cheer on a few who make our community wonderful.

First, I want to thank our Raider Cheerleaders. Almost two dozen students turned out and they are rockin’ our athletic events. I would love to have a cup of coffee with the head coach who’s been at the helm for almost four decades.

Our local athletic director was voted Athletic Director of the Year and deserves it based on the challenges of the last two years. We are lucky to have him as a leader of two systems and a coach in our school district.

Our winter sports teams have Raider Nation rolling. They are fun to follow. Many of my former students have athletes on these teams. Girls’ varsity basketball has very few seniors, but they provide energy and stability to a talented squad.

Our secondary school principal continues to progress and shine. Her common sense, with-it-ness, maturity, humble nature, and other natural skills are making a huge difference.

A cheer to the town of Coulee Dam’s maintenance crew for picking up our leaves and debries even after their necessary heavy equipment broke down.

I look forward to stories from Roger Lucas. Whether he is serious or humorous, I respect his experiences and wisdom. My favorite Roger story is when he and his buddy went door to door selling dressed down chickens so they could have some spending money. Having the gizzards fall out on the porch during a sale and Rodger quickly kicking them off the door step was very funny. Roger’s work ethic in another tale brought back memories — when I was very young I cleaned out horse stables for pennies. When I was 16, I pumped out outhouses. I was willing to do crappy jobs. I also remember being in college and taking more than full-time credits, being on the track and field team, working as a bartender and serving as ASB president all at the same time. I worked hard to graduate in four years with a BA and Master’s degree because I was broke. Then when I started my first career job, my monthly pay was less than a car payment today. It is important that our youth understand how very important a strong work ethic is.

I want to send a cheer out to a few of our local businesses. Over the years I’ve appreciated those who have made upgrades to their businesses. Recently, improvements to the Casino, The Star newspaper, Centerline, the TeePee and others make me proud to be a community member. We are fortunate to live where we do.

Also, a cheer to Colleen Manley and her system leaders at the Credit Union. They’re making a complex merger with STCU seem easy.

Finally, I want to cheer on my partner of almost five decades, my five kids and their significant others, and my five wonderful grandchildren. I’m thankful you’re all healthy and safe.

I’m blessed to have you in my life. It looks like we may have a white Christmas after all.

Happy holidays everyone!

John M. Adkins