(SBA) - By the time you read this column, we may know who the next President of the United States will be. This election has been long and ugly and it will be a welcome change to return to at least some degree of normalcy. Dale and I were glad that we decided to vote early for this election because we were spared the chaos that was part of the election process in many cities. We also will know if our school bond passed on its seventh effort and if the two amendments to our state Constitution received a majority vote, as well. We will also know if the judges up for reappointment at the state and district levels will retain their seats. All of us will be affected by this week’s election and I hope that you took the opportunity to have your voice heard. I’ve always thought that if you do not vote, you forfeit your right to complain about the result! One of the highlights of this week’s election is that our daughter, Jiha Moon, who is married to our oldest son, Andy voted for the first time. Although Jiha has lived in the United States for more than twenty years, she retained her South Korean citizenship until this past year when she became a naturalized citizen. The poll workers in Tallahassee, Florida where she, Andy and their son Oliver live, made a big deal about Jiha’s first voting experience. I wish that all precincts would celebrate that initial vote for every naturalized or eighteen year old or more American citizens voting for the first time.
There have been several other events that occurred in the past week. Garry and Carol Clark, long-time Sergeant Bluff residents, have moved to Whispering Creek. As a result, Carol had to resign her seat on the City Council. Her replacement was named last Friday. Carol and Garry have been very active in our community and we will miss their many efforts. They promise that they will remain involved in our schools, our City and in the Elevate Church. The United Methodist Church held its annual Harvest Dinner last Sunday. It takes many hands to prepare this sumptuous meal and there were at least a dozen of us peeling potatoes, wrapping silverware and setting up various stations last Saturday morning. All of the food on Sunday was delicious! Sergeant Bluff was alive with Trick-or-Treaters last Thursday night. Most of the children were polite and well-mannered, but I’ve heard several people remark that some of the children seemed ungrateful and, in some cases, actually rude. We did have one young man ask Dale at our door, “Is that all you’ve got?” and another who turned around and left when he saw what kinds of candy and individually packaged cookies we were giving out. Another notable event last week was the opening of First Street all of the way to Roger’s Corner. Its reopening will make getting around in Sergeant Bluff easier again.
A real highlight was the Edgar Allen Poe reenactor who presented a program at our City Library last week. The actor was excellent, and he painted an informative picture of a man who was so misunderstood in his time. I wish that someone had informed the middle and high school English teachers so that their students could have attended the program. I’ve taught Poe’s work many times over the years and I know my students would have enjoyed the program. City Librarian Mary Torgerson does such an excellent job with programming at our Library. I know that Mary has many exciting events planned during the holiday season. Please check The Advocate and the City website for her many offerings. Planning is also underway for our annual Winter Fest event that will take place a week later than in the past. There is a carnival planned, as well as crafts, a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus and a delicious chili supper served by the Community Action Team. Dale and I sell tickets for the Christmas raffle and we really enjoy seeing all of the young families (as well as we old folks!) enjoying an inexpensive afternoon right in our hometown. Shepherd of Peace will hold its annual luncheon and craft fair in the community building on Saturday. There is always a wide variety of baked goods available for sale and I often do some major Christmas shopping at the various craft booths that fill the community center. Come early if you want good parking! Growing Up Lulu fabric arts will be offering several classes designed to help knitters and crocheters craft one-of-a-kind handmade gifts for giving this holiday season.
This week marks the end of an era as Mike’s Mini Mart is closing and being torn down to make way for the new Kwik Star planned for that location. Lori and Mike Selig have been great supporters of Sergeant Bluff for many years and we will miss their generosity and kindness. Be sure to thank them for their service when you see them about town. Sergeant Bluff is a vibrant community and we welcome changes as we still mourn those who no longer will be fixtures in our town.
