Dr. William C. Isaacs was at the front of the line to receive the first COVID-19 vaccine administered at the Canadian Physicians Clinic on Thursday morning, Dec. 24. He was followed by nine other local healthcare workers, each of whom received the first dose of the two-dose vaccine manufactured by Moderna.

The winners of the Canadian/Hemphill County Chamber of Commerce Christmas Lighting Contest were announced this week. The prize for first place was awarded to Patrick and Mattie Vasquez, whose home (in photo at top right) is located at 415 S. 7th St. The second-place winner was the home of Misael and Esperanza Blanco at 330 Giraud (middle). Third-place winners were Alan and Laurie Hale, whose home is located at 919 S. 4th St (bottom). Adding immensely to this community’s holiday spirit were a number of downtown businesses that joined in this year’s #ColorfulCanadian Christmas lighting project, which was spearheaded by Bryce and Haley Ward. The secret Santas who judged the contest were pleased to see Canadian so brightly-lit this Christmas. “There were so many more that decorated this year, and it made it fun driving all over to see this town lit up,” said one. “Wow! There were a lot more houses decorated this year…and downtown looked amazing,” said another. “Canadian sure showed their Christmas spirit. There were so many good ones it was hard to narrow it down,” the third judge commented. “I loved that there were houses decorated that usually aren’t. Now if we could just get the whole town on board!” The contest winners were each given prizes of Canadian Cash.

In last week’s Rotary Club meeting, Charlie Mann introduced invited speaker Head Coach Chris Koetting, the Canadian High School athletic director. Mann commented on Canadian’s first-class athletic programs. He also suggested that Koetting might have been a high-jumper in a previous life, as evidenced by the photo of him leaping for joy at the end of the state game.

What could be more comforting than a warm bowl of gumbo on a cold winter’s day? This recipe comes from my niece, Trisha Lyons, who is married to a Cajun boy. - KIM B.