Community

Happy 2021, friends! Our first program of the year was one with a humbling reminder. Despite the unexpected trials 2020 brought, there are people—children, no less—whose day-to-day struggles make most adults’ lifetime struggles pale in comparison. Not to mention these children often have less support, control, and ability to cope with what goes on when their worlds turn upside down. Thankfully, there are programs like CASA of the High Plains devoted to guiding children and their families through foster and adoptive care. We were lucky to hear straight from executive director, Alissha Jefferis, and volunteer coordinator, Payton Foster, of the High Plains office located in Pampa. We also heard from local, Deb Vandygriff, who has been a CASA volunteer since 2015.

Dax stared at me in disbelief. I am the Treat Lady, and I had no treats.

SHEET PAN SHRIMP FAJITAS INGREDIENTS 1-1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin 1 orange bell pepper, sliced thin 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin 1 small red onion, sliced thin 1-1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon kosher salt Several turns of fresh ground pepper 2 teaspoons chili powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 teaspoon paprika Lime Fresh cilantro for garnish Tortillas of your choice PREPARATION Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, onion, peppers, olive oil, salt and pepper, and spices.

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.

A fellow I know was grousing about the past year. His birthday was coming up, and he felt, once again, that this year failed to meet his expectations.

My Christmas Tradition is… We make cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve. Then, we go to sleep wake up wait for 2 year old Damian to wake up and then open our presents. After that, we go to my grandma’s (she lives in town) and open presents from her and our cousin. ESMERIALA SHIELDS

The Lady Cat softball team joined forces with the Comancheria Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to show gratitude and respect to our veterans at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery at noon Saturday, Dec. 19. Millions of Americans gathered together safely as one nation at over 2,400 locations across the United States to remember, honor, and teach.