Community

Gratitude can be defined as: The quality of being thankful, the readiness to show appreciation for something or someone; and the affirmation of goodness.

Gratitude can be defined as: The quality of being thankful, the readiness to show appreciation for something or someone; and the affirmation of goodness.

Above, Gale Rose and Pratt County Historical Museum Director Charmaine Swanepoel admire a Christmas tree dedicated to veterans Thursday at the Pratt County Historical Museum. A special Christmas Open House is planned at the historical museum, featuring new and extensive Christmas displays throughout the museum, 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, December 12. JENNIFER STULTZ

PRATT – Linda Lanterman of Pratt, State Parks director for the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, was recently honored with the Fran P. Mainella Award by the Clemson University Institute for Parks (CUIP). Lanterman was gifted the award in recognition of her long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion in our nation’s parks, to include her home state of Kansas.

Kiowa County seniors had a fun time playing Bingo Bonanza last Friday at the senior center in Greensburg. A wide variety of donated prizes kept the players coming back fro more fun.

Hot chocolate was served by a neighbor across the street, Christmas music floated through the outdoor air as neighbors and friends gathered at the corner of Fifth and High streets last Sunday all in anticipation of the annual lighting of Shanline's Christmas Craziness in Pratt.

The holidays are fast approaching, and you may find your children at home and looking for ways to occupy their time. Kansas 4-H youth development specialist Beth Hinshaw knows how important meaningful family time is during the holidays, and how it may be a challenge to come up with ideas on how to spend that precious time together.

Patrons of the Kiowa County Senior Center will be taking a short trip to Lemon Park in Pratt on Saturday, Dec 11 to see the lights and to eat at the Dragon’s Den afterwards. Please call senior center Director Kari Kyle for details and seating availability: Greensburg office 620-723-2288, cell 620-518-0758.

Poinsettia History Franciscan monks who settled near the native habitat (Taxco, Mexico) of Euphorbia pulcherrima first used poinsettia plants in nativity processions in the 17th century. There, they are very large deciduous shrubs, reaching up to 15 feet in height.