Well, the 4th of July is behind us now, but it was an exciting and busy time for all. Thanks go out to everyone who had a part in making the festivities such a big success. In particular, we want to thank Scott and Angela Martin who led the effort and ran around tirelessly on Saturday in 100-degree heat to make sure everything came off all right.

We also want to thank the Westside VFD who helped so much with the fireworks, and to the chief who, I hear, helped move a very large toppled tree with his tractor. We also want to thank Bob Hitt and Rich Franko for fixing the water pump at the amphitheater so the flowers can grow again. Needless to say, there are many, many others who contributed to this effort on Saturday, and we want to let them know they are all appreciated. The fireworks were beautiful and the games and booths during the day made for a fun and relaxing 4th. Even Charlie's BBQ from the square in Frankston, was great.

This past week was particularly hectic, too, because there was so much else going on. On Sunday morning, Rev. Richard and Rebecca Prather got an emergency call to go down to Houston; their son Derek was in the hospital. He is doing much better now.

Also, Joyce Martin had a fall and suffered a concussion. She is also doing better and was up driving her golf cart at the fireworks on Saturday.

Susie Owen went to the emergency room on Saturday with a suspected case of pneumonia. She is home now and resting and taking lots of medicine.

Ken Cade has been home sick with a bad cold or flu. He is now up and around and eager to get back to work.

Dorothy Botts had a fall at her home on Friday night. Her ribs are sore, but she too was at the fireworks on Saturday.

We are glad to hear that Sheri Morton is doing well at home, although her recovery will be a long one. Both of her legs were broken in the fall on the cruise ship in Alaska.

The Red Hats have welcomed another member to their group. LeeAnn Boggs joined just in time to accompany them on their trip to Kiepersol Estates for lunch last Thursday.

We were happy to see Susan Romo helping Gail Johnston out with the music at both the fireworks program and at church on Sunday morning. Their special was great.

Barb Cade and her mother, Margaret Lucas, took a trip to Iowa last weekend. Also, Barb's nephew, John Garvin, formerly of Chandler and now of Seattle, has just deployed this past week to Afghanistan. He is a lieutenant in the Army. He will be there over a year and asks for everyone's prayers.

We can't forget that there was a very serious "42" tournament held during the 4th of July festivities. The winners of that contest were Don Howard and Vern Jackson. Second place went to the team of Roland and and Gail Massey. Congratulations, everyone.

United Methodist Women met at the church on Tuesday and this Saturday, the Methodist Men will have their monthly breakfast and meeting at 8 AM at the church. Also, from 1-3 PM that same day, Mary Ann Whisenhunt will be at the church to take orders for Angel Food.

Yesterday, Wednesday, the children of the church met at noon for a water day. They went swimming at one of the local swimming pools. That sounds like a great way to cool down this summer.

Also, next Monday will be the beginning of Vacation Bible School. It will be from June 13-17 from 6-8:30 PM. There will also be a light supper served at 5:40 every night for those who need to eat there. All children in the community are welcome to attend. Angela Martin, the coordinator, promises that it will be the most exciting VBS yet.