Serenity Valley Bed and Breakfast near Ossian will be the site of the “Journey to the Stable” production, which will tell the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and Christ’s birth. The production will feature CFSR students playing the parts, along with live animals, soloists, a choir, and a bell choir. The production will be presented at 5 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 13. (submitted photo)

CFSR to present 'Journey to the Stable'

If you’re looking for the perfect way to ring in the holiday season, we’ve got the perfect activity for you. On Sunday, Dec. 13, students from Ossian, Festina, Calmar, and Spillville will present a unique, one-of-a-kind fundraiser that tells the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and Christ’s birth at Serenity Valley Bed and Breakfast near Ossian.

Jonathan and Jodi Cardo of Elgin have a lot to be thankful for this holiday season, including their three boys, (front, l-r) Silas, Soren, and Solomon. The young family have been through a lot together and have received a lot of support from their church and their community.

Elgin family continuing to give thanks

Brian Smith
Contributing Writer
bsmith@fayettepublishing.com

            History tells us that the Pilgrims celebrated a period of thanksgiving in 1621, as they enjoyed a time of plenty after a difficult beginning. As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday this year, many of us may be able to identify with such feelings as we experience the daily ups and downs of life itself. Who among us has not gone through a difficult period of time, followed by a time of happiness or rejoicing?

One Elgin family certainly understands the ebb and flow of living in an imperfect world, while also finding the strength to rejoice in what they have.

            Jonathan and Jodi Cardo have three boys, which in and of itself can be a challenge. Silas, who just turned 4, recently started preschool. Solomon is 2 ½ years old and likes to keep a close eye on his older brother. Soren is 4 months old and just beginning to discover what the world is all about. Their family is typical in many respects as they anticipate Thanksgiving Day.

The Miller family has learned quite a bit about diabetes in the last year, with two of their family members being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The family of seven includes (front, l-r) Austin, Nicole holding Ashton, Autumn, Zac; (back) Aaron, and Alexis Gage. Eleven-year-old Austin and his mom, Nicole, were both diagnosed with diabetes in 2014.

Family faces diabetes together

Brian Smith
bsmith@fayettepublishing.com

            When Zac and Nicole Miller discovered that their son, Aaron, had Type 1 diabetes, it came as a complete surprise to them. Type 1 diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes, is the type of diabetes that most children develop. It is different from Type 2 diabetes, which is much more likely to happen when a person is older and overweight.

            “Zac and I both have members of our family that have Type 2 diabetes, but neither of us have a family history of Type 1. It wasn’t really something that we were looking for in our kids, so we didn’t think too much of the symptoms we were noticing in Aaron at first,” said Nicole, mother of five children, ages 2 to 16.

Donald "Buck" Myers

Donald R. “Buck” Myers age 77 of Waucoma, IA, died Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, November 21, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Waucoma with burial in the church cemetery.

Friends greeted the family 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, November 20, 2015, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Waucoma where there was a 8:00 p.m. parish scripture service.  Visitation continued an hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home, Waucoma is in charge of arrangements.  

Online condolences for Buck's family may be left at hugebackfuneralhome.com.

Donald Ralph “Buck” Myers was born January 15, 1938, on the family farm east of Waucoma, IA, the son of Clifford and Loretta (Gebel) Myers.