The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Christmas Time Brings Warm Hearts

by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Editor

As I finished up this year's long anticipated Christmas book, Christmas In These United States, I am reminded again how lucky I have been to be a part of so many people's lives over the many years I've been with my families' newspaper.

My Editor Shirley Linder, and my staff work hard to take all of your stories and advertisements and file them away for each week's edition, and in the case of the Christmas book, we have been filing them away all year.

We couldn't do it without the help of all of you amazing people that share your stories, take time to gather information and take pictures of events that are happening in your "neck of the woods". Thank you to each of you!

Neither could we do it without all of our loyal and dear subscribers and readers.

I especially want to thank Jeanette Pence of Lomax who although she is not well most of the time, she writes the Lomax news and even sent in several stories and recipes for the Christmas book. Sometimes they come from the hospital. "Bless your heart" for keeping the Lomax residents informed of the area news!"

I remember so many people who have given to our community through the newspaper over the years. Joan Shipman keeps us informed of the Webster News, and Ida Jackson of Fountain Green ran her school newspaper before having a regular column in The Quill at La Harpe.

There was Vera Ruth's Ramblings from Stronghurst. That lady could take you on a walk around town and tell you who use to live where. I noticed how Randy Jarvis can do that too, as he use to have a lawn mowing job and a paper route, so he became pretty acquainted with the town-folk.

I think the saying goes: "It takes a community to raise a child," and we are pretty blessed when we look around at all the familiar faces that have helped us along the way.

Art Kane is another icon who walks into The Quill with a picture and a story regularly because he always wants to tell the good news about what is going on in our community.

And Lisa Ray is a gem when it comes to covering Oquawka, parades, and events in the north end of the county.

Mindy Clark is another great gal who just wants to see West Central kids get the credit they deserve for their hard work in sports. So, she sends us photo highlights to keep you and I informed.

My cousin, Judy Roessler, like her mother (my Aunt Marie Isaccson), brings in briefings of senior citizens, bookclubs, sewing, or anything else she can fine.

And there is Virginia Ross and Margaret Boyce who will bring in pictures and write-ups that are so special.

There are times when I've talked with people after a loved one passes to highlight their simple, but grand life! Like Jimmy Johnson (Julie Pence's father) who was a famous talented horseman and trainer and lived near the former Country Fun restaurant and bowling alley.

I've met most of Illinois's governors standing alongside my father, and many on my own as

I've been left to carry on the family legacy. It's sometimes a grand occasion, but it's the dear folk of home. that warms my heart on a cold blustery winter day, and I just want to let you know you are appreciated as you get busy and sometimes overwhelmed with all your Christmas activities.

We are excited for you to receive the 2016 Christmas book to be inserted in the December 14th edition of your paper. It will warm your heart to see all those special people who are sending Christmas greetings your way.