Tampa community welcomes new arrival
By JANE VAJNAR
Tampa correspondent
(785) 965-2285
The Tampa community welcomes a new resident. Elias Anthony Jirak was born Dec. 4 to Steve and Vickie Jirak. He weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce and was welcomed home by a sister and two brothers, Raschelle, Seth, and Jacob. Grandmothers are Teresa Tajchman and Margaret Jirak.
A number of Tampa people were involved Saturday in the south central district Future Farmers of America public speaking contest at Centre High School. Derek Belton qualified for state competition in the senior division, Shaina Makovec placed third in the sophomore division, and Jackie Klenda took second in the freshman division. Cecilia Rziha, Kristin Mueller, and Nathan Brunner helped manage the contest. Adults from this area serving as judges for various categories were Jesse Brunner, Beth Riffel, Maria Jirak, and Jenna Tajchman. Francie Mueller coordinated the extemporaneous speaking contest. Gloria Belton was a time keeper. Marissa Makovec and Gwenn Belton helped serve the meal.
Local relatives have received the announcement of the birth of William Bauer Dec. 7 to Dave and Susan Bauer of Omaha, Neb. The newcomer is the nephew of Jim and Kris Srajer and the great-grandson of Tillie Hein.
Deb Hall of Herington and Tom and Dee Duggan went to the Great Plains Theater in Abilene Sunday afternoon to see the production of "It's a Wonderful Life." Kaylee Hall spent the afternoon with Doug and Esther Dillon and family.
Anna Mae Stika visited her aunt Bert Schneider Sunday afternoon at the nursing home in Herington.
Jerry and Jeanne Rziha, Cecilia and Julie went to Tulsa, Okla., Sunday to visit Wayne and Shannon Rziha and meet the newest Rziha, Cecilia Marie.
Gary and Carole Spohn attended the open houses Sunday afternoon at several homes and the museum in Hope.
Prairie Pals enjoyed a progressive dinner Saturday evening as their Christmas party. Appetizers were served by Laveta and Lori Meyer at Laveta's home. Michele Berens served salad and rolls at her home with the help of Mary Clemmer and Jane Vajnar. The group went from there to Francie Mueller's home for the main course. Monica Leihy and Jeanne Rziha were assisting hostesses. Iona Dietrich and Melissa Stuchlik served dessert at the Dietrich home.
Dana Depo, Laura Klenda, and Amanda Kleiber spent the weekend at the Spiritual Life Center in Wichita for a Teens Encounter Christ weekend.
Tom and Dee Duggan attended the Herington Hoedowners Christmas dinner Friday at Herington.
Adeline Bernhardt and Leona Kleiber enjoyed lunch in Salina Friday.
Reuben and Lucille Kerbs went to Salina Thursday evening for Salina High School South's winter band concert. Their granddaughter Molly Kerbs plays trombone in the band. Molly's parents Tim and Marchelle Kerbs also were present. All went out for coffee and visiting after the concert.
Lutheran Women's Missionary League enjoyed a salad supper at the church Thursday evening as their Christmas party. Evelyn Hensley, Kathy Davis, and Janet Bielefeld were hostesses. The group sang Christmas carols, and Pastor Clark Davis read a Christmas story. Prayer sisters were revealed. After a short business meeting, Pastor Davis led a closing devotion.
Robert and Jane Vajnar accompanied Eleanor Murphy to Durham Thursday evening for the annual friendship supper given by the youth of Morning Star Church. A program of music and poetry followed the meal.
Larry Hampton of Sierra Vista, Ariz., was a Wednesday overnight and Thursday guest of his mother, Lois Sklenar.
Reuben and Lucille Kerbs were among those attending the musical program, "Here We Come a-Caroling," presented the evening of Dec. 3 by Centre K-6 students at Centre High School. Directors were Lynley Remy and Kenny Roe.
Paul and Edna Backhus were Dec. 3 supper guests of Bev and Tom Reid at Marion County Lake.
Adeline Bernhardt, Betty Mueller, and Leona Kleiber attended the Centre K-6 winter concert the evening of Dec. 3.