We Are Hodgeman Strong: Recent Episodes
Lea Ann Seiler
2020 is a rough year. REALLY rough. COVID-19 has completely upended our lives and we’re struggling...individually, and as a larger community. Never before in our lives have we experienced the fear of a pandemic like this. Social distancing is a new term. We all need a little boost of hope - we need to hear stories of others that overcame fear and circumstances - stories of strength and resiliency. Welcome to We Are Hodgeman Strong, produced by Hodgeman County Economic Development in partnership with Humanities Kansas.
In Episode 4 I got to interview young author Crystal Bradshaw-Gonzalez as she talks about her 5x Great Grandmother Eliza and her family’s history. Equally inspirational is the fact that Crystal self-published this important piece of history while a sophomore in college and was encouraged at a young age by grade school teachers. ❤️
We should’ve named this episode “against all odds”! As we lost internet connection more than once; I misplaced my notes; and had MULTIPLE incoming phone calls...but I’m SO glad we preserved! Melaney is such a kind, caring person who got through some rough times with the support of the people in Hodgeman County...she was able to put many of the same feelings I’ve had...into words in a way I haven’t been able to do. Melaney is certainly Hodgeman Strong...and I loved it when she said, we are also Kansas Strong. We’ve never personally met —but as soon as this social distancing period has passed - I want to meet this woman and give her a hug!❤️
Marsha was a little girl of 6 when the blizzard of 1957 hit and her oldest brother was in Jetmore for an FFA event. The phone lines, as well as the electricity went out just as her Father and oldest sister headed out to find him...becoming stranded themselves. Listen to how her Mother kept the household going, took care of the younger children and saved all the baby chicks while waiting to hear if the rest of her family had made it to safety. This is a story about how the community came together and supported one another, much in the same way we still do today. (However, I am thankful for modern technology and cell phone service during our current crisis.
Pam Ruff and her crew jumped in and started sewing face masks as soon as they knew there was a need in the spring of 2020. On the day we talked, they had just completed number 1000 and went home for the day. They will be back tomorrow to start filling another order.
Welcome to #WeAreHodgemanStrong, a podcast produced by Hodgeman County Economic Development and made possible by a grant from Humanities Kansas.