Potlucks to Pavement by Judy Haught

The campaign continues with Doug and I traversing the five-county area of the 2nd Judicial District. It is 150 miles from one end of the district to the other, and those miles are filled with meetings, social events, and friendly people. We have filled this week by participating in potluck dinners and pounding the pavement.

We are always amazed by the hospitality that Western Oklahomans show complete strangers . At every social event we have attended, we have been treated like honored guests. We recently attended a potluck dinner at the Arapaho Senior Citizens Center where we received VIP treatment. We were asked to go through the food line first and then were seated at the head table. We enjoyed lively conversation and an entertaining program on Fathers Day and Flag Day. Then Doug was allowed to speak and answer questions. We had a great time and even promised to return for the July cookout.

Next, we hit the pavement in Cheyenne to canvass door-to-door with help from two wonderful friends. We met lots of new people, but we also ran into some old friends. Everyone was exceptionally friendly, and we left with positive feelings and gratitude for Cheyenne's gracious hospitality.

A day later we could be found enjoying another potluck dinner, this time with Shattuck's lovely senior citizens. Again we received special treatment and an invitation to return. We met many intriguing people including a 102-year-old lady and a man whose ancestors were Germans transplanted to Russia by Catherine the Great. What a history lesson! Topping off the dinner was some jazzy piano playing by one of the senior citizens.

After leaving the Senior Citizen Center, we hit the streets and knocked on doors in Shattuck. Everyone was exceptionally nice to us; even the dogs didn't have the heart to be mean although one dog did give a half-hearted effort to be aggressive. We were at a house on the outskirts of town when we encountered an elderly, overweight shepherd-type dog. When we got out of the car, he waddled up and gave a few obligatory barks. The look on his face said, "It's really hot out here, and I don't really want to do this, but it's my job." I guess we should have cowered a little to make him feel better.

Altogether, our visits to Arapaho, Cheyenne, and Shattuck were rewarding experiences, and we are grateful to the citizens of those towns for their welcoming spirits. They took us in and made us feel a part of their communities. Remember a vote for Judge Haught is a vote for someone who respects and cares for your community.