VIEWS OF A FARM BOY

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APRIL--2020

BYE TO BONNIE

It was sad to see Van leave with Bonnie's flowers, but what a perfect way to wind up her last show--under the circumstances. Today's broadcast was so typical of the contributions they have made to their thousands of listeners for the past 25 years. Together, they have taken us via radio to so many places we would have otherwise not been.  These places include an underground mine, a brickyard and lots of other places many of us didn't even know existed. It was kinda like a field trip with or without leaving your home. We were all invited to join them, but if you couldn't go--just turn on your radio. Van and Bonnie have made a great contribution to Iowa and the radio world. Their show was light hearted, a display of moral and ethical Iowa values, and they steered clear of political and controversial issues. That's what I call a good way to start your day!  Thank you, Bonnie. You have--and will continue to be such a blessing to so many people. Looking forward, there is more good news--Van Harden is not retiring and the show will go on!

hungry people close to home

If you are from Iowa and/or own a radio, you are almost certain to know the name "Bonnie Lucas." For the past 25 plus years, she and Van Harden have been co-hosts for the very popular radio show, "Van and Bonnie in the Morning." Bonnie is retiring! Today, (March 06, 2020) was to be her last show. But, like so many things in life, there is often a glitch in the game--Bonnie's father died last night. The retirement party was cancelled but the radio show must go on. That is just what Bonnie (and her father) would have wanted. Now--stay tuned--and we will share Bonnie's last show.

This was a difficult day for Van Harden (left). For the past 25 years Van and Bonnie have been on the job together from 4:59-9:00AM each morning--1040 WHO Radio. Today, Van has to do what was to be Bonnie's last scheduled show--without Bonnie. Her father died during the night.

(Above) Bonnie represents everything Iowa, so it was quite fitting that Gov. Kim Reynolds proclaimed today (March 06, 2020)  "Bonnie Lucas Day".

For the past six years Van and Bonnie have hosted an annual broadcast promoting Meals From the Heartland at the West Des Moines packing center. This is the location Bonnie chose to do her last show before retiring from Van and Bonnie in the Morning. After the death of her father, Bonnie could't be there, but over 400 volunteers came to show their support. What a work team it was! They packaged over 132,000 meals. This, together with the past 5 food packing events from previous years, brought the total to over a half million meals. This has--and will continue--to feed a lot of hungry people throughout the world.

Everyone goes to work!

Good stuff in every meal.

Food for USA and Around the  World                                        

I can't miss this opportunity to add an addendum to this month's story. There are many food deprived adults and children right here in Iowa and in our own community.  Here is just a sampling of some of the non perishable foods the Creekside Church AWANA kids donated last week for "food pantry night". Many of these children are Southeast Asian refuge kids and probably many do not have an abundance of food in their own homes. Yet, they care and share. I call that love in action!

Left: A sign board on Douglas Avenue not far from our home. Together we can make this happen!!!!