The Ram volleyball team had a rough season, ending with a 13-22 record according to gobound.com. While they played well as a team and played many, many sets by winning or losing by just a couple points, the losses unfortunately piled up more than the wins.
    Yes, the ladies played as a team, giving support and encouragement to each other. One of the Ram ladies, in working with teammates, reached two milestones at the end of the season. Irelynne McNamara, daughter of Heather McNamara and of Cory Johnshoy both of Mapleton reached 500 digs and 100 blocks this season. She earned her 500th dig during the conference tournament and her 100th block during the final game of the season.
    "I didn't realize I was close (to reaching milestones) until my mom told me because she was watching my stats," stated Irelynne. Heather is a statistician for the Ram team.
    Along with working the books at the stat table, Irelynne credits her mom - and her dad who cheers from the stands - for her success.
    "I give credit to my parents for pushing me hard and holding me accountable for working hard and picking me up when I'm down," she said. "My mom would meal prep for me and make sure I'm fueling my body for the season."
    "She consistently brings 100% effort to every game and is always willing to do what is best for the team, stated Head Coach Makenzie Elmquist. "Her positive attitude, dedication, and willingness to learn make her a valuable part of our volleyball program!"
    Not only had Irelynne reached these milestones, but she is also on the state's list of top athletes in various categories. In Class 2A, she is the leader in solo blocks with 71 (the team as a whole is also #1 in solo blocks with 210) and #1 in serve efficiency with 100% of her 339 serves going into play. She is also ranked 30th in kill efficiency at .302%. Statewide across all classes, McNamara was ranked 3rd in solo blocks and first in serve efficiency.
    Irelynne has a little advice to all ladies who are hoping to improve their volleyball skills.
    "My advice is to be coachable and be able to be play anywhere," she said. "I was a setter my whole life and was then put in middle, and I played my best there because that's what my team needed."
    "Irelynne is a great teammate who is always willing to step up and do whatever is asked of her," commented Elmquist. "This was her first year hitting and setting for us. She has embraced new challenges and worked hard to excel in both roles. When you give her a task, you can count on her to give it her very best.
    She also has advice for younger girls considering playing volleyball.
    "If you are thinking about playing volleyball, I would highly recommend," she added. "I think it is an amazing game to play and so fun with the people you're around, and I just think there's always something to learn."
    Congratulations on your achievements, Irelynne!

    Danbury Catholic students have launched their fourth annual winter plant sale through Janet's Jungle. Order your poinsettias in various colors and sizes, Christmas cacti, fresh wreaths and garland, and gorgeous holiday porch pots.
    If you wish to donate any plants or greenery to St. Mary's Church in Danbury for the Christmas ambience, volunteers will store them and take care of them until it's time to add them to the Christmas decor. Please note on your order that they are to go to the church and, if they are in memory or in honor of someone in particular, please include the name to be placed on a memory/honor card.
    Please order from a DC student, online at janetsjungle.com, or call Janelle at the Danbury rectory at 883-2406. Orders are due on Monday, November 9th.
    Order pick up will be held on Monday, November 23rd from 2:30 until 6:00 in the Danbury Catholic gym.

    Legion members from Anthon invite all to join them for a Veterans Day feast on Sunday. Pork loin, mashed potatoes and gravy, beans, dinner roll and dessert will be served from 4:00 until 7:00 at the Anthon Events Center. This feast is served for a free will donation.
    Patrons have three options: Dine in, Carry out, or delivery (in Anthon). Please see the ad for contact information.

    He didn't have the iconic hair that Bob Ross was known for, but Certified Bob Ross Instructor Gary Schmidt helped potential artists make happy trees and to make the best of happy little accidents. On October 24th, Schmidt taught a Bob Ross painting course at Cord Memorial Library. It was well received by the happy little artists.
    "Instructor Gary and his wife Lee Anne were both pleasantly surprised with our first time attendance," said Librarian Anna Grell. "I can honestly say, everyone's painting was unique, and absolutely beautiful; the majority had never attempted an oil painting before. Gary and Lee Anne were so kind and helpful."
    Grell added that Cord Memorial Library is hoping to host another Bob Ross Painting Class in the future.
    "I would highly recommend stepping out of your comfort zone to give it a try," she said.
    Photo provided by Anna Grell. Thank you, Anna!

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