Last week, I received an email from a reader who shared his thoughts on my column that appeared in the Feb. 12 Courier, in which I criticized the NFL halftime show. The reader suggested that I should have done more research on the topic I was writing about, and the letter made me question whether other readers might have similar concerns.

I want to take a moment to clarify a very important point - this column is strictly an opinion editorial. It is my opinion, and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Syndicate Publishing or any of the other employees of our company.

I also recognize that not everyone will share my opinion, and I always welcome feedback. Though this reader did request that their name and letter not be printed, Letters to the Editor sharing your thoughts and opinions are always encouraged here at the Courier. All letters must be signed, and any letter that is negative or slanderous to a specific individual will not be printed. You may submit your Letters to the Editor to: ellen@syndicatepub.com.

Now to this week’s column. My husband Jody and I were able to attend the Callaway Community Foundation Fund Gala on Feb. 14, and as always, we had a wonderful time. The food was very good, and there was a great variety of items on both the silent and live auctions.

However, what impresses me the most about events like this in Callaway is the support I see from you, the community members. This year’s Gala was sold out a few days before the event. And clearly people didn’t buy tickets just for an evening out and a great dinner. They were there to benefit Callaway - to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars.

I first became acquainted with several Callaway residents about 20 years ago, when I was writing for the Custer County Chief. It did not take long for me to fall in love with this town and its people. When the Courier came up for sale, I encouraged our owners to buy it. Not for one second has anyone in our company ever regretted that decision.

Though I have not personally ever lived in Callaway, I consider myself an “honorary citizen”. Thank you for always making me feel so welcome.

We all want to feel like we “belong”. It is no secret that there is a lot of division and disunity in our nation right now, and all of us can do our part in making those around us feel welcome and accepted. Having different opinions does not make us enemies. It simply makes us human.

The theme of this year’s Gala was “Heart of the Seven Valleys”, and I now understand what the heart truly is. It’s you. Keep supporting your wonderful community and each other. It’s what makes Callaway so special.