Brighton News: A birthday celebration and an award winner

The Mary Circle of the Brighton Community Church met Oct. 9 at the home of Shirley Schooley. They studied Hagar, from the book of Genesis. Their next meeting will be held Nov. 13 at the home of Carolyn Christner in Wayland. Everyone is welcome. If you're looking for a Bible study group, check this out. The meet the second Tuesday of the month.

The Krony Krew Club met Oct. 10 at the home of Ginny Brinton. Michelle Young and Elaine Andeway, both of Richland, were guests. Bridge was played at two tables. Sarah Robison will host the Oct. 24 meeting at her home.

A surprise party was held for Winifred Fritz's 88th birthday on Oct. 4. It was held at her home. Those present were her children: Rita Berry, of Bates City, Missouri; Charles Fritz with Jesse, of Sigourney; Mary and Joel Boatright, of Fairfield; Jane and Virgil Symmonds, of Fairfield; Tony and Lynn Fritz, of Brighton; Joe Fritz, of Brighton. Winifred was surprised by the arrival of her brother, Herb Moeller, of Wever. They all enjoyed a taco supper with all the trimmings, angel food cake, and an ice cream cake from Baskin-Robbins. The evening was spent playing cards, taking photos and visiting.

On Oct. 5, Rita and Winifred went to Kalona. They visited Winifred's grandson Nolan and Kelli Symmonds and family. Of course, their newborn son, Avery, was the main attraction.

Rita Berry returned home to Bates City, Missouri, at 8 a.m. on Oct. 6.

Mary and Joel Boatright, of Fairfield, her son J.D. Hollingsworth of Packwood, and Tony and Lynn Fritz enjoyed the evening meal of Oct. 8 at the home of their mother, Winifred Fritz.

Joe Fritz treated his mother, Winifred, to dinner out on Oct. 10.

Bob Shelangoski traveled to Columbus on Oct. 5. He attended the football game between Columbus and Sigourney-Keota. His grandson, Wyatt Sieren, of Keota, played offense and defense for the Sigourney-Keota Cobras.

Former Brighton resident, and graduate of the Washington High School, Class of 1973, Gary Frazer was recently given the Muskie-Chafee Award from the Department of Justice/Environmental and Natural Resources Division. Gary is the son of the late Wendell and Dorothy Frazer, who owned and operated the Gambles Store in Brighton for many years. Gary is the assistant director of Ecological Services for the United States Fish and Wildlife Service in Washington, D.C. He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the effective implementation of the nation's fish and wildlife conservation laws during a 34-year career with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Gary began his career with FWS in 1984 as a field biologist in Virginia, and over the years has held various posts within the agency, including acting deputy chief for the Division of Habitat Conservation, special assistant to the assistant secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, a field supervisor in Columbia, Missouri, and assistant director for Endangered Species. Since 2009, Gary has served as assistant director for Ecological Services, where he is the senior career official responsible for oversight of the Fish and Wildlife Service's administration of the Endangered Species Act, Marine Mammal Protection Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, Coastal Barrier Resources Act, and other environmental protection authorities.

During his long career, Gary has been instrumental in guiding FWS' endangered species and marine mammal programs, including the efforts that led to the recovery and de-listing of iconic species such as the bald eagle, North Rocky Mountains gray wolf, Louisiana black bear (the inspiration for the Teddy bear), and American peregrine falcon. Gary's tireless efforts have helped ensure that future generations will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy and see these treasured natural resources.