By Emily Massingill

editor@themonroetimes.com

MONROE — Although some adults might find that children can drain them of their energy — for Kurt Ellefson, they seem to have the opposite effect. 

“They’re my helpers. They’re my energy providers,” Ellefson said. 

Ellefson and his next-door neighbors, Shaphan, 9, Baruch, 7, and Ahava Conley, 4, have made it their mission to brighten the days of others — even if just as they drive by — in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The three helpers are the children of Tim and Becky Conley. 

The group can be found randomly, but typically weekly, setting up in front of their driveways on 6th Street in Monroe with a large blow up dachshund dog wearing a Santa suit, encouraging those passing by to honk. Ellefson, wearing a Santa hat, said he had to teach the youngsters about the “arm pump” to signal drivers to honk.  

One person is designated to call which direction the vehicle is coming so they can all focus on the driver, hopefully bringing a bright spot to their day.

“Unfortunately, due to the pandemic it’s leading to stress and financial insecurity,” Ellefson said. “If this can make them smile or laugh — just to forget about the things going on for a minute — it might help.”

Some drivers circle around to drive by again — offering up more honks for the group and smiles for them. 

Ann Steinmann, Monroe, is one person who has enjoyed the drive by event and said her children, Cale Downs, 8; Emmy Steinmann, 2; and Lane Steinmann, 1, talked about it for days after they happened upon it.

“My kids thought it was great and I had to turn around several times so we could keep driving by and honk,” Steinmann said. “The kids and Kurt were clearly also having a great time. What a fun, light-hearted way to brighten people’s day during such an odd time. I hope they keep doing it.”

Many have even messaged Kurt’s wife, Teri, asking what days they’ll be out there so they can be sure to drive by. Teri is inside working while the excitement is happening in her front yard, and although the children agree she isn’t thrilled about all of Kurt’s ideas, she loves seeing the happiness it brings others.

Kurt said he has a goal to spread that positivity because it seems like a time when it’s needed. 

“As a society I hope people realize that kindness, laughing, smiling and having fun is not canceled,” Kurt said. “All of us have brighter days ahead of us. A positive attitude is more contagious than COVID-19.”

The idea came as a suggestion from Kurt and since, the little ones have taken over. They make signs and dream up the themes that often surround which decorations are available.

“The neighbors across the street get so much enjoyment from watching,” Ellefson said. “They even gave us some decorations to use.”

The children change up the sign to reflect the theme that says “Honk if you like …” and then is replaced with words like “dogs,” “turkeys,” and of course, “Santa.” 

They can often be found around anywhere from 3 to 5 p.m. — which is the busiest time since they live near Monroe Clinic. When work lets out that’s when they seem to get the most honks, Ellefson said. They know because they keep score with a clipboard, translating honks to points. They set a goal, and make sure they accomplish it before packing up for the day. 

Kurt said it’s helped with some math skills and learning to tally for the younger children. A recent event had a goal of 100 honks, but they got 126.

“We always get more than we want,” Shaphan said. 

If they see a wiener dog — walking, or riding — it’s worth three points, and usually a quick “wiener dog shuffle” which is something Ellefson teaches several in his life by holding his leg out and waving his foot back and forth to help celebrate his dog of 15 years who passed away, Misty Rose. 

The young family that lives next to the Ellefsons are happy to have a neighbor who enjoys children. 

“I like it,” Baruch said of having Ellefson as his neighbor, noting that they often play yard games like Jenga, bean bag toss and even croquet. “Actually, not like it — I love it.”

Ellefson has been the physical education teacher at Black Hawk Schools in South Wayne for three decades. He’s now the only PE teacher at the school and recently retired from helping with coaching the school’s successful football team for almost 30 years. 

Ellefson hasn’t been teaching his gym classes since March due to COVID-19, but says he’s finding plenty to keep him busy, and the neighbors have been part of that.

“They keep you young — they provide you energy,” he said. “They make you laugh and make you smile and these kids most definitely do that. They bring me a lot of happiness and smiles and I hope I can do the same for them.” 

As for the next theme — no one is ever really sure.

“I have limited resources,” Ellefson said. “Frosty might be next.”