More than 30 attend Family Night held in Arcadia

On Saturday, Nov. 21, about 30 were in and out for the evening of Family Night held in the Arcadia Community Building. Bill Bridgewater made a large vat of chili that was served by some of the ladies who attended. Crackers and crunchies were served with cookies and brownies for dessert with punch and tea for the drink.

Many of the children brought blankets or rugs or even their jackets they spread on the floor in order to relax and watch the movie that was presented that evening.

Due to having check-ups in Freeman Hospital in Joplin last week, Charles Corporon was pleased to have a visit from his son, Randy Corporon who flew into Joplin from Denver, Colo., on Wednesday and returned home on Saturday.

Congratulations to Missourian Ray Grace, one of the Most Accomplished Citizens of the State of Missouri. He was born and raised in Arcadia and the youngest in the l936 Arcadia High School graduation class. He will be 91 in December. This year, Ray was chosen to be one of the recepients of the 2009 Missourian Award. He is owner of the Grace Energy Corporation in Carthage, Mo. The Missourian Dinner and award Ceremony was held in Capitol Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City, Mo., this fall. Ray and his friend Jackie Cato were in Arcadia on Sunday evening to visit his former classmate, Mary V. Shead and his cousin Walter Foulk. The couple enjoyed Sunday evening dinner at Jim's Steak House in Pittsburg.

Jim Smiley, 65, rural Arcadia died Sunday, Nov. 15. He had been ill for two years. He married Helen Morris Kukovich on Sept. 27, 1985. Graveside services were Thursday, Nov. 19 at Sheffield Cemetery with Pastor Jeff Rose officiating. Dinner was served to family and friends by the Class No. 10 Funeral Committee, Arcadia Christian Church and Our Gang of AHS. Bedene Furneral Home was in charge of the service. Condolences to his family and friends.

JOY Sunday School Class meeting was held on Monday evening Nov. 16 in Christian Church Bungalow. Following the carry-in dinner, Patty Peterson conducted the business meeting. Her Bible question was What two Psalms in the Bible are alike? Psalms 14 and 53.

Birthday offerings were given by Patty and for Bill Watt who just turned 69.

It was voted to hold the annual Holiday Dinner for the church congregation and friends in the community who are 75 years or older on the evening of Dec. 12.

Cookies for Christmas by members will be packed on Monday evening at the Dec. 21 meeting. A special monetary gift was presented to Pastor David Peterson to assist in his seminary studies to further his education.

Vera Parrish read some of her clever jokes. President closed with "If you are yearning for Good Old Days -- turn off your air conditioner."

On Dec. 5 at 7 p.m., The Meyer Bluegrass Band from Sheldon, Mo., will be playing a free Gospel concert at the Arcadia Christian Church. An offering for the band will be taken. All are invited to attend. Mark your calendars for the first Saturday night in December. The church board met following the closing of this meeting.

Two former Arcadians listed in Nell Dikeman's 50 years ago items, former Fort Scott High School coach Charlie Watt and Frank O'Dell, spent Saturday hunting quail on Carl Beasley's farm near Hepler.

Open Door Mission held an October Fall Festival on their vacant lot on Oct. 31. They enjoyed bobbing for apples, cake walks and hay rack rides, hot dogs, chips, marshmallows and sweets of the season.

A beautiful new deck has been added to the north door of Open Door Mission. The old Harry Meacham property owned by the church on the North side has been torn down. Much rock was hauled in and smoothed out in antisipation of a new building in the future for class rooms and church activities. When the Methodist church was still active and standing on the corner, the house next door was the Methodist parsonage. For many years it was the home of the Dale Sisney family.