Youth hold retreat at Shead farm

Maxine James with Debbie and Terry Vanderpool spent Labor Day weekend in Branson visiting with Jerry and Marilyn James, who were camping at Fall Creek Resort in their fifth wheel camper trailer. Maxine's grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the family on Saturday. They enjoyed a Mexican dinner that Marilyn prepared for everyone that day.

Wendell and Deloris Lantz of Girard, who were also camping there in their fifth wheel, joined them for dinner. On Sunday, Jerry and Wendell prepared fried fish they caught for the evening meal. The little ones enjoyed swimming and fishing at the resort. All took time for shopping at the malls, downtown shops and at The Landing.

Vera and John Parrish, Pittsburg, recently attended her Simpson family reunion in Columbus, Kan. Their children who accompanied them were Wayne and Christie Parrish, rural Arcadia, and Janet and Mark VanLeeuwen from St. Paul, Kan. It was a good- sized reunion with 75 present that Sunday.

It was interesting to read in the Nevada Daily Mail that a former Arcadian, Rhonda Headley, a teacher, took those attending the McGennis Youth Barbecue back in time by telling them of the days of a one-room school with spelling bees and other contests at the blackboard for rededication of the school. While living in Arcadia, Rhonda was attending PSU and sang solos in the Arcadia Christian Church.

On Tuesday, Sept. 13, KOAM-TV showed the picture of John Shular, Arcadia High School graduate l934, as 4-State Hero. His sisters are Rose Campbell, Pittsburg; Mary Logan, Wichita, and his brother is the late Felix Shular, also an AHS graduate.

During the years l967-68 when G.W. Corporon lived in the Shead home, he attended the Arcadia Senior Citizens Organization that met in the Ada Richard's building across the alley east of the present community center. At one of the meetings they asked for suggestions to give the organization a name. Corporon suggested Autumn Leaves; the motion carried.

On Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, Autumn Leaves met in their newly remodeled cottage on East Arcadia Street with 20 present. Those in charge did a fine job with central air, new carpet, new tables and cushioned chairs and much more. As at each meeting, Arma Care Center sent Beth Popejoy, administrator, Jo Valley, D.D. nurse, and Janice Mayfield, activity director, not only to take blood pressure readings, but also to give a money gift certificate. Jack Payne had the lucky ticket this month.

Two cards were sent to Bob Cavin and his sister Pauline Smith who are now unable to attend.

Others presnt were Mary Lee Payne, Charles Cable, Carole Garrison, Jessie and Hardy Dunn, Helen Sisney, Jerry and Lilly Coonrod, Sharon DeGruson -- a new member, Carole and David Bridgewater, Ava Mae Adams, Shirley Garrett, Jim Turner, John and Judy Rawlings and Mary V. Shead. A great ham and roast beef dinner was served with all the side dishes and pies for dessert. Bingo was played, and prizes given until each person had won. Any senior citizen who would like to bring a dish, enjoy a good dinner and fellowship on the second Monday of each month is welcome to attend.

The outdoor sign in the Bearcat Cafe parking lot, run by Charis Johnston, reads: Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Saturday.

AHS Our Gang members are reminded the Sept. 24 meeting will be in the Fred and Eloise Wright home north of Fort Scott. You are invited to take your fishing pole and go early.

After severe storms and earthquake in Brooklyn, N.Y., a neighborhood block party was held near the brownstone home of Harrriett and Jack Corporon. Tenth Street was closed so that kiddies could ride bikes, scooters, etc., with no cars around. Neighbors joined in taking food and enjoyed an outdoor feast.

Sunday, Sept. 18, Pastor Cable sang "My God and I" as a solo at the opening of the 10:30 a.m. service. His sermon was entitled "Freedom from Bondage of Sin and Guilt." Walter Foulk gave his 57th anniversary offering. As far as he knows, he is the oldest man living in Arcadia at age 83. A thunderstorm during Sunday school time kept folks home from church.

Friday, Sept. 17, Girls Missionettes from Life Point Assembly of God Church, Fort Scott, held a retreat at the Shead farm, rural Garland. The sponsors occupied the bunk bedroom in the barn while the younger girls slept on bales of hay in the stalls. The junior high and high school girls moved bales of hay in the loft to resemble rooms. A cookout was held that evening.

Saturday when the rain came, they made an obstacle course with bales of hay and took turns on the barn swing. The girls returned to their homes by noon on Saturday. The girls are Kailey Trim, Isabella Provence, Kayley Reyes, Nikkel Mitchell, Miriam Mix, Emma Mix, Kirryn Sprague and Ellie Trim. Their sponsors were Angela Mix, Mary Bell and Angie Trim.

Ralph Shead, Carl Junction, Mo., writes that Sept. 18 was the celebration of Chile's Independence. He and Cindy Shead celebrated Saturday night with friends. Typical Chilean foods were served and there was lots of talk of past days spent on the mission field in Santiago, Chile. The guests were David and Rose Fish (former missionaries in Chile) and daughter Charissa and Luis and Katie Almonacid with their pre-school daughter, Niah. Luis was a member of the youth group in the church where Cindy and Ralph served in Chile. Katie grew up in Oswego and went to Chile as a single missionary woman. The two met and, over time, became sweethearts. They were married and are now expecting their second child.

Also attending were Bryce and Kelsy Hotchkiss (Bryce is the minister at the Christian Chuch in Sheldon, Mo., where Ralph preached 38 years ago). Bryce is also a senior student at Ozark Christian College, and Kelsy teaches first grade in Webb City.

You are reminded to keep the dates Oct. 21 and 22 open for the Kansas Sesquicentennial in Cato, Kan. The tour begins at 9:30 a.m.