Arcadia Christian Church has special speaker

The Arcadia Christian Church had a special guest speaker on Sunday, Feb. 5, with a chicken dinner following. Forty attended church and 29 were at the noon hour. Ralph Shead was the speaker, assisted by his wife Lucenda Shead, representing LATM of Joplin.

There was a large display of many books and literature representing the translating of Christian books from English into Spanish and other languages for missions work in foreign countries. The couple presented a skit to the delight of the folks who knew Ralph as he was growing up in this church. This Sunday the singing was led by a trio of men, Stuart Semple, Clay Carrington and Gary Peterson with Pastor Charles Cable at the piano. Birthday offerings were given by 5-year-old Jonah Younge, and for 9-year-old Karter Dugan, given by his grandmother Christie Parrish.

We are sorry to hear of the death of Jim Swezey III, 61, in Nebraska on Jan. 31. He was the son of James Swezey Jr. and Betty Davis Swezey in Kansas City. He grew up in Arcadia, attended grade school and graduated from Northeast High School in Arma in 1968. His burial was in Nebraska. Condolences to the family.

Bruce Watt of Blue Springs, Mo., visited his dad, Bill Watt, in Napoleon, Mo., and together visited his grandmother Mae Watt last week.

Esther Underwood Ham, 94, Nashville, Tenn., died Nov. 3, 2011. Cheney Witt Chapel will announce the services when the date is set for local burial. Esther was an Arcadia High School l936 graduate.

Her husband, a pastor in Nashville, preceded her in death. Howard, with his parents Mr. and Mrs. Sam Ham, were publishers of the Arcadia Journal in the l930s. Our sympathy goes to her loved ones.

Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens met Monday, Jan. 9, with 14 present for the carry-in dinner and business meeting followed by all winning bingo prizes. The ladies from Arma Care Center, Janice Mayfield and Beth Popejoy, took blood pressure readings for members, enjoyed dinner and gave the gift card in the ticket drawing to the lucky winner, Mary V. Shead, this month. The meeting opened with the flag salute and Lord's Prayer led by President Lilly Coonrod. The secretary and treasurer's reports were read and approved. Mary Lee Payne read a special poem dedicated to the late Ava Mae Adams who was a member.

Alta Carpenter won the black-out prize at the end of bingo games. Others in attendance were Pat and Gary Peterson, Jack Payne, Helen Sisney, Shirley Garrett, Jim Turner, Carol Bridgewater and Carole Garrison. All senior citizens are invited to the next meeting in the newly remodeled Autumn Leaves building on Monday, Feb. 13. Doors open at 11 a.m. and a carry-in dinner will be served at noon.

Presbyterian Manor of Fort Scott has announced that artwork by artists from throughout the area will be on exhibit. This is open to area artists who may choose to enter the exhibit only. Entry deadline is Feb. 24. The exhibit will be March 5 through l3. The reception will be March l3, 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact Rita Peck at (620) 223-5550 or Presbytrianmanors.org.

The class No. 10, Jan. 18, meeting was held on Wednesday in the Christian Church bungalow with seven present when President Pat Peterson opened the meeting by pledging alligence to the U.S. and Christian flags. She then read "Blossomed -- Love is Kind." Roll call asked each to tell what she has planned for this new year.

The secretary and treasurer's reports were read and approved. It was noted that flowers were sent when former member and one-time president of Class 10 at the time of the death of Ava Mae Adams. Lilly Coonrod and Pat Peterson represented the class in helping with the funeral dinner served at Arma Methodist Church the day of the funeral.

Thanks were given to Machelle Castro, a new member, for the good job she did cleaning the carpet. She will be chairman for the next meeting. It was announced that the Ladies' Aid Quilters plan to buy a new microwave oven. The meeting closed with the Lord's Prayer. Betty Dehn blessed the very attractive refreshments she served as chairman on a beautifully decorated table. Others present were Evelyn Bryant, Judy Rawlings, Carole Garrison and Mary V. Shead.

Wednesday, March 14, will be the Arcadia date for the USD 246 school community meeting at Arcadia Community Center from 7 to 8 p.m.

A big thank you to Our Gang of AHS fame who purchased and donated a very nice coat rack that has been installed on the back wall of the Arcadia Community Center.