Holiday and family gatherings abound in the Arcadia area during this special time

Mae Watt recently enjoyed a family get-together held in the home of Bill and Karen Watt in Napoleon, Mo. The 41 relatives in attendance were: Bruce and Nancy and Ella Watt, James Watt and Abby, Robin and Charlotte, Michael and Elena Watt; Mary Watt and Trinity, Kriss and Ilene Carter, Delton Watt Jr., Aaron and Jenne Edwards and A.J. and Hali; Tim and Alyce Hutchinson and Alex Peyton, Kayla and Kaydem; Tom and Phyllis Watt, Tom Watt Jr. Jennie Woodward and Dawson, Austin, Tracey, Sydeny and Trent Siemens. Jeff, Julie and Alex Ralson, Allen and Linda and Doug Watt.

There was a Class No. 10 meeting in the Christain church bungalow on Wednesday afternoon Dec. l6 with eight ladies present. The meeting was opened by president Patty Peterson, who read an article about a special tree with deeper roots entitled after eight years' growth. The place was named Christmas Tree Farm.

Two pledges were given by all for the U.S. flag and the Christian flag followed by the Lord's Prayer. Roll call asked each lady to tell her plans for Christmas. A Christmas gift check was written for presentation to Pastor Charles and Willa Cable on on Christmas Sunday.

The refreshments this month were treats from each lady present and enjoyed with coffee. The ladies were Cathy Allen, Judy Rawlings, Evelyn Bryant, Machelle Castro, Betty Dehn and Mary V. Shead.

Recent guests of John and Vera Parrish in Pittsburg were Angela and Jeff King and children from Tulsa.

Other recent guests were Tara Vanleeuwen and her friend Nick Rodgers were visitors from Florida and attended Church in Arcadia on Christmas Sunday with more of the Parrish family members.

Friends are sorry to read of the death of James Porter, 68, on Dec. 2, 2012, at Via Christi Health Center in Pittsburg.

He was the son of Armond and Corrine Porter. He grew up and attended schools, near Liberal, Mo., and graduated from Liberal High School.

Jodie Dunn writes from the Philippine Islands that she has enjoyed a visit in the mission she and the late Galen Dunn established a few years ago. She soon will be returning to her home in the USA.

The weekend before Christmas, Mitzi, Joel Ray and children Cademon, Atalie and Ryan Ray visited Rhema Bible Institute in Oklahoma to view the Christmas lights. This is the Christian school where Galen received his degree.

Due to illness, Jack and Harriett Corporon were unable to attend their yearly neighborhood Christmas caroling in Brooklyn, N.Y. The group enjoys dinner out together following the entertaining.

Mary V. Shead was honored on her 94th birthday by her sons Larry and Vickie Shead and their son, Mark and Haley Shead, Katy and Benjamin and her other son, Ralph and Cindy Shead from Carl Junction, Mo., on Dec. 10 at Long John Silver's in Fort Scott. A large decorated cake was served following dinner. The two little ones assisted in opening the gifts for their grandmother, Mimi.