The holidays bring news from far and wide to Arcadia

Mary V. Shead dresses as Pink Polly and enjoys a tea party with her great-grandchildren.(Submitted Photo)

Jack and Mary Lee Payne enjoyed celebrating Christmas the last weekend in December at the home of David, Amy, Drew, and Lane Carpenter near Stockton, Mo. Also visiting were Chris, Mindy, Jaxson, and Thomas Payne, Arma; Ron, Cindy, and Seth Morton, Excelsior Springs, Mo.; Jeff and Sherry Sisney, Arcadia; and Steve and Kelly Base, Excelsior Springs.

The three-day event included consuming many foods, much visiting, singing Christmas carols Saturday afternoon and exchanging gifts. David had a shooting range set up and several enjoyed firing their weapons for practice. Chris brought two four-wheelers and turns were taken riding in the pasture and tree area. A good time was had by all and everyone returned to their homes midday Sunday.

Mary V. Shead received a box of pears for Christmas from her brother Jack Corporon, Brooklyn, N.Y. She also received a special Pringle from her brother Charles Corporon, Pittsburg. Charles was introduced to this item while living in Milwaukee, Wis., and he says there is none better.

Arcadia friends were very happy to see George and Dorothy Quier honored in the Jan. 3 Patrick's People article in the Pittsburg Morning Sun. The article was about a book that Dorothy wrote titled "Trust and Obey" They both taught school in Arcadia.

Girl Scout cookie season is under way. Although Arcadia no longer has a Girl Scout organization, everyone is encouraged to purchase Girl Scout cookies where available.

Jack Corporon (Mary V. Shead's brother from New York) reports that they call their deeply green, fragrant tree in the parlor their New Year's tree because they did not decorate it until Dec. 30 when Harriett was recovered from several days of aches and pains. She's back in top form and they had a great time over Christmas in Bronxville, N.Y., and Stamford, Conn., with their sons and families. They also enjoyed visits from his niece Nan Corporon and her friend Doreen who drove up from Florida to see various kith and kin. The suburbs and upstate received snow, ice and rain over the weekend. New York saw only light rain. Last two days, sunny and cold, as in winter.

Jack says his cardiologist told him that his new pacemaker would be good for 123 more years. He is looking forward to the next installation.

Jack and Harriett will be traveling to Kansas in February for a foundation meeting at University of Kansas Jack is an alumnus of KU in Lawrence.

It was recently learned that Linda Weece of Webb City, Mo., passed away on Friday, Dec. 28. She was a sister to Leon Weece of Miami, Okla. Leon and his wife Cynthia ministered at the Arcadia Christian Church while they were students at Ozark Bible College (now Ozark Christian College) in Joplin, Mo. After graduation from Ozark, they continued to minister at Arcadia. They also ministered at the Cato Christian Church, Campus Christians at PSU and Community Christian Church in Fort Scott.

Tea parties are always a favorite for the grandchildren who visit Larry and Vickie Shead's farm in Garland. This Christmas vacation, a special tea party was held with each guest wearing a special costume. The guest of honor was Mary Virginia Shead, great-grandmother to the children, who wore a pink, curly wig and attended as Pink Polly. From Tulsa and the children of Joel and Mitzi Ray were Cademon, 5 years old, who dressed as a knight; and Atalie, 3 years old, who dressed as a princess. From Fort Scott and children of Mark and Haley Shead were Katy, 5 years old, who came dressed as Maid Marian; and Benjamin, 3 years old, who came dressed as Robin Hood. Hostessing the party were Katy and Atalie. Katy poured the "tea" and Atalie served tiny homemade cookies. Other members of the family watched and enjoyed the party.

Those who subscribe to the Nevada Daily Mail are going to miss Lynn Wade, editor. She is retiring after 10 years. She enjoyed the knowledge that older people could share of the history of the area, and was happy to accept our suggestions or completed articles about the past as a valued part of the paper.

Michael and Chrisi Shead (missionaries to Guatemala) had a New Year's baby at 2:27 a.m. on New Years Day. Jubilee Praise Shead was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. She joins her big brother, Hudson (18 months). Jubilee is the granddaughter of Larry and Vickie Shead, Garland and Mark and Martha Playford, Dorr, Mich. She also is the great-granddaughter of Mary V. Shead, Arcadia, and Wyett and Wynona Playford, Grand Rapids, Mich.

Come join in for our now annual Our Gang chili dump -- Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Arcadia Community Center. Bring a quart of chili to contribute to the chili pot, and, if you would like, a finger food or dessert.Bowls, utensils, drinks, crackers and cheese will be provided. We hope to see you all there.