Fort Scott Tribune: Columns: Mary V. Shead

Arcadia Christian Church has special speaker (02/08/12)
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...

Arcadia Post Office announces two positions available (02/01/12)
On Jan. 22, members of the Kalm family celebrated Hurl and Nellie Kalm's 76th anniversary. Nellie's 93rd birthday celebration was also on the same day. The event was held in the Community Christian Church where the family gathered to celebrate. A "Financial A-fair" has been announced by Gary Peterson for an Arcadia Festival Oct. 8. Meetings are on the first Wednesday of each month for anyone who would like to help. Call Gary at (620) 638-4726 or (620) 632-4718...

Arcadia High School team in the news -- from 100 years ago (01/25/12)
Sunday Morning, Jan. 22, Clay Carrington was a good substitute for opening the morning Arcadia Christian Church services by reading the announcements, praying for the sick list and leading the singing. Little Bob Younge gave her birthday offering for her seventh year. She was happy to be there with her grandmother Leora Younge. Pastor Cable sang a solo, "Each Step I Take" before sermon time. The sermon was entitled "Jesus' Perfect Peace."...

At 101, former AHS teacher doing well (01/18/12)
Clay Carrington has returned from South Carolina after visiting relatives including his dad and family during the Christmas holiday. His hosts were Kenneth and Donna Carrington, Donna Kay Bowling and son Landyon and the Foster sisters, Crystal and Tiffany...

Visits, Polar Plunge, National Pie Day in Arcadia news (01/11/12)
On Friday, Julie Watt and her friend Nicole Johnson from Woodstock, Conn., along with Julie's dad, Tom Watt, and her uncles, Bill and Delton Watt, visited Mae Watt and took her to lunch at the Nu Grille in Fort Scott. Julie and Nichole spent a few days visiting with Tom and Phyllis Watt in Lee's Summitt, Mo., and with Carla and Duane Bowers in Liberty, Mo. Many of the Watt family members spent Saturday evening at Tom's home visiting with the ladies from Connecticut...

Family gathers at Shead home for Christmas (01/05/12)
Carole Garrison had a fine time with her family when she went with her son and wife, Gary and Nancy Golladay, Joplin; their son, Larry Golladay of China to FortWorth, Texas, where they spent the Christmas holiday in the home of her granddaughter Angela and John Lane and family...

Christmas services well attended (12/28/11)
The Christmas Eve Communion service was well attended this week at the Arcadia Open Door Mission. Pastor Roy Widmar led the singing of Christmas songs and prayer time. He then spoke of the true meaning of Christmas after Linda Bridgewater sang a solo. Two couples then held the bread and Communion trays, and the congregation went forward to partake at the same time. All were invited to attend Christmas Sunday morning services in Arcadia Christian Church...

Christmas season busy with brunches, visits, programs (12/21/11)
Arcadia friends were happy to hear from Emory and Betty Briggs who live in Nowata, Okla. At Thanksgiving time they entertained both Betty's family and Emory's family and are making plans for a similar Christmas holiday dinner. The Sunday before Christmas, Willa Cable, Patty Peterson and Mary V. ...

Our Gang donates two bikes for Arcadia youth (12/14/11)
Tina and Paul VanKirk drove to Kansas City Airport before Thanksgiving to meet her brother Curt Holland. He came to help their dad, Howard Holland, rural Garland, close half the deck and go deer hunting. After two days of working hard and not a deer to be seen, the group, along with grandmother Ruth Holland, went to Nashville for a family Thanksgiving dinner and late night shopping...

Social events abound for Arcadians (12/06/11)
Twenty-four graduates and friends of AHS Our Gang gathered in Arcadia Community Center on Saturday evening, Dec. 3, for an early winter meeting to enjoy the potluck dinner and fellowship time. Anyone who attended the Arcadia schools is welcome to join their friends at these gatherings...

Thanksgiving weekend time for reunions with family (11/30/11)
Lynetta Fisher was pleased to hear the birthday song dedicated to her Sunday morning as she gave her offering. Among those present were her brothers Zack and Nick Younge in Arcadia Christian Church. Walter and Donnette Parrish came from Houston, Texas, to visit his parents, John and Vera Parrish, in Pittsburg and other family relatives for the Thanksgiving holiday...

Open Door Mission, Christian Church to host holiday dinner (11/23/11)
Kay Kauble Burr, formerly of Arcadia and my neighbor for many years, sent me a fine article entitled "Where to go during an earthquake." I have a learned a lot from reading this, and thank her for her thoughtfulness in sending it to me. Another former Arcadian, though rural and attended Arcadia schools and a member of this church, has put together a spiral book all about "The Arcadia Christian Church" from the beginning to the present. ...

JOY class members thank church board president (11/16/11)
Clay Carrigton attended the wedding of his brother Joseph Darel Plotner to Cassandra Marie Blanchard on Nov. 11, in Galena, Kan. A reception was held immdiately following the wedding in the fellowship hall. Gael and Dave Martin of Spring Hill, Kan., visited her aunt, Mary V. ...

New meeting dates announced for 'Our Gang' (11/09/11)
Correction: My apology to Rebekah Moyers of Fort Scott who is a student in Ozark Christian College in Joplin, not the dorm mom. The dorm mom is Judy Kakac, who visited her son in California while Ralph and Cindy Shead served in her place in Dennis Hall...

Annual Craw-Kan Telephone meeting attended by Arcadians (11/01/11)
Mae Watt was very busy last week entertaining relatives in her home. They included sons Delton Jr. and Bill Watt who spent three days with her. Others were Bob and Linda Roweth, Eddie and Yvonne Gazaway and Doug and Sandy Nuzum. She enjoyed the food and music at the Fort Scott Fall Festival, and on Sunday friends took her to Liberal, Mo., to hear the Missourians sing...

Fall perfect time for wiener roasts, Halloween parties (10/26/11)
On Saturday afternoon, Oct. 22, a birthday party was held at the Shead Farm, rural Garland, to honor Cademon Ray, 4, the grandson of Larry and Vickie Shead. Special guests for the weekend from Tulsa were Mondo and Leeca Jenkins and three children, Roman, Paislee and Tyson. ...

Church to host evening of fellowship (10/19/11)
The weekend of Oct. 8, Janet and Mark Vanleeuwen treated her parents, Vera and John Parrish with a trip to Branson, Mo., where they attended several shows, incudinng The Legends, Norma Jean's Cowboy Church, Cassandre, Voice of an Angel Show and the Texas Tenors. They also enjoyed a new show entitled The Shrine of the Holy Spirit...

Cato preparing for event (10/12/11)
The Arcadia Christian Church invites friends to the Community Wiener Roast on Friday night, Oct. 21, 6 p.m. in the church yard. Wieners and buns will be provided. Everyone should bring a side dish or dessert. There will be a hayride and singing. Come and enjoy fun, food and fellowship...

AHS class of '45 gathers, shares memories (10/05/11)
The Arcadia High School class of l945 was unique in many ways, but especially because it was the World War II class. In December of l941, the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor. In August of l945, two atomic bombs ended the war. In those four years, the class endured gas rationing, sugar shortages, no tires for their parents' cars, deaths of older former students and other deprivations...

Postal service faces questions from Arcadia residents (09/28/11)
The Morning Sun has announced there will be no more delivery service, but Arcadia folks will receive the daily newspaper via the postal service. It is hoped that this will influence the government to help us keep the Arcadia Post Office. The night the district manager of the post office held a meeting in Arcadia and over 80 patrons attended the session and asked questions...

Youth hold retreat at Shead farm (09/21/11)
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...

Air show provides excitement for Arcadia residents (09/14/11)
On Sept. 10, Billy Joe Bridgewater and Mandy Marie Heinrich were united in marrriage in the Arcadia Christian Church. Father of the groom William David Bridgewater officiated. A reception was held in the bungalow following the ceremony. Best wishes to the couple...

Rodich honored with surprise dinner (09/07/11)
The Sunset Manor of Frontenac was the scene of a reunion of sorts on Aug. 30. The fete was a surprise dinner arranged by Kathleen Brown-Secora. Present were several guests with ties to Arcadia High School. Marie Kunstel Rodich, the guest of honor, is a l945 graduate of the high school and was the valedictorian of her class. ...

Good turnout for AHS Our Gang gathering) (08/31/11)
Mae Watt was pleased to be able to attend a Sunday singing service by a choir from Cherry Grove Baptist Church where she was greeted by two of her longtime friends, Perry Dobbins and Doylene Shoemaker. Charity and Sam Jackson along with Daniel and Grace of Deerfield, Mo., were Aug. 28 Sunday dinner guests in the home of Larry and Vickie Shead, rural Garland. Others present were Mark, Haley, Katy and Benjamin Shead of Fort Scott...

People thanked for work on parsonage and library (08/24/11)
JOY Sunday School class meeting was held on Monday evening, Aug. 15, in the Christian Church parsonage for a fine carry-in dinner and business meeting. Special thanks was given to Christie and Wayne Parrish, Vera Parrish, Karen Jerkins and Patty Peterson for the work they did to brighten the kitchen. Pastor Charles and Willa Cable, who occupy the home part time and host church gatherings there for both young and old, were proud to show the new look...

Evangelist Mason performs to celebrate his birthday (08/17/11)
Delton Watt Jr. hosted a men's conference for the Faith Family Church at his farm home in Fayette, Mo. Barbecued meat with trimmings was served. The 40 men attending enjoyed activities such as a golf chipping contest, washer pitching and fishing. Delton and his brother, Bill Watt from Napoleon, Mo., visited their mother, Mae Watt, for three days this past week...

Reunion brings back memories (08/10/11)
A Sunday afternoon call from a former Arcadian, Weymouth Jones Filkins, was a happy surprise. She had recently read about the Fowler family reunion that was printed in the Mulberry News. It brought back good memories of days gone by, so she wanted to talk about it. She spoke about days when she lived with her family on the hill in what we folks call Arkansas -- meaning south of the railroad tracks...

Sundays packed with events and special speakers (08/03/11)
In honor of the 61st wedding anniversary of John and Vera Parrish, their family gathered at the Lodge Restaurant in St. Paul, Kan. Those present were Wayne and Christie Parrish, Jenny and Ryan; Allyson and Karter Dugan; Janet and Mark Vanleeuwen. Christie presented the couple with a beautiful, homemade, decorated cake that was served in their honor. On Sunday, the couple gave their anniversary offering as the congregation sang the anniversary song in Arcadia Christian Church...

Vacation Bible School to begin Aug. 8 (07/27/11)
The Arcadia Christian Church will join the Oskaloosa Baptist Church on Aug. 8-12 for Vacation Bible School. All children are welcome to attend. Guest minister on July 24 in the Christian Church was Bob Cable from Lamar, a former pastor a few years ago...

Vacation Bible School, Kid's Day, Bible Study dates set (07/20/11)
Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens held their July 11 meeting in the new home of David and Carol Bridgewater, a home that many of us remember as the Sheffield School House. All were pleased to see what a fine looking country home they have created. The men grilled the hot dogs that were served with the carry-in food. Corn-on-the-cob was a favorite of many...

Arcadians celebrate July 4th and enjoy summer trips (07/13/11)
Maxine James and family recently returned home from vacationing a week in St. Pete Beach, Fla. Family members were Jerry and Marilyn James of rural Arcadia, Melissa and Aaron Coester with children Kenzie, Alex and Maddie, Julye and Josh Smith with baby Jaxton, all of rural Girard. Debbie, Terry and Sarah Vanderpool of Frontenac were also there. Everyone enjoyed the amenities of Sirata Beach Resort...

Youth learn to make bird houses at Kids Fun Day (07/06/11)
Sunday, July 3, was a fine day for those attending Arcadia Christian Church where Sam Truesdell and Ryan Clark from the armed forces were in attendance. Birthday offering was given by Jenny Dugan and an anniversary offering was given to honor Mick and Jody Bryant...

Joplin tornado survivors safe at home (06/29/11)
On the weekend of June 24, Mae Watt enjoyed all four of her sons, Delton Jr., Bill, Tom and Allen Watt, as they gathered around her dinner table and spent Friday overnight in her home. On Mother's Day, Rose Campbell, among all other ladies, was given a potted plant as she was leaving Arcadia Christian Church. ...

Father's Day celebrated in different ways (06/22/11)
Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens met in Arcadia Community Center on Monday, June 13, with 21 present for the fine dinner and business meeting. Beth Popejoy, administrator, Megan Harris, coordinator, and Janice Mayfield, activity director, all from Arma Care Center, took blood pressure readings before they joined members at dinner time. Others are welcome to come for the readings. Club members are thankful for this extra activity so freely given each month...

Arcadia Christian Church sponsors first Kid's Day (06/15/11)
The first Kid's Day on June 6 in Arcadia Christian Church was well attended by both children and teachers. The lesson subject was Joseph. Dream catchers were made along with handprints of each child. A luncheon, prepared by David and Carole Bridgewater, was served at the noon hour...

Cookouts, banquet, mark holiday (06/08/11)
During the last week of May, grandson Drew Carpenter stayed with Jack and Mary Lee Payne and helped paint their LP gas tank and wash down their north garage. Drew did a lot of hard work and was a great help. He was grandpa's guest at Kiwanis Club on Thursday and then played golf at Four Oaks in Pittsburg. That evening they enjoyed a steak fry with his mother Amy and brother Lane Carpenter who joined the family...

Church donates $50 to missionary team (06/02/11)
The JOY Sunday School class met on May 16, for their monthly dinner and business meeting. Charles and Willa Cable were hosts in the Christian Church parsonage. It was voted to send $50 to the missionary team in Bosnia this month. President Patty Peterson presided at the meeting. ...

Community readies for gospel music, alumni banquet (05/25/11)
A good crowd attended Christain Church on May 22 despite poor weather reports. Later that afternoon Joplin, Mo., was devestated. Song leader Stuart Semple honored his mother by giving a birthday offering. Following the sermon, Pastor Cable introduced a new member, Kyle Whetzel from Englevale, who was baptized on Friday evening in the church...

Family honors Widmar with graduation celebration (05/18/11)
Aaron Widmar, son of Mr. and Ms. Roy Widmar, pastors of Arcadia Open Door Mission, was honored with an lawn party at their home near Arma after his graduation from Pittsburg State University on Saturday. Susan Cherry of Olathe, Kan., a longtime friend, was one of the out-of-town guests. Congratulations to Aaron...

Mothers treated to afternoon tea (05/11/11)
Former Arcadia Christian Church pastor's wife Susan Casey and friend Jill England, both from Joplin, visited Mary V. Shead as they were on their way to Caney where Susan was to speak that evening at the ladies annual dinnner on May 2. Both ladies are graduates of Ozark Christian College...

Families visit on Easter, May Day (05/04/11)
Scott Ball, Arcadia, was recently pictured in the Pittsburg Morning Sun as one of the weightlifters who competed in the Special Olympics Regional Competition in Pittsburg. He also carried the torch and lit the flame to start the day's activity. JOY Sunday School class held its April l8 meeting with eight present for the dinner meeting. ...

Easter gatherings provide fellowship and food (04/26/11)
Easter Sunday morning, April 24, 2011, a fine variety of home-cooked food was prepared and served by the best men and lady cooks from Oskaloosa Baptist Church, Open Door Mission and Arcadia Christian Church in the bungalow. JOY Sunday School teacher Gary Peterson estimated that 70 people enjoyed the food and fellowship. ...

Forrest Berkey honored (04/19/11)
Mae Watt's great-grandson of Liberty, Mo., plays baseball for Liberty Bombers. His team won the Blue Valley Midwest Regional tournament. Dawson is a pitcher for the team and also plays the outfield. Angela Redd and daughters Kristen and Bethany, Pittsburg, had a dinner to honor Forrest Berkey on his 68th birthday. ...

Columnist recognized for being oldest poll worker on election day in Crawford County (04/13/11)
This news reporter gives thanks for the attention received after my picture and the announcement that I was the oldest poll worker -- age 92 -- serving in Crawford County this month. William Klusener brought photographer Sean Steffen of the Morning Sun who took photos while Nikki Patrick did interviews at the Arcadia Community Center that day...

First April thunderstorm takes down electric poles (04/05/11)
On the first Sunday night in April, a heavy thunderstorm took down electric poles south of Garland. From 11 p.m. that night, there was no electricity in the area of the large iron bridge. Men were at work before daylight on Monday morning. Thirty men, ladies and children attended the first Sunday in April Christian Church dinner this week. ...

Ladies' Retreat held in Arcadia draws 32 women (03/31/11)
The Ladies' Retreat held in Arcadia Christian Church on Saturday, March 26, was a great success in that, in spite of heavy rain at the hour that breakfast was served, many had already gathered. A total of 32 ladies and two men were present for the day...

Annual Ladies Retreat in Arcadia March 26 (03/09/11)
Twenty-four people enjoyed the First Sunday of March Church dinner this week in Arcadia Christian Church. We were glad to welcome back Taylor Trammel and Bridgett Schmitz to class and dinner. Mark and Janet Vanleeuwen from St. Paul were church and dinner guests. ...

Friends celebrate birthday (03/01/11)
On Feb. 24 for her 91st birthday, Bill Dobbins, formerly of Arcadia, now living in Frontenac, was the host for a surprise birthday party for former Arcadia home economics and business teacher, Rose Shular Campbell. A guest was Chuck Corporon, also formerly from Arcadia now living in Pittsburg...

Valentine's Day celebrations (02/22/11)
John and Harriett Corporon, Brooklyn, N.Y., were in Lawrence recently where Jack attended a meeting of the board of the William Allen White School of Journalism. At this meeting, the board announced the granting of scholarships to 10 college journalism students. Jack has served on this board for many years...

Former Arcadia residents remembered by others (01/31/11)
Tom and Phyllis Watt of Lee's Summit, Mo., recently attended the International Fancy Food Show in San Francisco, Calif. This was a business trip for Retail Services Inc. to meet with current manufacturers that represent their Specialty Foods Department and to meet with new manufacturers. ...

Recent Arcadia news (01/25/11)
Friends are sorry to hear of the death of Webb Odle, 84, of rural Arcadia. He died at his home on Thursday, Jan. 20. He was a pipeline welder and a paratrooper at the Panama Canal. His wife, Lois Odle died April 19, 2008. He is survived by his son, J.D. Odle and a granddaughter, Nellie Odle Lamon and husband Jason of Girard. Bedene Funeral Home was in charge. No service was held following cremation...

Marriage celebrated, loss mourned (01/18/11)
During the holiday season, Mr. and Mrs. John Parrish of Pittsburg with their son Wayne Parrish, rural Arcadia and daughter, Janet and Mark Vanleeuwen of St. Paul, Kan., drove to Tulsa, Okla., and attended the wedding of Brian and Rachael Gaines. The groom is the son of Donnetta and Walter Parrish from Texas. Walter is the son of John and Vera Parish...

Arcadians celebrate, make plans for the New Year (01/11/11)
Mr and Mrs. John Trebian, Arcadia, welcomed the first baby of the New Year, at Mercy Health Center in Fort Scott. Tyler Trebain was born at 10:42 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011. He has a 9-year-old brother, John III and a 6-year-old sister, Trinity. The baby received many lovely gifts from businesses in the area and also a gift certificate for a family dinner. ...

Arcadia awaits new city hall building (01/04/11)
Nell Dikeman honored former Arcadia High School students by naming the honor roll from 50 years ago in the Fort Scott Tribune. Superintendent A. F. Bowlus announced the All-A Honor roll for the second six weeks. They were Nancy Brown, Marilyn Coonrod, Kenny Kunstel and Joyce Gabel. The A-B honor roll were Sherry Swafford, Pat Smith, Ava Stroud, Terry Kunstel, Virginia Harris, Peggy Odell, Stuart Powell, Orville Darnaby, Arthur Gibson, Elizabeth Burge and Richie Dixon...

Arcadians prepare for holidays (12/21/10)
The Sunday before Christmas, the Arcadia Christian Church had as their guest speaker a former pastor of our church, Bob Cable, son of present Pastors Willa and Charles Cable. With him was his family. Not only did he preach, but he was the pianist and, with his dad, sang a duet, How Great Thou Art before sermon time...

Santa to visit Arcadia on Dec. 11 (12/07/10)
Activity in the Arcadia Community Center has been busy the last of November and into December. The chicken noodle dinner was delicious, and thanks to the Bridgewater family, Santa will be near the Christmas tree with treats for all on the evening of Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m...

Our Gang of AHS to have gathering Dec. 4 (11/30/10)
Our Gang of AHS fame has decided to have a gathering on Dec. 4, 6:30 p.m., at Gebhardt's, rural Mulberry. Reservations are under the name Virginia Smith and have been made for 15-20. If you want to attend, let Virginia know by Thursday, Dec. 2 to be included...

Twenty students enjoy retreat at the Shead family farm (11/17/10)
Over the Veteran's Day weekend, Lou and Betty Dehn were in Branson, Mo., enjoying activities including Tony Orlando's Veteran's Day Tribute. For 30 years, Orlando has been working with the troops, raising money and entertaining the troops. This November showing was the l7th annual tribute to the service men. The Dehns were also inspired by the Orlando Christmas Show. They recommend seeing Debbie Boone and the Gatlin Brothers now showing at the Mansion Theater in Branson...

Arcadia sees 108 voters at the polls (11/09/10)
A good crowd number, 24 in all, attended the First Sunday of November Chicken Dinner in Arcadia Christian Church including these young people; Bridgette and Alanis Sprague, Josie Bryant, Allyson and Karter Dugan, Courtney Allen, Bridget Schmitz and Chyenne Mellon. ...

Operation Santa Fundraiser to be held Sunday, Nov. 28 in Arcadia (11/02/10)
On Saturday evening before Halloween, 13 people attended the special party in Christian Church Bungalow for an evening of food, fun and fellowship. They included Josie Bryant, Colby Caruthers, Cheyenne Melon, Stephanie and Andy Lechliter and Kadines, their new little neighbor who lives next door, near the church. The adults were their parents or teachers or pastor including Brandy Melon, Patty Peterson, Willa and Charles Cable, Steve and Edie Lechliter...

Arcadia residents celebrate anniversaries and birthdays, grieve the loss of friends (10/26/10)
Twenty seven members of the Hurl Kalm family celebrated his 98th birthday with a wiener-roast at the Kalm Farm on Sunday, Oct. 17. Among the many friends of Arcadia area who attended the funeral of Mabel Plum on Wednesday, Oct. 20 in Cheney Witt Chapel were Brandy and Chyenne Mellon, Terry Gartner, Patty and Gary Peterson, Vera and John Parrish, Ava Mae Adams, Bob and Linda Roweth, Mr. ...

Guests at Shead Farm learn about farm life (10/12/10)
As Mary V. Shead attended the funeral of Richard Steele in Pittsburg with her sons, Larry and Ralph Shead, they met many old time friends from their high school days. Many were former music students of Mr. Steele when he was teaching in Arcadia High School. Among the ones we saw were George and Dorothy Quier, from Joplin; Mitchell Miles, Lamar, Joyce Gabel Niebrugge, Louisburg; Jack and Mary Lee Payne, Charles Corporon and three of the Pallbearers, Kyle and Neal Smith and Ken Johnson...

AHS Our Gang dinner has 14 in attendance (10/05/10)
The first Sunday in October, five young ladies sang a special number in Arcadia Christian Church before sermon time. They were Cheyenne Mellon, Josie Bryant, Bridgette Schmitz, Taylor Trammell and Stephanie Lickliter. At the noon hour, 30 attended the monthly dinner. Special guests were newlyweds Matt and Steffanie Stevens, newcomers to town. She is the granddaughter of Marsh Harris. Matt is attending the John Deere school in Pittsburg and Stephanie works in Lamar, Mo...

Cato School receives repairs; next tour Oct. 23 (09/28/10)
Ralph and Cindy Shead came from Carl Junction, Mo., on Saturday to spend the morning with his mother, Mary V. Shead. They enjoyed lunch from the Bearcat. At noon, the couple left for Sedalia, Mo., for an overnight stay with former college friends. Sunday morning they spoke in the Parkview Christian Church in Sedalia on behalf of Learning and Teaching Ministries known as LATM...

Columnist enjoys honor of being Grand Marshal (09/21/10)
One of the happiest days of my senior years was the day Patty Peterson told me the Old Settlers Festival Committee had chosen me to be the Grand Marshall for the 2010 parade that was held on Sept. 11. Jerry Coonrod was my driver in his big shiny Convertible! It was barely raining when he picked me up after Lilly Coonrod had put my special sparkling tiara on my head -- a gift from Ava Mae Adams. The weather was dry by the time the parade started west on Race Street...

Cato School Tour set for Saturday, Oct. 23 (09/14/10)
Lou and Betty Dehn took their twin grandsons, Lance and Landon Long of Marshall, Mo., to visit their great -grandparents, Earl and Ollie Hill in Versailles, Mo. The elder couple celebrated their 54th Wedding Anniverary on the first of September. In the 1935 news column via Nell Dikeman, The Fort Scott Tribune, the lucky winner of the $40 drawing 75 years ago was Ward Lakin, a former resident of Arcadia. This was awarded in the Liberty Theater in Fort Scott...

Arcadia prepares for Old Settler's Day (09/08/10)
Arcadia Old Settler's Day plans for Sept. 10, 11, 12 are as follows: Friday, Sept. 10 Softball games at the Arcadia Ballpark. There will be hot dogs, hamburgers and soft drinks for the public to purchase at the ball games. Also planned for Friday evening is an ice cream freeze off. ...

City Hall temporarily uses senior group's building (08/20/10)
This is a statement by Arcadia City Council Member, Lilly Coonrod. She is also President of Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens Group. "Due to the ceiling damage and possible mold problem at City Hall, the Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens allowed City Hall to be moved temporarily to their building until a new structure can be built. ...

Families enjoy birthday, anniversary celebrations (08/10/10)
On Sunday, Aug. 8, Howard and Louise Holland hosted a dinner party at Gebhardt's at noon in celebration of his mother's 85th birthday. She, Ruth Holland, enjoyed the 15 who were present including relatives and close friends. After dinner, they went to the Holland home, rural Liberal, Mo., where pictures were taken after Ruth received a lei and a tiara and blew out the candles on a special birthday cake. ...

Church family celebrates baby with shower (08/03/10)
Jack and Mary Lee Payne recently attended the family reunion of descendants of Collie and Ollie Eggen, parents of Mary Lee, at Western Hills Guest Ranch, Wanewsgoner, Okla. A total of 47 attended, coming from Utah, Texas, Oregon, Washington State, Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. ...

Family, friends enjoy wedding at Shead Farm (07/20/10)
On Sunday after the wedding of Clayton and Maria Whitson in the patio of the Shead Farm, rural Garland, there still remained 23 men and women. Some were relatives some friends with many children. They enjoyed a 1 p.m. dinner. Many of these folks were in the home of Mark and Haley Shead in Fort Scott the Saturday night before. Michael and Chrisi Shead from Michigan and his sister, Mitzi, Joel Ray with Cademon and Atalie from Tulsa, were overnight guests of their Grandmother Shead in Arcadia...

AHS Our Gang meeting, Mexican meal June 26 (06/22/10)
Patty and Lee Wright would like to remind Our Gang Members of AHS that at the June 26 meeting they will be serving Mexican style dinner. If you desire something different, just bring your choice. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. in Arcadia Community Center...

Annual Arcadia High School Reunion has 167 attendees, including alumni, teachers, guests (06/15/10)
Ralph Shead called his mother on Sunday morning to say he and Cindy were in Lawton, Okla., where he was to be guest speaker that morning in the Christian Church while the Pastor was on a mission trip with several of his congregation. Ralph was reminded that during World War II, his dad, Paul Shead was stationed in Fort Sill, Okla., nearby Lawton while training in the Field Artillary...

Oskaloosa Freewill Baptist Church July 3 activities (06/08/10)
Willa and Charles Cable recently enjoyed a trip to Hillsboro, N.M., where they visited Charles' sister Marge and husband, Tom Myers, who live on a cattle ranch. One of the trip's highlights was a Cinco de Mayo festival at Mesilla, N.M. Charles loves Mariachi music and listened all afternoon to it performed by live Mariachi bands...

Arcadians enjoy historical brickyard while hunting (05/26/10)
Guests this week in the home of Mark and Haley Shead in Fort Scott were his cousins, Jamie and Ryan Luttrell and two children. They came from their ranch home in Nebraska to attend the graduation of his nephew in Spring Hill. Recent deaths among members of Arcadia High School Alumni members are Felix Shular, from the Class of l935. Felix is the last of 16 members. He was buried in the Garden of Memories, Pittsburg on May 17, 2010...

Mother's Day, graduation celebrations held (05/18/10)
Sherry Sisney came from Indiana to visit her daughter, Sherida Sisney, in the Kansas City area then spent some time with her mother, Helen Sisney, and attended the graduation exercises at Pittsburg State University to see her son, Brock Sisney, receive his B.S. degree this past week. Her sister, Susan Cherry, from Kansas City, attended the high school graduation of her son, Logan Cherry, from the Girard High School...

Thirty enjoy dinner at Arcadia Christian Church (05/04/10)
On April 25, this reporter received in the mail a copy of The Liberal News dated Thursday, Jan. 21, 20l0. My thought was, I wonder how many other subscribers received a similar copy. The following Monday, I received a copy of the one dated Tuesday, April 22, 2010...

Recalling worst winter in history (04/27/10)
The last Sunday in April, guests in Arcadia Christian Church were Karen Jerkins, Arcadia, and Phoenix Smith, Carole and Ryan Brooks from the Englevale area. Cheyenne Mellon, a faithful student, was absent because she was spending the weekend with her Aunt Mandy in Fort Scott...

Arcadians plan, host Easter celebrations (03/30/10)
Error correction must be made from last week's news in that Ruth Holand of Liberal, Mo., and her sister, Ellen Bowker of Sheldon, Mo. did not enter a care center in Lamar, Mo. I apologize. This past week and the days to follow have been busy ones for the two Churches in town in that Monday evening the Open Door Mission is hosting a Passover Dinner for all who care to attend...

Arcadians grieve over loss of numerous friends (03/16/10)
Autumn Leaves met on Monday, March 8 with 15 present. Because of bad weather and vacation time, it had been two months since all had been together. Jerry Coonrod who brought his helper, Jim Kunsler, as a guest, blessed the food. Herman Tyler was a first timer and came with Gary Peterson. ...

'Something new' Passover meal to be held March 29 in Arcadia (03/09/10)
Thirty-two enjoyed the First Sunday in March dinner in Arcadia Christian Church following the morning worship service led by Charles Cable with Stuart Semple assisting Willa Cable in leading the singing. Cable sang a solo before the sermon entitled "Walking The Jesus Road." He read from Matthew 7 and Romans 12...

Interim pastor to fill in at Arcadia (03/02/10)
Jack Corporon, former resident of Arcadia and Pittsburg, recently attended a journalism meeting at the University of Kansas. He is a trustee of the William Allen White foundation which strives to keep alive the spirit of the Sage of Emporia. White was nationally famous for his thoughtful and authoritataive editorials in The Emporia Gazette for decades. ...

Weather cancels church in Arcadia for first time in years (02/02/10)
Correction: In last week's Arcadia news, it was Tom R. Watt CEO Retail Service, who attended a business meeting in San Fransisco, not his brother Bill R. Watt as stated. Maida Rouse Kirk, 80, died in her Pittsburg home Monday, Jan. 25, 2009. She was a graduate of Mindenmines High School and Pittsburg State University. ...

'Don't worry about anything; pray about everything' (01/26/10)
Bill R. Watt, CEO of Retail Services Inc., took two of his people, Jack Jacobs, Vice-President of Specialty Foods and Dave Crandall, Business Manager, to San Francisco, to attend the International Fancy Food Show. While there, they visited with manufacturers of specialty foods from 77 countries...

Former arcadians celebrate 60 years of marriage (01/19/10)
Saturday, Jan. 16, a 60th Wedding Anniversary Dinner and Party was held in Independence, Mo., to honor former Arcadia residents, Eileen (Ward) and Chuck Wheeler. The hostesses and cooks for this dinner celebration were Eileen's sister, Ernestine Berkey, and daughter, Angela Redd, and Joyce Stephens. Other Arcadia guests were Forrest Berkey, Scott Ball, Ray Fairbanks. Two cakes, one an Italian Cream Cake the other was a 60th Anniversary cake and had the honorees names inscribed on it...

Families enjoy holiday visits (01/12/10)
The Jack and Mary Lee Payne family met for their Christmas celebration at Jeff and Sherry Payne-Sisney's new rural home on Saturday, Dec. 26 with over 20 present. Due to weather, some family members were unable to attend. The counters were full of soups, snacks and sweets which were enjoyed by all. ...

Arcadians get white Christmas, JOY Dec. meeting (12/29/09)
Just what Arcadians have been asking for -- A White Christmas -- four to six inches fell including sleet first in time for a beautiful holiday weekend. JOY Sunday School Class held its Dec. 21 meeting in Christian Church bungalow with nine members enjoying a variety of chicken dinners. ...

Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens Christmas meeting (12/22/09)
Autumn Leaves Senior Citizens held their Christmas meeting on Dec. 14, thinking about others. Instead of their usual gift exchange, the price of the gift was donated by each and the money was given to an Arcadia family who cares for their grandchildren. Those present were Helen Sisney , Jack and Mary Lee Payne, Mary V. Shead, Jerry and Lilly Coonrod, Patty Peterson and Carole Garrison...

Families celebrate Thanksgiving (12/01/09)
All are invited to attend the Meyer Bluegrass Family Band Concert from Seldon, Mo. They perform a varity of Bluegrass and Bluegrass Gospel songs. The free Gospel concert will be held in Arcadia Christian Church on Saturday at 7 p.m. An offering for the band will be taken. Refreshments will be served following the concert. All are invited to fellowship for the evening...

More than 30 attend Family Night held in Arcadia (11/25/09)
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...

Over 100 attend Thanksgiving dinner in Arcadia (11/17/09)
According to Jo Anderson, Pittsburg, over 100 people gathered at the Arcadia Community Center on Sunday, Nov. l5 at noon. The Open Door Mission Family were the hosts serving the traditional Thanksgiving dinner of turkey, ham and all the fixings. The ladies of the church prepared the meal and those who served were: Mary Lipasack, Pam Sigmon, Esther Talent and Mary Louise Widmar. ...

Benefit dinner to help Santa receives good response (11/10/09)
Many Arcadians attended the Craw-Kan Telephone meeting earlier this month in Girard High School. Arcadia ladies whose names were drawn for the cash prizes were Maxine James, Shirley Garrett, and Thelma Medley. Congratulations! The benefit dinner to help Santa come to Arcadia in December was delicious. ...

Free Ice Cream Social to be held at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 29 in Arcadia (08/26/09)
Thursday evening front-porch guests at Mae Watt's home were Ruth Holland, Louise Holland and Judy Rawlings from Liberal, Mo., and Mary V. Shead. It turned into an ice-cream-cone party. The next evening, the out of towners joined by John Rawlings attended the Our Gang "Breakfast for Supper" dinner in Arcadia Community Center. ...

Families enjoy birthdays, weddings, celebrations (08/04/09)
Larry and Vicki, Mark and Haley Shead with Katy and Maria Shead and Mitzi and Joel Ray with Cademon and Atalie all attended the wedding of Chrisi Playford andMichael Shead in Granville, Michigan on July 11. On the Sunday following, they joined many other relatives including the mother and grandmother of them all, Shirley Applegarth from Tulsa, Okla., for a family reunion by the lake in the private cabin of Mr. and Mrs. Duane and Jeanie Vanderklok...

Arcadia City-wide Clean-up is May 18-29 (05/05/09)
Literature and Teaching Ministries (LATM) were represented by Doug Reed, Cindy and Ralph Shead on the first Sunday in May when they visited Community Christian Church in Ft. Scott. Doug is the new director of Development at LATM in Joplin, Mo. The three attended morning services and told of their work during the evening meeting with church dinner and fellowship greeting long time friends. In the afternoon they visited Mark, Haley and Katy Shead at the Shead farm and Mary V. Shead in Arcadia...

Dinner hosted to help local family (02/10/09)
Everyone is invited to attend the Spaghetti and Lasagna Dinner served with Salad, Garlic Toast and Dessert on Sunday, Feb. 15 in Arcadia Comminity Center, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is a donation to assist a local family with utilities and heating sponsored by Caring Citizens Helping our Community. Please come and enjoy...

Kids Night draws crowd for food, fellowship (01/23/09)
From Dec. 13-29, Elma and Eldon Underwood left their home in rural Garland with Elma at the wheel for Louisiana to visit Verna (Underwood) Melohn, husband Mike, Melodee and Heather and grandson Tristan, 2, in Benton. On to Layafette to visit JoAnna Underwood Caldwell, son Joe and Roselyn, grandson Jason and Great Granddaughter Adleigh, 3, and Reagan, 8 Mo. Joe, Elma, and Eldon enjoyed lunch with JoAnna in her Cornerstone South Retirement Home. All three returned to Joe's home for supper...

Santa visits Arcadia, hands out toys (12/24/08)
A special event sponsored by the Bridgewater family for several years had 150 people enjoying cookies and hot chocolate as Santa handed out stockings and Teddy Bears to the children in Arcadia on Friday, Dec. 12 at the Community Center. Also given away were a pair of bicycles donated by Ernestine and Forrest Berkey. Winners were Alanis Sprague who won the girl's bike and Baily West, the boys bike...

God's Coffeehouse Fundraiser successful despite rain (11/18/08)
On Dec. 11, Mary Virginia (Corporon) Shead will turn 90 years old. Her family want to invite friends and family members to a reception in honor of her 90th birthday. It will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Acadia Christian Chuch Bungalow in Arcadia, Kan., Sunday, Dec. 7. It is requested no gifts. However, cards either mailed or hand delivered are very welcome. Her address is P.O. Box 198, Arcadia, Kan. 66711...

Free Thanksgiving Dinner (11/12/08)
Due to the Second Annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov.15, for all citizens of Arcadia and surrounding area, in the Community Center beginning at 6:30 p.m., the Festival for all ages that was to be held the same evening in Arcadia Christian Church has been canceled...

Mary V. Shead
Arcadia Area News

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