Claudia Hooper, Seattle, Wash., visited recently with her daughter, Angela Carr, husband Ron Carr and girls.

Natalie Carr was one of the students from Eugene Ware Elementary School who entertained the Bourbon County Retired School Personnel members with Christmas music at their meeting Dec. 8. They also led the members in singing several Christmas carols.

Jon Bingesser is home for the holidays from Pittsburg Stat University. He had an accident just before he came home and is sporting a cast on his left hand. Hope things go OK with the arm, Jon.

The Thrift Club met for their Dec. 5 meeting with lunch at the home of Sylvia Edgell. After the meal, President Dorothy Ketner conducted the business meeting. Members repeated the pledge to the American flag. Sylvia read the Christmas story from Luke 2: 1-11. Seven answered roll with Christmas memories.

Election of officers was conducted with Esther Secrest, president; Sylvia Edgell, vice president; and Juanita Dominquez, secretary-treasurer for 2008. It was voted to send $25 to the Ronald McDonald House in Joplin. Mo. The meeting closed with prayer. "Guess whats" were guessed by Sylvia: fruit cocktail and Cracker Jacks. Bingo was played with winners Anna Rourk, Esther Secrest, Beulah Queen, Dorothy Ketner and Revay Branna. Double blackout was won by Revay, Beulah, Dorothy and Juanita.

The Jan. 2 meeting will be lunch at the Pizza Hut and the meeting with Dorothy Ketner.

The Baptist Church at Garland had their Christmas program Sunday, Dec. 16.

Esther Secrest visited on Dec. 14 with Dorothy DeCoudres, who is recovering from a broken leg, at her daughter's Betty and Dale Hixon.

Delbert Wheeler and several friends have been enjoying another season of coon hunting.

We were very lucky that this area was spared the wrath of the recent ice storm. Diamond Community Church's pastor, the Rev. Stephen Muhota, had a tree fall on his car. My daughter, who lives in Catoosa, was without electricity for a week. Several of the tall oak trees in their yard are tilting toward the house. They are hoping the city gets them cut down before they fall on their home.

It seems everyone has been busy finishing up their Christmas preparatikons or attending parties; so I don't have a lot of news.

Beulah, Anna Rourk, Dorothy Ketner, and Esther Secrest enjoyed lunch at Harry's Cafe in Pittsburg on Dec. 18.

Sue Gray made a pre-Christmas visit to see her mother, Edna Mae Marsh and other relatives. Natalie Snyder, Zack and Lucas visited with Edna Mae and Sue on Dec. 19.

The local Red Hats met at the Kress Tea Room for their Christmas luncheon. Those from this area attending were Ginger Thomas and Peg Thorpe.

The Meet and Eat Support Group met at the Espressly for You Coffee Shop for their Christmas luncheon on Dec. 12. Nine members enjoyed exchanging $1 gifts.

The Kan-Mo Jolly Circle Club met for their Christmas luncheon and gift exchange at the home of Pam Korinek, with Ruby Myers as the co-hostess. The home and the tables were decorated for the season. After a delicious carry-in luncheon, president Hazel Gulliford led the group in the flag salute. Songs sung were "Jingle Bells," "Silent Night," and "The More We Get Together." Secret pals were disclosed when answering roll. Ruby Myers gave the good thought, "You Make a Difference." Matt 8-19 was read.