Arcadians celebrate July 4th and enjoy summer trips

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.

Jodie Dunn sends encouraging news from Minnesota that husband Galen Dunn is in the hospital awaiting a heart transplant. He is now on the list for 1A status for need, so he has to be in the hospital and ready when the heart arrives. The family asks for prayers by loved ones. Galen is a former Arcadian and, with Jodie, established a mission in the Philippines.

On July 4, relatives of Mark, Haley, Katy and Benjamin Shead gathered at their home in Fort Scott for a cookout that included watermelon and homemade ice cream and a fine evening of watching fireworks all around their area. They observed these from their second-story balcony patio from early evening until time for the great display by the city. Guests were Tami and LaVaine Murphy, Tobiah, Micaela and Mariah of Webb City, Mo.; Larry and Vickie Shead, Garland, and Mary V. Shead, Arcadia.

Perry Dobbins, 90, former Arcadian and friend Bill Danleu, 92, both of Fort Scott, put American Flags along Fort Scott National Cemetery every patriotic holiday including Memorial Day, Flag Day, Veterans Day and July 4.

These two faithful workers were World War II veterans, Dobbins in the Pacific and Danley in Europe. They started the flag planting in l971-72. The 350 flags are on display with the help of two to 50 people who start at 7 a.m. and bring them in at 4 p.m. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to accomplish each job. Much praise goes to these busy workers.

Christie Parrish and daughter Jenny Dugan, rural Arcadia, spent time in Joplin helping in a church that made it known they are in need of religious books. Christie is willing to collect them if anyone cares to give to this cause.

On Thursday, July 7, Ernestine Berkey attended the graveside service in Fort Scott National Cemetery for a veteran whose family she used to work with in Pittsburg. That afternoon she went with Mary V. Shead to the Presbyterian Village, where they were invited to the celebration of National Ice Cream Month. This was a delightful occasion where 35 residents and friends gathered in the dining room for as much as desired homemade ice cream with toppings. The two ladies were pleased to have Nellie and Hurl Kalm, formerly from rural Garland, at their table. Nellie and Mary V. Shead were high school friends back in the 1930s, and Hurl and family were country neighbors to Larry and Vickie Shead. Another former Arcadian who greeted the guests was Betty O'Dell. It was a pleasure to meet and thank Ginger Dierksen, executive director of Presbyterian Village, for the invitation to a fine afternoon.

The two guests later visited Ernestine's cousin, Mae Watt, before returning to their homes. Mae told us of a recent visit to her home by son Bill Watt and his son Bruce from the K.C. area.

Ralph Shead came to Arcadia on Saturday eveing, July 9, and took his mother, Mary V. Shead, to his home in Carl Junction where his daughter, Sarah, was spending the weekend and attending the wedding of a friend.

That evening their student resident Tanner Rodgers, from Mississippi, and his friend Jacob Thomas, from Cassville, Mo., joined them at the dinner prepared by Cindy and Sarah. Both students are attending Ozark Christian College in Joplin. Another guest was church friend Jon Skinner. He is with the Missouri Department of Conservation in Joplin.

Those helping with serving and enjoying the fellowship and food were son Matthew and Ashley Shead of Joplin. A table game was played by all following dinner.

Sunday morning, Ralph was guest minister in the Liberal, Mo., Christian Church, so his mother attended the Sunday school class and church with her longtime friend, Ruth Holland, former news reporter and Arcadia resident. The two Sheads enjoyed Gebhardt's Chicken dinner before returning to Arcadia Sunday afternoon.