December 29 – “The greatest gift we can give to others is a good example.”

I wish for each of you a very HAPPY and PROPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Don Meadows spent Christmas afternoon at the home of their daughter Julie and son-in-law Andy Shotwell in Richmond. Grandchildren Kate, Josh and Zack and Mr. And Mrs. Stewart Shotwell were also in attendance. A lovely dinner was served and good fellowship and gift opening followed.

On Monday Mrs. Betty Meadows attended a tea at the Jefferson Hotel in Richmond with Mrs. Lila Shotwell, Mrs. Julie Shotwell and Kate Shotwell. On Monday evening Mrs. Betty Meadows accompanied Mr. and Mrs. Andy Shotwell and Kate to Lewis Ginter Gardens to see the beautiful Christmas light. It was a cold but a wonderful trip. Every year the lights are so different and so imaginary. Everyone should make this trip at least once.

On Dec. 23, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Smith hosted a family gathering at their home. Their daughter, Mrs. Emma Sharp and her son, Jeffrey, joined their son's family,

Brianna, Charles, and Christina Smith to exchange gifts and have a meal together. Mr. and Mrs. Smith attended the open house hosted my Mr. and Mrs. Marv Fisher on Christmas Eve. On Dec. 26 Mr. Smith took all four grandchildren, Brianna, Charles, and Christina Smith and Jeffrey Sharp, to visit their great-grandparents. They visited Mrs. Smith's parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Keavey in Unionville and then had lunch at the home of Mr. Smith's mother, Mrs. Dolores Smith, of Fredericksburg.

Mr. and Mrs. John Fulcher had most of their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren home for Christmas. A good time was had by all.

Mrs. Vickie Johns and son Jason visited Mr. and Mrs. William Amos on Christmas Day.

Mr. and Mrs. William Amos enjoyed sharing Christmas dinner with the Jeffery Newcomb family in Pamplin.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Meadows joined Mr. and Mrs. Jim Trinkle on Christmas Eve for their family Christmas celebration.

Mr. and Mrs. Carl Kelsey hosted their family Christmas celebration on Christmas day. Those celebrating with them were Mr. and Mrs. Kaleb Kelsey, Abby and Nick; Mr. and Mrs. Robin Dickson; Justin Chilton, Mrs. Rachel McBride; Mr. Gerald Palmer and his niece Leha Palmer and nephew Kevin Palmer.

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Noblin visited Mr. and Mrs. David Noblin, Brady and Allie Noblin on Christmas Monday returning home on Wednesday.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stockton enjoyed a delightful Christmas day lunch with their son, Lon.

On Monday evening, Merk's Place was the sitting for two couples celebrating their anniversaries, Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge Hanes of Dillwyn were celebrating 41 years; and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stockton celebrating 51 years. The Stockton's son Lon joined them for dinner.

Family, friends and neighbors wish a speedy recovery for those who are sick at this time; Mr. Billy Slayton, Mrs. Naomi Skinner, Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Adcock, and Mrs. Flora Bolt, Friends and neighbors are expressing their sincere sympathy to the family of Edward “ED” Ward.

Start the New Year out right; attend the church of your choice.

Appomattox P.E. Presbyterian Church at Tuggle invites everyone to Sunday School at 10 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m. Rev. Chuck Klotzberger will be in the pulpit this Sunday.

The membership of Davis Memorial Presbyterian Church at Prospect invites you to come and worship with them every Sunday; Sunday School is at 10 a.m. with worship at 11 a.m. The Rev. Otis Worley will fill the pulpit this Sunday.

Calvary Chapel-Farmville invites you to worship with them on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. They invite you to join them each week on Wednesday evening for Bible Study for all age groups at 7 p.m. Calvary Chapel-Farmville is located at 45 Simpson Road in Prospect, two miles west of Dowdy's Corner just off of US 460.

A Happy December birthday is wished to Dora Townsend Dec. 28 and a Happy December anniversary is wished to Mr. and Mrs. Howard Simpson, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Young and Mr. and Mrs. Talmadge (Woody) Hanes, all three Dec. 26.