I hope everyone will start the New Year off right and put Jesus Christ first in your life. We have had sadness this past year, but through it all we have been richly blessed. Christmas Eve Day, J.W. and I went to the home of our daughter, Connie Gamble, and granddaughter Rachel, in Martinez for the day. Dr. Bill Gamble joined us there for a nice Christmas dinner. Later all of us went over to Dr. Gamble’s house for opening of presents and reminiscing. Christmas Day I attended the 10 a.m. service at Sardis Baptist Church, then went over to the 11 a.m. service at Beaverdam Baptist Church. Later in the day we went over and visited with Lamar and Kay Berry and Trey. Brooke Berry, Kaitlyn and Bryson also came up from Washington and we all enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner and playing with the children. We enjoyed seeing Kim Berry and Aalyia and Chuck, and Julie Berry, Bridgett and Brandon who came by for a visit while we were there. I got many Christmas cards and all of them were special, but there was one that was very special from Santa at the North Pole. It just made my Christmas. I was so surprised and enjoyed it very much. I will put it in my little treasure box of keepsakes. Thank you, Santa. Tuesday, December 20, I went to Washington and picked up Mrs. Martha Wells to go to bingo. My cousins, James and Kathleen Canup from Lexington, were there along with Margaret Peterman. Marian Poss from our neck of the woods was there also along with most of our other bingo friends. James hit the jackpot and won a gift certificate. We all did pretty good, but he was on a winning streak. We have a good time being together and it is a lot of fun. Thursday before Christmas I went to Bogart to the home of my sister, Martha Jones, and we went to Chili’s in Athens where we enjoyed our favorite delicious Blue Ribbon Salad. We had planned to go shopping, but we decided to go back to her house for the rest of the day because we didn’t want to fight the crowds and traffic. Our sister, Frankie, was under the weather and we missed her. Our hearts were saddened to learn of the death of Billy Cofer. He was always there ready to help anyone. His family and many friends will miss him. Our hearts go out to the family of Van Allen Bufford. He was a good man and his family and many friends will miss him greatly. Our deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family of Jim Allison who passed away this week. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and relatives. Little two-month-old Bryson Lamar Porter spent three days in Athens Regional Medical Center recently. He is feeling much better now and is at home with his parents, Demetrice Porter and Brooke Berry, and sister, Kaitlyn, in Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Carl Sisson Jr. of Madison, Ala., spent Wednesday to Monday during Christmas with their parents in Rayle and Monroe. While they were with Mildred Sisson, the family joined them for dinners on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday evenings. Vickie’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bobby Bunn, and her aunt, Mary Durden, came Friday evening, and Vickie went home with them. Also enjoying dinner and gift exchange Friday with Mildred, Carl and Vickie, were Gloria and Tommy Wheatley, Chris McAvoy, Richie and Lisa McAvoy, Taylor and Amy. Other Christmas visitors in the Sisson home were Mr. and Mrs. Gene Winfrey, Mrs. John Jones, Lyn Carpenter, and Mrs. Harold Sisson. Mrs. Montine Edwards, wife of Rev. Jim Edwards of Lincolnton, had triple by-pass heart surgery at the University Hospital in Augusta Thursday. As I write this on Sunday, she is reportedly doing pretty well and was expected to be moved from the recovery room to a room the first of the week. Fred and Ann Corbett have had many visitors during Christmas and appreciate all the thoughts and prayers of everyone at this time and over the past year and several months. She appreciates her visitors and has been feeling pretty good most of the time with plenty of rest and quiet. Visitors have been Barry and Dana Echols, Parker Echols, Charles and Nina Boatwright, J.W. and Bonnie Boatwright, Ruth Flynt, Peggy Callaway, Penny Callaway, Janice Jones, Mildred Sisson, Catherine Callaway, Amy McAvoy, Chris Brown, Danny and Beverly Corbett, Billy and Esther Dawson, Rev. Jim Edwards, Shirley Chafin, Haley Chafin, Mary Wideman, Rosemary Morris, Shawn and Amber Turner, Ann Walker, Gail Stewart, Douglas and Elaine Mathews, Gene and Betty Winfrey, Richard and Betty Byrd, Josephine Orr, Marie Tyler, and Bob Stewart. Tom Hardy is recuperating nicely at his home after having surgery recently. Saturday, December 17, Mr. and Mrs. Brent Sherrer honored Mr. and Mrs. Henry McAvoy with a dinner for their 50th wedding anniversary. Attending with the McAvoys were Mrs. Mary Hawes, and Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Sherrer. Christmas Day dinner guests of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Sherrer were Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Sherrer, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wheatley, Mike Wheatley, Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Shelton, and Mrs. Mary Hawes. Each family brought a favorite food for the delicious meal. A gathering was held at the home of Mrs. Ann Williamson on Christmas Eve for a celebration and dinner. Those attending were Pat and Bob Preston, Seba Williamson, Alex and Sara, Jessie and Nancy Williamson, and Amanda, David and Dawn Williamson, David Jr. and Debra, Bryan and Staci Pfereffle, Josh and Christina Williamson and Justin, Albert and Karen Petit, Rebecca and Keith of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and Mrs. Sudie Kennedy. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Armour had all of their children and grandchildren with them for Christmas, including Mr. and Mrs. Lyn Armour, Casey and Mitch; Mr. and Mrs. John Armour and Mason; Mr. and Mrs. Barry Armour, Brittany, Bettina and Dylan, Brock; Mr. and Mrs. Greg Armour, Samantha, Cody and Hunter; Will Callaway; Mr. and Mrs. Tracy Armour, Justin, Ethan, and Jackson, and Audra Chapman. Monday, December 26, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Brent Sherrer was the scene of a family Christmas celebration and dinner. Attending were Mr. and Mrs. John Howard, Adam Howard, Dusty Peppers, Sherrer Howard, Elizabeth Page, Jesse Page, Mr. and Mrs. Henry McAvoy, Mrs. Beatrice Sherrer, and Mrs. Mary Hawes. Having Christmas supper on Wednesday night before Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Willie Frank Blackburn were Mrs. Marian Poss, Kenneth Poss, James Poss, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Poss, Amanda, Kaitlyn and Kelton, Mr. and Mrs. Brent Vickery, Kadie and Brantley, Mrs. Bernice Mcavoy, Mrs. Gail Gilbreath, Sam and Nikki Poss, Mrs. Lyn Maxwell, Cody, Chancy, and one of his friends. Mrs. Joyce Blackburn, Mrs. Marian Poss, and Sam and Nikk9i Poss spent the day Thursday before Christmas in Athens. Christmas Eve, the Blackburn family gathered at the homeplace in Lincolnton for a Christmas celebration and dinner. Mr. and Mrs. Willie Frank Blackburn and family were among those going for the day. Mr. and Mrs. Willie Frank Blackburn, Mrs. Marian Poss, Cecile, Nikki, and Sam Poss enjoyed having Christmas Day dinner with Mrs. Lynn Maxwell and family. Having Christmas Eve supper with Mr. and Mrs. Tom Parker were Mrs. Betty Berry, Mrs. Sybil Vaughn, Rev. and Mrs. Donnie Berry, Jessi and Abbi, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Parker, Lila, Tristan and Bradley, Josh Berry, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Guest, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Callaway, Madison, Gracen Colton, and Dalton, and Mr. and Mrs. Tim Miller. Mrs. Betty Berry had a house full of company all day Christmas Day to enjoy breakfast, dinner, and supper. Celebrating with Betty were Mrs. Sybil Vaughn, Rev. and Mrs. Donnie Berry, Jessi and Abbi, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Parker, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Parker, Lila, Tristan and Bradley, Josh Parker, Kristy White, and Al Perman. They had a wonderful time with the opening of gifts and fellowship. Mrs. Annie Blanche Vaughn enjoyed having most of her family spend Christmas with her including Mr. and Mrs. Tucker Vaughn and Penny Vaughn of Martinez; Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm McDonald and Heather McDonald of Rome; Jill Vaughn of Augusta; Mr. and Mrs. Malvin Vaughn and Daniel Vaughn of Marietta; and Mr. and Mrs. Mike Schugg of Atlanta. Mrs. Sudie Kennedy enjoyed joining the Williamson family at the home of Mrs. Ann Williamson for a wonderful time and delicious supper on Christmas Eve. On Christmas Day Mrs. Sudie Kennedy joined Bud Kennedy and Joel McCree for a wonderful evening and supper in Union Point. Mr. and Mrs. Billy Walker entertained the Antique Car Club of Washington with a Christmas party on December 17 with about 30 in attendance. Mrs. Ruth Flynt enjoyed having family and friends visit her on Christmas Day for a celebration of Christmas, and fellowship. On Christmas Day, the home of Mr. and Mrs. Billy Walker was the scene of a family Christmas dinner and celebration. Joining Billy and Doris were all their children and grandchildren: Mike and Debra Sherrer, Whitney and Lindsay; Sidney and Cheryl Walker, Clifton, Alex, and Taylor; John and Becky Orr, Walker and Isabella of Lawrenceville; and Cliff and Janet Lewis, Ashton and Heyden of Athens. Taylor Roth of Bogart spent a couple of days last week with her grandmother, Mrs. Ruth Flynt. Mrs. Ruby Arnold enjoyed spending the day with her sister, Mrs. Sallie Mae Arnold, the Saturday before Christmas. A house full of folks enjoyed a good Christmas dinner and having a good time of being together. Ninia Boatwright and Brenda Ferrell of Washington spent a day in Athens gallivanting and enjoyed eating at Logan’s Roadhouse restaurant. Mrs. Nell Hubbard and Mrs. Ruby Arnold attended the graveside service at Tignall Baptist Church for Van Allen Bufford last Friday. Christmas Eve Day, Mrs. Nina Boatwright spent the day with Mr. and Mrs. Ed Crook in Lincolnton where other family members, Dave and Anita Plue, Ann and Jeremy, and Doy and Ann Wall, all of Augusta joined them for dinner and a Christmas celebration. Spending Christmas Day with Mrs. Ruby Arnold were Mr. and Mrs. David Owens and children of Florida; Randall and Josh Roberson, Fallon Eggleton, Kim Berry and Aaylia, Rhonda Owens, Johnson Collins, and Mrs. Dorothy Callaway. Many other family members dropped in from time to time including Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Berry and Trey, Brooke Berry, Kaitlyn and Bryson, Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Berry, Bridgett and Brandon. Mrs. Peggy Echols spent Christmas Eve Day and night in Evans with Mr. and Mrs. Bill Remsen and Delaney. Mrs. Ruby Arnold celebrated her 81st birthday on December 28. Chuck, Lamar and Kim Berry visited her along with other family members. She received a phone call very early that day from her brother, Dr. James McElhannon of Farm Springs, California, who wanted to be the first to wish her a happy birthday. Mrs. Ruth Flynt also celebrated her 81st birthday on December 21. Sara Bowen will celebrate her first birthday Friday, January 6, with a party. Christmas Eve night, Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Bowen, Roy, Trey, and Sara joined other family members at the home of Mrs. Nell Shedd for dinner and Christmas tree. On December 23, T.J. and Karen Bowen, Roy, Trey and Sara went to the home of Ty and Sue Land in Tignall for a Christmas celebration along with other family members. On Christmas Day, T.J. and Karen Bowen, Roy, Trey and Sara spent the day with Tommy and Nancy Bowen for a Christmas celebration with other family members. T.J. Bowen was baptized in a beautiful and impressive ceremony at Sardis Baptist Church Sunday, December 18. Allen Bowen and Tommy and Nancy Bowen enjoyed a New Year’s Day cookout at the home of T.J., Karen, Roy, Trey and Sara. Johnny Adams of Athens spent a couple of days during Christmas with his mother, Mrs. Peggy Echols. Sunday, New Year’s Day, Rev. and Mrs. John Mark Carpenter and their daughter and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Abrams, enjoyed having dinner with Mr. and Mrs. Mike Boatwright and Cody. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Boatwright, Randy Boatwright, Carmen Boatwright and Brandon Echols joined them. Mrs. Peggy Echols spent a couple of days with her sister, Mrs. Sybil Hayes of Stephens, who is much better after being in Athens Regional Medical Center with pneumonia. Everyone was glad to see Mrs. Martha Hall back at church at Sardis Sunday, She continues to improve at the home of her son and his family, Boyce and Pam Hall, Lindley and Avery. On Christmas Day they, along with Keaton Wilson, went over to the home of Rev. and Mrs. James Bowen, Stephanie, Brandon, and Cameron for a visit. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Smith enjoyed the carolers from Sardis Baptist Church one night. Mrs. Bonnie Boatwright and Mrs. Gloria Hardy enjoyed visiting Mrs. Ruth Flynt New Year’s Day. Billy Amason and Susan Aamson of Flowery Branch joined Mrs. Kate Nicholson of Winder for a trip to Melbourne, Fla., to visit Mr. and Mrs. Dick Berkelew and family Monday through Friday of last week. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Smith have enjoyed visits from Bobby Martin, Ann Wideman, Sheley Avery, Myer Jones, Ann Williamson, Jean Harper, Howard Smith, and all of their children during the Christmas holidays. Kelly Armour, who is stationed in California, came home for a Christmas visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Armour, Jeanie Armour and family, and Mrs. Ruby Chafin and other friends and relatives. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Chafin, Kristan and Kaylor, Mrs. Ruth Hopkins and Mrs. Peggy Cason had a Christmas dinner and celebration at the home of Jeff Chafin. Christmas Day at Mr. and Mrs. Johnny Shedd’s house for dinner were Lyn Shedd, Chance and Ricky, Mr. and Mrs. Tim Stewart and Alyssa, Paul and Hannah Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Leeman Stewart, Angie Paul, Garrett, Cody, and Ashtyn, Chad Williams, Darrell and Laura Shedd, and Michael, David Driggers, Rodney and Betsy Shedd, Mil, Matt, and Morgan, and Kenny and Vicky Mathews, Kelli and Katie. Saturday, December 18, guests of Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Chafin, Kristan and Kaylor were Mr. and Mrs. Benny Mullett, Mathew and Hannah of Winterville, Mrs. Ellen Booker, Jennifer and Caleb Conwell of Anderson, S.C., Mr. and Mrs. Tim Beasley, Sierra and Michael of Maxeys , and Mrs. Nan Young of Washington. Greg and Jennifer Glenn, Daniella, Dominique, Greg Jr., Trinity, and Ishimi, had a Christmas dinner and celebration at their home on Christmas Eve for family members, Mrs. Frances Fendley, Joan Perez, Richard Burkett, Bobby and Debra Armour, Chris and Heather Armour, Rebecca, Raeleigh and Amber, and her friend, Jesse Callaway, and Dwayne Armour. On Christmas Day, Clyde and Sandy Whittington, Fred Weidner of Lexington, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Frankel and Sara of Lawrenceville spent the day with Neil and Kim Frankel, Zachery and Kyle in Crawford. Mrs. Ruth Hopkins fell one day just before Christmas while out walking and broke her hip, She spent some time in the Thomson Hospital, but is now in a rehabilitation center. The family appreciates Alexander Boatwright helping her when he found her on the road after she fell. Kristan Chafin spent Friday night with Amy McAvoy. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Chafin, Kristan and Kaylor, visited Mrs. Ruth Hopkins in McDuffie County Hospital Friday and again on Christmas Day. New Year’s Day dinner guests of Johnny and Kathryn Shedd were Mr. and Mrs. Tim Stewart and Alyssa, and Paul and Hannah Wright. Bobby Shedd also visited them. Mrs. Laura Hester of Wilkes Health Care in Washington spent Christmas Day with George and ann Wideman. Joining them for their Christmas festivities were William Hester of Covington, who spent Saturday through Monday, and James, David and Mathew Wideman. Traci and Laura Wideman of Acworth visited their grandparents Monday. Larry Maxwell also visited. On New Year’s Day, Clyde and Sandy Whittington had supper with Neil and Kim Frankel, Zachery and Kyle in Crawford. Mr. and Mrs. Lyn Armour had a arty Saturday night for friends and family to ring in the New Year. Mr. and Mrs. Jack Armour had most of their children and grandchildren with them for supper on New Year’s Day. I will probably have more Christmas news next week because I wasn’t able to get in touch with some of you. Have a good week.