A special thanks for the many nice Christmas cards I received.

I also appreciate folks writing to let me know how much they enjoy the B.A.R.N. news each week and look forward to getting their papers. Thanks, Mr. Charles Tilson, of Florida, for your nice comments about the B.A.R.N. column.

SYMPATHY

This is the most difficult sympathy I have written in the 19 years I have been doing the B.A.R.N. columns. Patsy Turley, my longtime friend, my cousin, my walking partner and my co-worker, passed away Dec. 30 after complications from heart surgery.

Patsy had been having medical problems the past few months, but she never failed to show up for her volunteer time at the Historic Nellis Church/Archives. She earned the honor of being the top volunteer at the Archives the past two years.

She also was a member of the Friends of the Nellis Church fund-raising committee. She was there when we sold the first donut and the first hot dog. Any fund-raising idea we decided to do, Patsy always was the first to say, “Let’s do it.”

She will be sadly missed by her family and many, many friends who loved her.

Jack Kennan, of Pinellas Park, Fla., formerly of Boone County, passed away Dec. 29. Deepest sympathy to his wife, JoAnn, and his family.

BIRTHS

William Dale “Will” Blaylock arrived Dec. 26, weighing 7 pounds, 10 ounces and measuring 20 inches long. His parents are Robert and Angie Blaylock, of Nellis. His grandparents are Red and Betty Blaylock and David and Dee Smith, all of Ridgeview.

CONGRATULATIONS

Congratulations to Robert Blaylock, of Nellis, who has been named the new fire chief at the Racine Volunteer Fire Department. All family members, friends and fellow firefighters are proud of him and know he will do a great job.

MISCELLANEOUS

Attending the Tony Gore New Year’s Gospel Sing in Charleston last Wednesday were Terry, Tonya and Josh Holstein, of Ashford, along with Patrick Bowles, of Costa. Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver were among the groups that performed. Patrick introduced his buddy, Josh, to his favorite singer, Doyle. They all enjoyed an evening of gospel music as well as seeing and talking with Doyle and his group.

ANNIVERSARIES

Happy anniversary to Darrell and Kista Atkins, of Bloomingrose, who will celebrate their 25th year together Jan. 8.

Happy 48th wedding anniversary to Wayne and Ruby Sparks, of Richmond, Va., on Jan. 7.

Happy anniversary to Larry and Wanda Ross, of Ridgeview, who will celebrate 49 years together Jan. 9.

GET WELL

Get well wishes to Merida Linville Price, of Winfield, who has been having problems with her foot.

Drema Bowles, of Costa, received good news the past week from her doctor, who told her all of her test results were good.

BIRTHDAYS

Happy 40th birthday to Billy Joe Browning, of Nellis, on Jan. 7. His sister, Karen Browning Bell, also of Nellis, will celebrate her 47th birthday Jan. 8. Their parents are Harold and Georgia Browning, also of Nellis.

Happy birthday wishes to Bill Payne, of Marmet, formerly of Ashford, who will celebrate his 77th on Jan. 8.

Dawn Pelphrey, of Nellis, celebrated her 43rd birthday Jan. 2. Happy birthday from mom and Cody.

Happy birthday wishes to Rose Harless, of Nellis, who will be 63 on Jan. 8.

Happy birthday to Melissa Duncan, who will celebrate her 21st birthday Jan. 7.

Carol Cabell Kirk will celebrate her birthday Jan. 9. We wish her a happy birthday.

Rick Buchanan, of Lompoc, Calif., will celebrate his 53rd birthday Jan. 24. Happy birthday wishes from Aunt Pauline and Uncle Tony.

Jackie Williams will celebrate another birthday Jan. 9. Happy birthday from all of your family.

Elvie Paul Tyler, of Marmet, will be 48 on Jan. 13.

Happy birthday to Cathy Morris, who will celebrate Jan. 12.

Happy birthday wishes to Roger Brogan, of Foster, formerly of Nellis, who will celebrate Jan. 13.

Sidney Barker, of Nellis, will celebrate his 64th birthday Jan. 10. Happy birthday from all of your family.

Lisa Lowe, of Emmons, will celebrate her birthday Jan. 10.

Eula Bias, of Ridgeview, will celebrate her birthday Jan. 13. Happy birthday from all of your family.

Birthday wishes go to Debbie Woodrum, of Ashford, on Jan. 13.

Glenna Clendenin will celebrate her birthday Jan. 12.

Teresa Perdue, of Ashford, will celebrate her birthday Jan. 10.

Happy birthday 89th wishes to Helen Holstein, of Nellis, on Jan. 10.

Happy birthday wishes to Jim Williams, of Creston, Ohio, who will celebrate his 73rd birthday Jan. 11, from your wife, Charlene, children, eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Marvin Perdue will celebrate his birthday Jan. 12.

Stormy Carter, of St. Albans, will celebrate her seventh birthday Jan. 13. Birthday wishes from Brenda.

Rachel Wolfe Hager will be 29 on Jan. 12. We wish her a happy birthday.

We wish a happy birthday to Michael Bias on Jan. 9.

Mary Lou Holstein, of Ashford, will celebrate another birthday Jan. 11. Happy birthday, Mary Lou!

Sandy Spradling, of Charleston, will celebrate her birthday Jan. 11. Sandy is the daughter of Rachel Laws, of Nellis, and the late Jesse Laws.

Happy birthday to Casondra Lynn Kirk on Jan. 11.

Happy 41st birthday to Alicia Parsons, of Ashford, on Jan. 9.

That's all for this week. Be sure to call me at (304) 836-5379 or write me at P.O. Box 102, Nellis, WV 25142 with any news that you want to share. You also can e-mail me at ntmccomas@suddenlink.net. The deadline is 6 p.m. Thursday.

Take care until next time.