Community

Music filled the sanctuary at the First Baptist Church Sunday evening, Dec. 5, as Paula Forrest and friends performed sacred hymns and traditional holiday favorites. Because of the pandemic, no concert was held last year, and Paula expressed her gratitude for the gathering and the ability to play for, and with, her friends. Accompanied by Forrest, Presley Harper sang “Mary, Did You Know?” and “O Come, All You Unfaithful.” Nicholas Sparks and David Uribe—high school seniors from Wheeler— were joined by their band director, John Bratton, to play a holiday brass medley. Matt Phenix, pastor of the First Baptist Church, sang a stirring rendition of “Holy Night.” The audience sang along as Forrest played a variety of Christmas favorites. After expressing her gratitude for those attending, she ended the concert with an energetic performance of “Go Tell It on the Mountain.”

Food just seems to make everyone happy...whether they are preparing it or sitting down to a heaping plateful of it. And this year's 113th WCTU Christmas Bazaar was no exception. The 2021 kitchen committee included Jan’et Schaef, Catherine Lusby, Regan Adams, Stefanie Peterson, Jennifer Waite (in photo above, at left), as well as Dawn Webb, Erica Smyth, Pam Guillen, Angie Huff, Lisa Johnson, Kathy Dumbald, Tessa Francis, Betsy Alexander, JJ Cullender, and Kristin Mann. Jan’et and Catherine will be hanging up their aprons this year, having compiled 18 and 23 years of service, respectively. Both have already promised their continued dedication to and support for this worthwhile fundraiser. Pie ladies Betsy Alexander and Kathy Dumbald (photo at left) arrived early Friday morning to slice a tantalizing assortment of the homemade delicacies. Many community volunteers helped cook and carve turkeys, bake pies, make cranberry sauce, prepare salads, set up and serve patrons in the dining room, and take money at the door. With a lot of help from friends, Sarah Rader was in charge of takeout and delivery. John C. Isaacs (top photo at right), president of the Library Board, gave an opening prayer for the 2021 Bazaar, and Rolanda Coffee was in full holiday spirit as she served diners. Tamera Reinhart, Mike McKinney, and Decata Isbell (photo below) were among the volunteers who carved the 19 turkeys consumed during the day. PHOTOS BY LAURIE EZZELL BROWN AND DAWN WEBB

Sheri Hensley’s program was brought to us by Medical on Main, located here in Canadian. Owner Kathleen Clark, M.D., and providers Mandy Flowers and Cheyenne Cleveland spoke about the different services they offer and their backgrounds.

Tamera Reinhardt left a bag of these amazing pecans at The Canadian Record office. One bite and I was hooked, and texted her for the recipe. They are light and praline-flavored without being super sweet. She shared this super easy recipe found in Brenda Gantt’s cookbook and demonstrated on her “Cooking with Brenda Gantt” Facebook page. I watched the video of this sassy southern cook in her own kitchen, wearing a “Roll Tide” apron, and was charmed. Enjoy!

The Don and Esther Rader family gathered for their 2021 Thanksgiving dinner at the country home of Steve and Linda Rader. Some traditions remained the same, while some passed on to a new generation.

The Citadelle Gardens were aglow Monday night following the ceremonial lighting of the Waterfield Walk, a celebration held each year to kick off the Christmas season, and to honor the late Jim Waterfield and his family for their years of selfless service and generous support for the community of Canadian and the Citadelle Art foundation. In photo at top, taken by Cindy Young, Sandy Waterfield enjoys the company of The Citadelle founders Malouf and Therese Abraham and Art Foundation Executive Director and Curator of Art Wendie Murfee Cook. At right, in photos by Laurie Ezzell Brown, a beautiful spread of seasonal sweets awaited those who joined the festivities, and above, Travis Francis and his son, Trae, enjoy a snack and appear to have reached a deal, sealed with a very elaborate secret handshake.

The Comancheria Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) met Thursday, Nov. 11, at the Wheeler Historical Museum and co-hosted a Veterans Day barbecue lunch provided by Steve Walker, aka Mr. Barbecue. Members present were Mary Ann Ashley; Janet Parnell; Pam Hill; Marilee Wright; and Canadian veteran, John Wright. The Chapter is also fundraising to honor the veterans at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery and Wheeler Cemetery by participating in Wreaths Across America again this year. Wreaths will be placed on Dec. 18, at 12 noon There are approximately 500 veterans to honor at Edith Ford Memorial Cemetery.