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The Spiker Gazette |
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Oxford, WV
Volume 2
Issue 6 June
7, 2008 |
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Written by: Melanie Fouse
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The Annual Spiker Family Reunion was held May 25th, 2008 at the Spiker
Farm in Oxford, WV. Turnout was good although several close family
members were noticeably absent. Paul and Francena Miller were absent
due to Paul's cataract surgery and Francena's fall. Boots and Coon
Larew were absent after Boot's fall and injury. All seem to be
recovering and it's hopeful that all will return to the reunion next
year.
Special note was taken of the oldest generation of family members who
were present. Alice Spiker, Adelene Spiker, Dean Spiker and Ann King
were all present after several of those mentioned suffered severe
illness over the past year.
Paula Nolan was again noted as having traveled the farthest, coming
from Missouri, but this year she was alone. Husband, Mike, had other
family commitments with his son. He was missed but we hope to see him
next year. Regular attendee, Jane Hayes, was also noted missing this
year but she too had other family commitments. Present this year after
being ill for last year's reunion was Marty Spiker, wife of Mike. We
were all so happy to see her back.
Four generations spanned those attending, with the youngest ages
coming from John Spiker's grandchildren at just one year old. The
oldest person attending was Alice Spiker, widow of Brad Spiker, at 91
years young. (continued at right) |
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(continued from left)
John Spiker set up his homemade, portable grill in the side yard (not
in the corn crib, as one year they about set that particular building
on fire.) Mark, Mike and Brock were on hand to follow orders. About
100 chicken halves were grilled and added to the covered dishes
brought from home. A veritable feast, laid out on tables in the
front yard, was enjoyed by all.
After lunch, the age groups divided up with the youngest group
splitting up between wading in the river and fishing in the pond and
the oldest group enjoying watching them from the cool porch.
Suggestions were made that maybe they'd stock the pond next year and
have a fishing contest. Every year, someone manages to catch some
whopper from either the pond or the river. Last year it was gar, this
year the children caught a good sized catfish!Soon after the prize
drawing and the auction (where the money collected is given to South
Fork Baptist Church for cemetery upkeep) the families began drifting
away, one by one leaving for home to await the next time we'll all be
together at the Spiker Family Reunion of 2009.
Note: We will publish a list of the Reunion attendees in the
July 2008 edition. Check back soon. |
Announcements
Submitted by Bobbi Spiker-Conley: Melanie Fouse snapped a
beautiful photo of John Hicks and his son, Grant, strolling
alongside the pond at the Spiker family farm. A scrapbook
enthusiast, Melanie transformed the photograph into
a loving tribute to our
family fathers. Click here to view
her scrapbook page.
Submitted by John Bob Spiker: The Second Annual Spiker
Bullride is brought to you by Parcs Equipment Superstore. The action
begins July 26th with gates opening at 6:00 and the performance starts
at 7:30. Along with heart pounding bullriding action, there will be
muttin buston for the first 25 kids to sign up, and a mechanical bull
for all ages. There will be limited bleacher space so bring a lawn chair
or a blanket to enjoy the action. Advanced tickets can be purchased at
Southern States in Weston, $10 adults $5 children, 3yrs and under free.
At the gate $12 adults, $6 children. Sponsored in part by; Best Care
Pharmacy, Star Furniture, Rent-A-Center, CKS Pipeline, Donna Hines
Investmen Planners, and WDTV. Information: 304-517-9326
Submitted by Shelly Gregis: We attended Little Robbie's FFA
banquet where he won several awards including the diversified livestock
award and the sheep production award. He was also elected to
an office and received the 2nd Vice President position.
Submitted by Willa Dean Spiker: Boots and Coon Larew's
grandson (Connie's son), Tom, received his Doctorate Degree. He is
now a Professor at a college in New York.
Boots and Coon attended the high school graduation of their
granddaughter (Alice Ann's daughter), Ciera, in Kansas City, Missouri.
When returning from the trip, Boots fell. The resulting injury
required 13 stitches in her knee and kept her from attending the 2008
Spiker Family Reunion. Boots had previously had her pre-op
consultation to have a knee replacement. Luckily, the fall did not
do any additional damage. Her replacement surgery is still
scheduled for June 9.
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We are looking for contributors to The Spiker Gazette.
Please send your newsy tidbits to our staff for insertion in future
editions. |
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