Old Settlers Meeting convenes for the 151st time

OS attendance award recipients Awards were presented for attendance at the Old Settlers Meeting Saturday morning. Pictured in front, left to right, are James Carrier who was recognized for traveling the farthest distance to participate, Donnabell Sieber for oldest woman present and Mark Porter for oldest man. Pictured behind the others is the youngest Old Settler 18-month-old Ethan Ratcliff, held by Lowell Johnson. Comet photo by Debbie Lowe

The 85 people who gathered for the 151st meeting of the Old Settlers joined with the Gospel Tones in singing "Back Home Again in Indiana."

President Charles Meade welcomed the group, and Boy Scout Troop #144 of Flora presented the flag and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Teresa Maxwell presented the nominating report for 2007. Directors for 2007, 2008 and 2009 are Nancy Ringer, Bill Brown and Barbara McCain. Officers for 2007 are: Nancy Ringer, president; Billie Hedde, vice president; and Meredith Ayres, secretary.

Bob Conner recognized the First Families and Second Wave Families for 2006, and the Heritage awards were presented.

Old Settlers carnival Anderson Amusements had rides for all ages at the Old Settlers carnival. Comet photo by Jennifer Archibald

The oldest man present was Mark Porter, age 90; oldest woman present was Donnabelle Sieber, 93; youngest was Ethan Radcliff, 18 months; and the person who traveled the farthest to attend was James W. Carrier of Phenix City, Ala.

The Gospel Tones closed with "The Old Country Church," "Sweet Beula Land" and everyone joined in for "God Bless America."

Up, Up and...Where is that balloon? 15-month-old Kalin Gardiner, daughter of Rich and Carrie Gardiner of Camden, wonders how to get hold of her balloons at last week's Old Settlers Celebration in downtown Delphi. Maternal grandmother Robin Flanagan of rural