Burrrr – winter is here at last.

Christmas decorations are down, but let us not stop celebrating the birth and life of our Lord and Saviour.

A very big thank you to the Prospect Volunteer Fire Department and Auxiliary for all their hard work and long hours they put in to keep the Prospect area safe. Recently Prospect VFD held its annual end of the year banquet for its members, their families and those who have helped them. It was reported the company responded to a total of 108 calls, each fireman was able to answer different percents of the calls with Roger Scruggs answering 84% and Al Mason 69%.

They reported that they had lost two members and gained one. The family of Dale Mottley was recognized. The 2015 Fireman of the Year went to Al Mason. This is an award that is voted on by the fellow fireman. After a delicious meal and good fellowship the officers for the fire department and the auxiliary were installed by James Redford.

Peggy Kelsey and other family from the area have returned from Savannah, Ga., after attending a memorial service Jan. 8 for Corp. Andrew Aimesbury at Hunter Army Airfield. After receiving the required college credits at Great Bay Community College at Portsmouth, N.H., he enlisted in the U.S. Army and received One Station Unit Training at Fort Benning. He then attended the Ranger Assessment Program and was later assigned to Company D, 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment. He served one tour in Afghanistan. The family also attended the funeral service in Dover, N.H., where the family lived.

Mr. and Mrs. Don Meadows, of Farmville, visited with Mr. and Mrs. Scott Friend, of Cumberland, recently.

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Stockton enjoyed lunch at Merk’s Place last week as well as a nice visit with Jeff Smith.

Friends and neighbors are praying for a speedy recovery for Ruth Patteson, Billy Allen, Andrea Garrett, Shirley Fulcher, Hilda and Scott Friend, Elfrieda Kerns, Betty Jean Bolt and Mildred Harvey Shanks.

Neighbors and friends extend their heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mrs. Dorothy Southall Womack. Dorothy touched many young lives during her many years as a teacher. Dorothy was born and raised in the Five Forks community and was a lifetime member of Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

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MARGARET STOCKTON is the Tuggle News columnist. Her email is mom@moonstar.com.