Local couple opens their home for orphans Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a traditional time for families and gathering around the table with your family.

However, many folks don't have family close by to get together with for one day.

Four years ago, Ladie Bea and Wayne Carlisle recognized that some of their local friends were at loose ends for Thanksgiving Day with no family close by. Ladie Bea invited them to bring a dish and come to her house for the holiday. For that first gathering she had about 15 guests and they all had a great time.

She has repeated the invitation each year. Last year she had 34 guests for the "orphan's Thanksgiving."

This year, she doesn't expect as many as some of the folks have moved away, but others have moved in.

"We'll probably have around 25 this year," she said.

"Some people just like getting together with friends and plan to bring the whole family," she said. "It's an eclectic group of all ages."

Newcomers to the area, Chris and Lacey Renteria and their 10-month-old daughter Lacey, will join the group this year.

"We are so looking forward to getting together with everyone," said Ladie Bea. "It is fun. Everyone brings something and we have way too much stuff but the point is to have somebody to hang out with so you won't be lonely on a holiday."