logo
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Google Play App Store
Gore woman’s Thanksgiving will celebrate family from across the country
Main, news
November 27, 2024
Gore woman’s Thanksgiving will celebrate family from across the country
By JACOB BOWLING SPECIAL TO THE NEWS

While most families are preparing Thanksgiving feasts for their immediate households, 90-year-old Maria Little is busy planning a celebration that will bring together more than 50 family members from across the country.

A long-time resident of Gore, Little has always cherished family traditions, but this year’s gathering promises to be her most ambitious yet.

“It’s been years since we’ve had everyone in one place,” she says with a warm smile. “This Thanksgiving will be about reconnecting, sharing stories and making memories that last a lifetime.”

Little’s family reunion will welcome relatives traveling from as far as Texas, Colorado, and Mexico, all converging at her home just outside Gore. From nieces and nephews to grandchildren and cousins, the Little family will span three generations.

Hosting such a large group requires meticulous planning, but Little embraces the challenge wholeheartedly. She has been crafting the menu for months, determined to serve a meal as special as the occasion.

“We’ll have the traditional turkey and stuffing, of course, but we’re also adding some of our family’s favorite dishes, like Grandma’s pecan pie and my Aunt Helen’s famous cornbread dressing,” she says.

Little isn’t tackling this monumental task alone. Her daughters and daughters-in-law have volunteered to bring side dishes, while her sons are in charge of setting up tables and chairs in the backyard to accommodate everyone.

“It’s a team effort,” she says proudly. “Everyone is pitching in, and that’s what makes it even more meaningful.”

Beyond the meal, Little is planning activities to keep the reunion lively and engaging. A family trivia game will challenge everyone’s knowledge of their shared history, while a photo booth complete with props and costumes will capture the day’s joy. For the younger kids, she’s organizing a turkey-themed scavenger hunt around the property.

“One of my favorite parts of the day will be our family prayer before the meal,” she shares. “It’s a tradition my parents started, and it’s a reminder of how blessed we are to have each other.”

For Little, hosting this reunion is about more than just celebrating Thanksgiving—it’s about fostering connections that stand the test of time.

“In today’s busy world, it’s easy to lose touch,” she says. “But family is everything, and this is my way of bringing us back together.”

As the day approaches, Little reflects on the significance of this year’s gathering.

“I know it’ll be a lot of work,” she admits, “but when I see everyone laughing, eating and enjoying each other’s company, it’ll all be worth it. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about—being thankful for the people we love.”

Sweet Roo’s: Making Vian feel right at home
Main, news...
Sweet Roo’s: Making Vian feel right at home
By ALLY TROTTER NEWS INTERN 
June 25, 2025
Noe Fuentes, and his mother Xionara Esquivel, have poured their hearts into creating a space that feels like home for their customers at Sweet Roo’s – a cozy, family operated restaurant, formally know...
this is a test
news
Federal judge rules poultry litter pollution remains high
June 25, 2025
A federal district judge ruled on June 19 that the State of Oklahoma has sufficiently proven there has not been any substantive change in poultry litter pollution of the Illinois River Watershed (IRW)...
this is a test
news
The NEWS brings home awards from OPA Newspaper Contest
June 25, 2025
The Oklahoma Press Association (OPA) presented its Better Newspaper Contest awards during the OPA Annual Convention, June 6-7, at the Grand Casino Hotel and Resort in Shawnee. The Vian Tenkiller NEWS ...
this is a test
White Completes Cadet Lawman Academy
news
White Completes Cadet Lawman Academy
By JACIE EUBANKS COURTESY 
June 25, 2025
Bryson White recently returned to his hometown of Vian after spending the week at the Cadet Lawman Academy, a program that is held annually during the first week of June at Connors State College in Wa...
this is a test
Cherokee National Holiday returns Labor Day weekend
news
Cherokee National Holiday returns Labor Day weekend
June 25, 2025
The Cherokee Nation will celebrate its 73rd annual Cherokee National Holiday over Labor Day weekend, including an inter-tribal powwow, parade and other longtime cultural favorites. Traditionally, the ...
this is a test
news
Drummond warns consumers about scam soliciting preemptive bail payments
June 25, 2025
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is warning Oklahoma consumers about the resurgence of a scam where fraudsters are producing fake arrest warrants and asking individuals to post preemptive bail at vir...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
Davis Family Reunion to be Held This Weekend
news
Davis Family Reunion to be Held This Weekend
June 25, 2025
The Charlie Ambers and Lula McFarland Davis family reunion will be Sunday, June 29, at the Blackgum Community Center on Hwy 100, 1 mile east of Tenkiller Dam. Lunch will be served at 12:30 (please bri...
this is a test
news
SBA drought relief available to small businesses, private nonprofits
June 25, 2025
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the July 7 deadline to apply for low interest federal disas...
this is a test
news
Counties grapple with limited insurance coverage, finances
By LYNN ADAMS SPECIAL TO THE NEWS 
June 25, 2025
It’s been almost two years since Ottawa County was ordered to pay $33 million in a wrongful death lawsuit, a ruling that sent shockwaves throughout the state and was a jarring wakeup call for counties...
this is a test
news
Red Cross issues advice to stay safe during extreme heat
June 25, 2025
Experts are warning that dangerously high temperatures are headed to portions of Oklahoma tomorrow through the weekend. The American Red Cross of South Central and Southeast Oklahoma urges everyone to...
this is a test
Malone joins Century 21 First Choice Realty
news
Malone joins Century 21 First Choice Realty
June 25, 2025
Century 21 First Choice Realty is excited to welcome Shelton Malone to the Sallisaw realty office. Malone brings a deep knowledge of the area and a strong commitment to serving clients with integrity,...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

VIAN TENKILLER NEWS
Address: 603 W. Schley Vian, Oklahoma
Phone:+1 918-773-8000

news@bigbasinllc.com

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Vian Tenkiller News

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy