The Grapevine: Three Events Signifying Holiday Spirit
By Rosalyn Queen on December 18, 2025 from The Grapevine
This past week I participated in three events that reinforced just what this time of year is all about. The best present that we can give ourselves is gathering with friends and enjoying and renewing friendships.
Paul Knotts organizes a monthly luncheon for former employees of the Harrison County Courthouse. For those of us who worked at the courthouse and moved on to other employment, it gives us the opportunity to visit with many employees and elected officials that we no 
longer see daily.
longer see daily.
Present at this Christmas gathering were several sheriffs, two judges, county clerks, magistrates, deputies, and many who perform the services that the courthouse offers to residents of our county. We gathered at the Parkette Family Restaurant where we ordered from the menu.
Knotts supplied a delicious array of desserts for everyone to enjoy. It was great to reminisce about those things that only affect employees at the courthouse such as elections and paying taxes. Although we meet monthly, it was special to spend time during the holiday season with former workmates..
We started off the official Christmas season by attending the movie Feast of the Seven Fishes. My son Michael hosted a pre-movie dinner at Minard’s. Special guests were the Lang kids and their families. Also, with our group was Kathie Titus, Jeannie McNabb, and Jeff, And of course, Ben Queen and little Arthur. A special treat for us was movie producer, Bob Tinnel, and his daughter Isabella. We all enjoyed a special meal before attending the movie at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center.
I can’t count how many times I have seen this movie but every time I enjoy a special little part that reminds me of Christmas Eve with my mom and dad. The movie has a timeless quality that never gets old. It was very meaningful to be able to enjoy a conversation with Tinnel and his daughter. The movie reminded me of how important it is to spend time during Christmas with your family and to make memories that will last a lifetime. It seems like eating fish is not too memorable, but it is who you are eating it with that makes lifetime memories. The Burnett family, and all our add-ons will be enjoying the feast of the seven fishes as guests of Lisa and Andy Lang. Of course, we will have seven different fishes to observe this important part of Christmas. Lisa and Andy made a trip to the strip in Pittsburgh where they were able to secure all the fish we will be preparing. Of course, we will be enjoying fresh frittis and lupinis. I will make it a point to share a story about our gathering at Grandma Burnett’s on Christmas Eve.
Continuing with my Italian heritage, I attended the Sons of Italy Christmas party. It was held at Best Western Motel and approximately 140 People were in attendance. Rocky Romano and his committee did a wonderful job in planning this event. Hats off to Bobby Moyer, and the staff at best Western for the wonderful meal.
A special treat for us was the Davisson Brothers band and special singer Sam Folio. We could not get enough of the wide variety of music they played throughout the entire evening. We even sang a few Christmas carols.
This was such a different and special group of people that I had the opportunity to renew memories. Most of these individuals were friends that I made through the Italian festival. When we gather like this, there are many memories that we have of presenting the festival. As I looked around the room, I noticed that there was a mixture of the old and the new This assures me that this organization will continue, and I know that we all enjoyed exchanging thoughts with the younger members and memories with the older members.
These three events supplied me with the only presents That I need for Christmas. Many of my evenings will be spent reliving the opportunity that I had in reconnecting with all these individuals.
I beg you not to get overwhelmed with preparing for the holidays. Take time to enjoy your family and friends. Stay warm stay healthy and until next week, “Now you have heard it through the Grapevine.”
Editor's Note: Pictured are individuals who were former employees at the Harrison County Court House as they gathered for their Christmas luncheon.
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