Overheard, out and about, Mrs. Grundy sees all, tells all

Mrs. C.R. Grundy

Published Friday, May 29, 2009

Peeping through my Venetian blind, I saw Miss Cora Covington, coming over from Covington Hall with a Mason jar filled with something black. I stepped out onto my porch to greet her and was pleased to find the jar filled with dewberry nectar. Miss Cora boils fresh dewberries with water and a good bit of sugar; then she drains the juice and saves it. She pours a glass about a third full of this dewberry “nectar” and then completes the glass with ginger ale, Sprite, or anything along that line. Ah, what a treat!

Bob and Louise Anderson were guests Memorial Day weekend of his son Phil at Old Spring Hill Plantation, a hunting and fishing preserve run by Phil near Eufaula, the l842 home of Alabama Governor Braxton Bragg Comer.

Bob, Phil, and Phil’s boy Browning stayed home Monday while Louise, Phil’s wife Brandy, and their girl Leland, motored to Atlanta to celebrate Brandy’s fifth birthday at American Girl, the exclusive doll shop.

Brandy took her American Girl for a “makeover,” lunch, and the latest fashions. The doll even had a place at the table when “the girls” lunched in the doll shop. Miss Dollie also had her hair done and donned the latest fashions. The appointment for this luxury had been made at least a month ago. We’re talking first class!

The Murals Committee of Andalusia met May 26 in City Hall (old East Three-Notch School) to discuss finances for our town’s fourth mural, Lord willing, planned to highlight the timber industry hereabouts. The mural is planned to appear on the side of a building seen off to the right as one drives up Church Street to the Square. Those who can help pay for this mural are asked to send a check to the Murals Committee, City of Andalusia, P.O. Box 429, Andalusia 36420.

Committee members present were Chairman Pat Palmore, Elaine Manning, Hazel Griffin, Mary Lee Howard, Bob Anderson, and Joe Wingard.

High-school seniors who attend First Baptist Church of Andalusia were honored Friday, May 22, following rehearsal for baccalaureate, with lunch at the Dairy Queen. A group of ladies at First Baptist treated the seniors to anything on the menu!

John and Amy Dugger entertained 14 graduating, high-school seniors, who attend First Baptist Church, Sunday morning, May 24, in their home. A.H.S. Coach Brian Seymore also played chef.

The senior honorees were Blanche Alverson, Clara Bass, Sara Beasley, Kyle Harp, Josh Huggins, Gillis Jones, Jay McCord, Jeffrey Moore, Karlyn Pugh, Emily Ricks, Alex Short, Leah Twitty, Tara Ward, and Kayla Wells.

Guests were Dr. Fred Karthaus, pastor at First Baptist; his wife, the kind-hearted Connie; and Teresa Ward, the seniors’ Sunday-School teacher.

Dr. Karthaus shared a brief devotional. John Dugger worded the prayer.

Each senior had at his placemat a special note from his parents, plus a picture of that senior, a picture memorable to the parents.

The “sweet girl graduates,” as Tennyson called them, were given linen tea towels; the young men, monogrammed towel sets.

The Duggeristic breakfast included breakfast casserole, cheese grits, biscuits, Sister Schubert’s sweet rolls, fresh fruit, orange juice, and coffee.

At morning worship later, these same seniors, dressed in motarboards and gowns, marched down one aisle as the Irene Hines Handbell Choir, led by Dwight Crigger, minister of music, played “Savior, Like a Shepherd, Lead Us” and “Sheep May Safely Graze.” In an unusual move the congregation remained seated as the seniors stood throughout the prelude.

All but two seniors wore the A.H.S. crimson. Blanche Alverson, who had moved to Buford, near Atlanta, wore the colors of Buford High School. Leah Twitty wore the colors of Straughn School.

After congregational singing the seniors were called forward by Crigger, one at a time, while Dr. Karthaus presented each with a compact disc of Christian music and a devotional book by Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest.

Sonia Crigger, wife of Dwight and choral director for the Andalusia middle and high schools, sang “Class of 2009” for the seniors. This song was originally written by a man for his son’s “Class of l995.” Mrs. Crigger changed some words to apply the song to our seniors. As she sang, a set of five or more pictures of each senior, babyhood to twelfth grade, was flashed on the two, new viewing screens, flanking the baptistry.

The Adult Choir sang “On Eagle’s Wings” for the seniors; and Dr. Karthaus preached a special sermon for them, “The Wonder Years.”

The seniors filed out first at the end of the service while the handbells rang “Great Day.”

The offertory prayer was worded by Gillis Jones, the elder, whose grandson and namesake was among the seniors.

Following morning worship, the seniors and their immediate families were honored with a luncheon in the church’s Fellowship Hall, sponsored by Adult IV (who originated this tradition), 30-Something, the Farrington Class, Harry Seale Class, and Jewel Curry.

Each table was beautifully decorated by Jerri Stroud, retired A.H.S. teacher of the “Old School,” who topped her tall tower vases with oakleaf hydrangea, red carnations, and asparagus fern.

Various adult classes provided vegetables and salads. Adult IV donated chicken tenders. Eric Searcy’s class paid for the cake baked by Sandra Davis and iced by Jerri Stroud. Larry Avery worded the blessing; his wife Mary, another retired A.H.S. teacher of the “Old School,” busied about, helping everyone.

Each senior had a placemat with his name and those of his classmates. Each senior received a 2009 gold coin as a keepsake.

Baccalaureate for the Andalusia High School was staged Sunday afternoon, May 24, at 2:30, in First Baptist Church, with Jennifer Pitts, school counselor, in charge for her fourth year.

The Irene Hines Handbell Choir, for their twenty-fourth time, rang the prelude. This year’s number was “Celebration.” The ladies were directed by Dwight Crigger. The ladies also rang “Variations on ‘O Worship the King,’” the vespers (“Hymn of Promise”), and the congregational hymn, “Crown Him with Many Crowns.”

Ringing were Mrs. Kip Carter, Mrs. Don Cotton, Mrs. Dwight Crigger, Mrs. Kim Dyess, Mrs. Jay Farrington, Mrs. Kenneth Johnson, Mrs. James Krudop, Mrs. Willis Polk, Mrs. Doyle Prescott, Mrs. Michael Pridgen, Mrs. Steven Thomas, Mrs. John Twitty, and Mrs. Randy Wahl.

John Beasley, math instructor at A.H.S., who has served as organist for commencement for 30 years now, played Handel’s “Largo” from Xerxes as the processional, the fortieth consecutive year it has been used.

Mr. Beasley also played for the “Doxology” and the congregational hymn, both led by Mrs. Crigger; Mrs. Crigger’s solo, “The Class of 2009,” explained above; “The Lord’s Prayer,” sung by Mrs. Crigger; and the recessional, the “Grand March” from Wagner’s Tannhauser.

D’Amber Nicole Chambers, president of the senior class, led in the commencement prayer, “The Lord’s Prayer,” and the benediction.

Ellen Rebekah Watson, vice-president of her class, read the scripture, Philippians 4: 8-9, using the Bible given by the Class of l973, inscribed by Ruck Ashworth.

The baccalaureate, “Think on These Things,” was preached by Timothy R. Trent, minister of the First United Methodist Church here, resplendent in his clerical robes.

His excellent and inspiring sermon stated that successful persons have the right relationship to God and others, have someone to love, and a purpose in life. He ended, emphasizing the need for a good attitude and to “row, row, row (your) own boat.” Trent’s discourse was rich with literary allusions, anecdotes, and enough subject matter for fifty sermons!

Nicole Jackson, A.H.S. teacher and sponsor of the Usher Club, organized the marshals and ushers, assisted by Stephanie Dillard.

Marshals were Amber Anderson, Lauren Powell (whose father, Roger, Class of l972, had designed the programme cover), Mitchell Clark, and Jacob Ricardy.

Ushers were Elissia Taylor, Jessica Smith, Cambrie Barnes, and Kayla Landreth.

Cord bearers were Shelby Strong and Grace Spears.

Dr. Louise Anderson and Donna Cauley served as line marshals.

Class officers not mentioned above are Ashley Karlyn Pugh, secretary; Alyssa Danielle Johnson, treasurer; Ashten Gabrielle Shiver, poet; Tara Lynn Ward, historian; Shelley Kristen Smith, songster; Emily Kathryn Ricks, pianist; and Travis Lee Kilpatrick, artist.

The rose served as class flower, black and silver as class colors, “Here’s to the Night” as class song, and “Life brings us tears, smiles, and memories – the tears dry, the smiles fade, but the memories last forever” as the class motto.

An arrangement of white roses decorated the altar.

Class sponsors are Dr. Louise Anderson, Mrs. Mike Cauley, Mrs. Wayne Sasser, and Mrs. Jeff Wallace.

Seen at C. J.’s Grille last Sunday were Abbie Taylor and her visiting daughter, Merrily, along with Merrily’s daughter, Abbie McCary, Jo Mosdell, Dr. Wayne and Lenora Johnson, James and Joan (Hill) Mitchell and their son Matthew, who hopes to complete college this summer, and Frankie Lancaster, the lovely songstress of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

Our prayers go out this week, especially to Isabel Williams, our fellow columnist, for a speedy recovery.

Senior adults at First Baptist enjoyed an outing to Perry’s Restaurant recently – Margaret Smyly, Herb and Sue Carlisle, Gordon and Trudy Vickers, Gillis and Laura Ann Jones, Betty Bass, Margaret Eiland, Lucy Martin, Zelmer Jones, Kim and Eleanor Dyess, Dr. Morgan Moore, Wilma Short, and Joe Wingard. Kim drove the church bus, “Old Yellar.”

Ellie Watson, A.H.S. senior, was honored March 5 with a “Fiesta Graduation Party” at the home of Paul and Jenny Rogers on Lindsey Bridge Road, co-sponsored by Greg and Doty Henderson and Steve and Debbie (Davis) Posey.

Karlyn Pugh, A.H.S. senior, was spotlighted March l3 at the Posey residence on Lindsey Bridge Road with a semi-formal dinner, hosted by David and Donna Walker, Paul and Jenny Rogers, Suzanne Foshee, and Josh Williams.

A.H.S. Senior Jay McCord was guest of honor March 24 at a graduation party at the Andalusia Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Chris and Melissa (McCord) Amos, Levon and Donna Glisson, and Brownie and Gina Woodall.

Clara Bass, A.H.S. senior, daughter of Tripp and Regina Bass, was treated with a “Backyard Boiling Bash” party April 22 at her family’s home on Three-Notch Court, the scene for 43 years of other senior parties for Clara’s father Tripp and his three older siblings, Sue, Sally, and Julie, reared there by their parents, Charlie and Marge Bass.

Sponsors were David and Nancy Clark, Shannon and Wynne Glenn, Randall and Katie Lee, Russell and Janna McGlamory, Mike and Amanda Neuendorf, Bill and Jane Sellers, and Jimmy and Sue Wilson.

The menu included boiled crayfish, shrimp, corn on the cob, and potatoes, with ice-cream cones and toppings for dessert.

A huge fireworks display came after supper.

Clara’s father Tripp and his ol’ band buddies, Greg Windham and Alan Sanders, played for the guests. They were joined for several numbers by Senior Michael Tyler, son of Mike and Barbara Tyler.

Speaking of Michael Tyler, he was given a “South of the Border” senior party May 9 at the Casa de Ashworth on Lenora Lane. Owners Ruck and Patty Ashworth hosted, along with Chuck and Mary Dutton. Michael’s parents, Mike and Barbara, were among the guests. Michael, by the way, is Patty’s godson. The evening included Mexican food and swimming.

Seniors Sara Beasley and Jonathan Crowe were honorees May 9 at J.T. and Frances Cauley’s Gantt Lake house on Twin Oaks Road. The afternoon of fun included swimming, eating hot wings, and sunscreen. Co-hosts were Mike and Donna Cauley.

Alex Johnston, A.H.S. senior, was the center of attention May 8 for an afternoon and evening cookout, swimming, and boating at Pier 7 Road. Hosts were Paul and Judy Bozeman, Mike Russell, Janet Bills, and Eddie and Camille Johnston.

Senior Stephen Darby was honored the evening of May 7 at l00l Stratford Court for “Monte Carlo Night.”

Three A.H.S. seniors, Andrew Veasey, Alex Johnston, and Corey Morris, were set aside for special attention the evening of April 30 at Point A Lodge for a “grillin’-chillin’” good time.

Tara Ward, A.H.S. graduating senior, was honored Sunday afternoon, April 26, at the home of her parents, Dr. Jon and Teresa Ward, at 608 Sanford Road. The party theme was “Tara’s Treasure Trove.”

Senior Charlotte Patterson was set aside for honors March 29 at the home of Marilyn O’Neal on Devonwood Street. Her party was co-sponsored by Renee Cooper, Katie O’Neal, Michelle Wilson, and Anne Wright.

Reid Taylor of the Class of ’09, A.H.S., was “kingpin” at a bowling party given him the evening of April 6 at Boland Lanes. Hosts were Wem and Linda Mellown.

Seven students from area schools were guests at an after-school party April 20 in the Andalusia Elementary Media Center – D’Amber Chambers, Lauren Fussell, Gillis Jones, Jeffrey Moore, D. J. Sankey, Ryne Taylor, and Ellie Watson. The students were thanked for donating their time to act as teacher aides at the elementary school during the academic year.

Gentle readers, if you have information on other senior parties, I would like to have it to include. Details are welcome.

Word comes that JoBeth McDaniel, free-lance writer, formerly of Andalusia, is writing a new book.

Al and Kim Jackson, formerly of Andalusia, have been in London on a missions trip. He is pastor of Lakeview Baptist in Auburn.

Seen dining at C.J.’s Grille were Chuck and Cindy (Caton) Studstill, Charles and Sandra Grantham, and Col. Bill Ward and his enchanting wife Linda.

Cindy shared the exciting news that her and Chuck’s little son is soon to have a sibling.

Colonel Ward, his Linda, and I discussed the War Between the States, travel, good places to eat, and beaten biscuits, a food I never heard of till this week.

April 24 I attended the sixteenth annual Robert E. Lee High School Hall of Fame Banquet in the school’s cafeteria in Montgomery.

A Hall of Fame committee goes “all out” to print 58-page booklets with biographies of those honored, pictures, former inductees, school history, the program and on and on, plus arrange a banquet that is superb: iced cake, tea, yeast rolls, roast and gravy, rice, the best squash casserole you have ever put into your mouth, potatoes, seven-layer salad, chicken, green beans, and fresh fruit.

This year some 16 former students, teachers, and friends of Lee were honored with statuettes of Lee, modeled upon the statue of Lee that stands outside the school near Ann Street.

I was particularly interested in two Lee inductees, George McCain and Bob Harry. I grew up one block from “Georgie” McCain (I, on Bradley; he, on Oak Forest) in Montgomery. Bob, whom I did not know until he moved to Andalusia, grew up on Oak Forest, too. It was interesting to me that two of my friends, both from the same street, were inducted the same night into the Lee Hall of Fame.

George, Lee Class of l962, made a name for himself in the Shriners, in business, and in music. He is now mayor of Tallassee. He’s the one who told me, when we were little, that there was no Santa Claus; so I punched him.

Chuck Edwards, by the way, was George’s college roommate.

George’s guests were his mother Myra, his wife Patsy, and his sister Susan and her husband Larry.

Bob Harry, or Robert Charles Harry, Lee Class of l972, served as the first principal at Brewbaker Primary School in Montgomery and the first principal of the Andalusia Elementary School. He is currently special-programs coordinator in the Central Office of our Andalusia City Schools. He attends First Baptist, where he teaches Sunday School. He and his wife Cathy (Lee) have three sons.

Another reason Bob is special to me is that his wife was in the first class I ever taught at the Andalusia High School. Also, I taught all three of their sons. George, by the way, has three sons!

Bob’s wife, mother, sister, and aunt were guests of his at the banquet.

Bob’s acceptance speech was light-hearted and humorous; he did an excellent job.

Others that I saw at the banquet, whom some of you might know, were Coach Jim and Joan Chafin, Julia Shell, Pat Sellers Connell, John Tatum, Dr. Alex and Debbie Johnson (Dr. Johnson and I were “bed babies” together at Morningview Baptist in Montgomery), Lee and Amanda Borden, and Mary Ellen (Dendy) Harp. Mary Ellen’s husband Don is pastor at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Buckhead, Atlanta, and has been for 20 years. They are down the street from Bob and Myra Marsh, who served at First Baptist, Andalusia, about 43 years ago.

One thing I remember especially about the Lee Banquet is the color of the begonias, decorating the tables; it was the reddest red I have ever seen.

Three people I missed at the banquet this year were Mickey Castleberry, a retired Baptist minister who has had heart surgery, and Roy and Lynn Parker, our loss to Auburn, who were on vacation.

I enjoy the Lee Hall of Fame Banquet each year because it’s a big reunion of all of Lee’s people, an overview of its entire history.

Oh, yes, one person inducted, whom most of you may know, was Terry Beasley, Class of l968, who was once named “the best individual athlete in the State.” He made a name for himself at Auburn in athletics, to say the least, and thereafter.

I want to conclude today by listing names with May birthdays that I have not already mentioned – Alexander Pope, the English poet quoted more than anyone else in our language save Shakespeare; Arthur Conan Doyle, who gave us Sherlock Holmes and Mr. Watson and the Lost World, which, in turn, gave us the Jurassic Park movies; South Carolina, our eighth state and most rebellious; Victoria, who ruled England longer than any other person and lent her name to an age and its beliefs, to furniture, houses, styles, attitudes, cities, lands, and almost anything one can name; Ralph Waldo Emerson, essayist and poet and a right nice, old man; Thomas Moore, an Irish poet whose lyrics are among the most beautiful ever written, whose songs wring the heart, who gave us, “The heart that has truly loved never forgets, but as truly loves on to the close”; Patrick Henry, the politically incorrect patriot who defied an empire and its king and cried out, “Give me liberty or give me death”; and Gilbert Keith Chesterton, English poet.

Fare thee well, gentle reader.