The Residents of Lake Haven Assisted Living Facility were entertained before Christmas by several groups.

The residents enjoyed the sounds of carolers from Repairers of the Breach Outreach Ministry from Vernledge, a large group of carolers from Live Oak and Rutledge Methodist Churches and instrumental Christmas music by the Sho Family. Also The Bell Ringers, composed of children from the Brantley Methodist Church, performed a program of Christmas hymns under the direction of Ms. Fran Tisdale. The parents of the children served refreshments to all the residents after the musical program.

On Dec. 22, Becky Welch and The Gospel Sound group entertained in the afternoon with singing of hymns and oldies. After their performance a gift exchange was held and a visit from Santa Claus was enjoyed along with refreshments served in the dining area.

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Congratulations to Justice Terry and Suze Butts of East First Street for being selected the recipients of the coveted Yard of the Month Award for January. The Luverne Garden Club presents this award each month to a deserving recipient.

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The Solomon Clan held its annual after Christmas family get-together on Dec. 30. Ellen Solomon hosted this special even in her West Third Street home.

Family members attending from Tallassee were Jack and Olivia Solomon, Soozie Wilson, Jackie Payne and Mr. and Mrs. Solomon, Payne and Hayden. Attending from Luverne were Eleanor and Glenda Boswell, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Pope, Master Mitch Moody, Monica McLeod, Arin and Alex, and Julia McVay.

The family enjoyed having Santa Claus and the family Christmas tree gift exchange. The meal consisted of the traditional serving of Southern fried chicken and black-eyed peas.

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Frances Strowd of Luverne enjoyed having her children and grandchildren visit for the Christmas holidays. Mike and Gloria Strowd of Ashford and their children Michelle and Brandon Kelley of Powder Springs, Ga. and Michael Strowd, an Auburn Student along with her son Jeff Strowd of Ashford, all visited. Bobbie and Belinda Strowd, Joshua, Jacob and Hannah Jo of Columbia were down for the holidays as well.

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Matthew and Meredith Bozeman from Mobile spent the Christmas holidays with their parents, Fletcher and Elaine Bozeman of Gin Creek Road near Glenwood and Lavon and Peggy Mount of Brantley. While here they also visited friends and other relatives. Both Matthew and Meredith made the Fall 2004 National Dean’s List at the University of South Alabama in Mobile.

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The Beth Moore’s Praise and Worship Team featuring Travis Cottrell, Worship Team Leader, will be in concert at South Luverne Baptist Church at 7 p.m. on Jan. 22.

The excitement is building as the South Luverne Church family prepare for this special event. The SLBC members knows it's very fortunate to be able to host this Praise and Worship Team, because normally, Travis Cottrell is booked up with Beth Moore’s conferences.

Pastor Mike Green extends a special invitation and welcome for all churches to join them for this Worship Concert. For more information contact Debra Moseley, Event Coordinator (334) 527-3602 or E-mail dhmoseley@troycable.net.

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Mrs. Ralph Nichols spent Christmas in Birmingham with her daughter and family, Cindy and Keri Simms, William and Anna. Her son, Dr. and Mrs. Steve Nichols and family joined them for Christmas Eve brunch at the Simms home.

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Dr. William (Pete) and Pat Dunn of Daphne, who served in the Middle East as missionaries, will be speaking at the 6 p.m. service at First Baptist Church of Luverne on Sunday night.

Everyone is invited to come hear this couple share their experiences.

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The Luverne Garden Club met in December at the Camellia House with Kathy Dowdy, Julia Davis and Hilda Maddox co-hosting.

Denise Crowell gave an interesting devotional on the symbols of Christmas. Kathy Dowdy introduced the Christmas carols with brief history and then piano students Kristen Carver, Anna Carver and Mary Cathryn Perdue played them beautifully.

Dale Shepherd reported that the Garden Club had a car in the Luverne Christmas Parade and Mr. and Mrs. Morris Tate received the Yard of the Month. Pat Folmar reported that the plants around the fountain in Douglas Park were dying once again due to the water and soaping of the fountain.

Voncile Nichols reported the pansies had been purchased for the red, white and blue roadside planting in honor of our troops. Sherri Richburg shared some Chamber of Commerce folders on Luverne and Kathy Dowdy called attention to the hydrangea wreath on her door that was made by Alice Curtis.

Club members enjoyed their annual exchange of garden Christmas ornaments. Others present were Sue Blackmon, Linda Bland, Olivia Davis, Courtney Garner, Sylvia Gibson, Linda Jones, Maria Harshbarger, Betty Russell, Trubie Merle Strickland and Barbara Windham.

This Week: Man's highest reward for his dedication to the pursuit of excellence is not what he gets from it, but what he becomes through it.

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If you have any comments, suggestions or information you would like to submit to this column, call Mrs. Norsworthy at

335-6643.