Just Among Friends
Avery Kate Holland received some exciting news last week! Her essay won an Honorable Mention from the Eudora Welty Foundation, in partnership with Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, for her essay, “My Constant Companion,” in the Personal Essay & Memoirs category.
The Awards have recognized some of the nation's most celebrated artists & writers since 1923 including Stephen King, Jose Parla, Andy Warhol, Kay WalkingStick, Joyce Carol Oates and Amanda Gorman. The foundation was pleased to count her among these esteemed Scholastic Awards alumni. Avery Kate is the daughter of Jason and Missy Murray Holland. Congratulations!
~
When Steve and Linda Murray want to get away, they really get away! This time they went all of the way to Iceland to explore another example of God’s beautiful creations in our world!
They spent two nights in Hella where they learned about volcanoes, thermal energy, and were fortunate to see the glorious Northern Lights. At the UNESCO Thingvellir National Park, the site of the most sacred place in Iceland, is also the site where the American and European continental plates converge. The waterfalls were amazingly beautiful. Their next stop was Rekjavik where they visited museums displaying interesting items about the Icelandic culture and history. The entire trip showed them awesome scenery and fascinating historical places.
Steve and Linda saw horses that looked like ponies with very thick coats of hair. They were smaller than our horses. Linda also had to try a hotdog made famous by Bill Clinton when he visited as President. She said it was delicious, but was made from lamb. Steve's favorite tour was a tomato farm where lunch was tomato soup and tomato -apple crisp for dessert. What a great trip!
~
An adorable baby boy arrived on February 23, Beau Wesley Smith, weighing 8 pounds and 12 ounces of sweetness. He was welcomed with joy by his parents, Terry Smith and Kinsey Gentry Smith and a loving family including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and a sibling. Congratulations!
~
"Some Bunny Is On The Way" was the theme for the baby shower honoring Savannah Jones Simmons last Sunday. In keeping with the theme, bunnies, baskets, and Easter eggs were used to decorate. She was showered not only with lovely gifts, but lots of love.
~
East Philadelphia Baptist Church was the site of a bridal shower for Anna Kate Blair last Sunday afternoon. A soft green runner went down the center of the refreshment table with an arrangement of white flowers nestled in the folds. A delectable sheet cake iced in white frosting with the words “Miss to Mrs.” along with trays of cupcakes frosted to resemble pink roses, specialty cookies, and nuts looked lovely displayed on the runner. Anna Kate opened the many gifts brought by her guests with exclamations of delight and thanked each person. Anna Kate and Nathan White received many thoughtful gifts to help furnish their new home together.
~
Mars Hill Pentecostal Church celebrated the church’s future with a special installation service for the Rev. Kenny Chessor and his wife, Misty Chessor. Pastor Chessor follows a line of amazing church leaders.
The celebratory service was held at the church on Friday, Feb. 28 at 7:30 in the evening. The guest speaker was Pastor Cory Porterfield who spoke to a packed church. After the service an amazing meal was served. The food was a combination of catered main dishes accompanied by side servings of vegetables, various other items, and desserts contributed by members. Rev. Chesser’s brother, James Chessor, the Pastor of Keystone Apostolic Church in Charleston, West Virginia, came to honor his brother.
~
The Southeastern Conference issued Certificates of Merit to those athletes who earned a place on the SEC Academic Honor Roll. Among them was Isaiah Autry from Oklahoma. His very proud parents are Marcus Dent and Pashen Thompson Dent, Sr. His grandmother is Ruby Thompson Brazzle of Philadelphia who is one of his biggest fans! Congratulations!