Just Among Friends
The day after Thanksgiving, November 26, Karsten McClain Mars decided to make her debut into the world. She missed Thanksgiving dinner, but arrived safely weighing 6 pounds and 1 ounce of absolute perfection. Her very happy parents, Sam and Jillian Mars, welcomed her with open arms. Her big brother, Griffin, is absolutely smitten with his baby sister. Congratulations!
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Thanksgiving this year was an especially happy one for Bobby and Joyce Hardy who had three of their favorite people as guests. Their son, Mike Hardy, grandson, Michael Hardy, and his fiancé, Caleigh Ryan, all came from Nashville to spend the holiday with them.
Joyce was asked to tell in detail how she makes her dressing which they enjoyed so much. Of course she was delighted to do so! It was a sincere compliment. They had a wonderful time visiting together and catching up on all of their news. Mike, Michael and Caleigh spent several days with Joyce and Bobby who were thrilled to have them.
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Every night during high school football season, 95 year old "Papa" John Burt can be found with his radio glued to his ear listening to the Rockets play.
Recently Mr. Burt received a letter from Eli Anderson. He answered the letter with a note of his own. The next week Mr. Burt was so excited to get a football signed by the senior members of the Rockets football team. According to his daughter, Lee Ann Burt Fulton, "The smile on his face was priceless." He told his daughter that he might sleep with his football that night!
He held onto his football tightly during the game that Friday night and when the game was over, he said, "I wish I could squeeze every one of them!" This act of kindness brought so much joy to this special fan. What a thoughtful gesture from these young adults to their senior fan!
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Philadelphia Elementary School's Teacher Feature for November was Kelly Dansby Little who teaches sixth grade writing. This is her first year at PES although she began teaching in 2013. Kelly is a 2007 graduate of PHS and a proud Tornado fan. She and her husband, Barrett Little, have two sons, ages 5 and 2 whom she absolutely adores and loves to spend time with. She was chosen as Feature Teacher in recognition of her doing an awesome job. Congratulations!
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The Thanksgiving traditions at the home of Mack and Sherry Alford include making molasses from sugar cane grown and ground by Mack. Their daughter, Jennifer Alford Walker, husband Glen, and children, Emily, Joseph, and Grace Walker, travel from their home in Macon, Georgia each year to help make molasses.
Molasses making is a fascinating process from cutting the cane and grinding the stalks to squeeze out the juice to boiling it over a wood fire in an antique iron cauldron. There are always many friends and family members who enjoy helping or just watching. It takes several days to process all the juice and boil it into molasses which is then poured into sterilized jars
Emily Walker is getting old enough to help stir the boiling juice and she takes her turn with the long spoon. It is a pleasant way to make happy memories for those attending.
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The First Wednesday Bridge Club had its Christmas luncheon in the home of Joyce Hardy. The group was served a luscious lunch by Joyce including a pie from a new recipe. It was a success!
The Hardy home was decorated for Christmas which added to the special holiday feeling. After lunch the bridge playing began with lots of exclamations over the hands some of the players were dealt. It was a most enjoyable afternoon.
Those attending besides the hostess, Joyce Hardy, were Nancy Yates, Laura Bryan, Pat Posey, Carol Oliphant, Shirley Cox, Evelyn Perry, and Jo Helen Daly.