The man who reads over my shoulder queried me early this morning about our agenda for the day. My immediate reply was, “it’s Thursday and I must write my column to meet the deadline.” He then asked about the title and my answer: “I have no clue.”
Well, that was not exactly true. I knew the main subject but not the head — that’s headline in newspaper jargon.
I knew perfectly well the lead topic is about the Americus Junior Service League’s annual Christmas brunch at The Carnegie. It was delightful from arrival and greeted by Felicia Harper and Megan Scott, entertainment chairmen, until everyone departed literally dripping in pearls. Opera length pearls nestled in a satin black pouch were given to all. I’m wearing mine as I write.
Everyone was beautifully dressed in holiday attire and it was fun seeing people I don’t often see. Among them were Vi Roach, Susan Welch, Judy Joyner, Dot Smith, Candy Riccardi, Jeannie Justice, who spent Thanksgiving in Norway with her family, Faith Pinnell, Beth NeSmith, Anne Barrett, Genie Powell, Mary LeFavre, Kelly Kinslow, Mary Davenport, Christy Lightner, Andi Reid, Marcia Sutton, mother of Angie Brunson, Tiffany Dean, Jenny Reeves, Jessi Simmons, Connie Roland and daughter Emily Roland of Auburn, Alabama, and many more.
Among the highlights was announcement of the Volunteer of the Year awards presented by outgoing president Dr. Patty Fennessy. This year two were given. For the first time an honorary member was recognized for “going the extra mile” as well as an active member. Dr. Alex Riccardi received the award in the active member status while Michelle Gatian Andrews was the honorary member tapped. Congratulations, ladies. There were tears mixed with smiles of appreciation as they were each presented engraved silver trays and applause rang throughout the room. Incidentally, Dr. Patty looked especially chic, having exchanged her physician’s scrubs for a becoming jade green dress and jeweled-toed tartan plaid heels.
After outlining the league’s 2017 outstanding accomplishments, Fennessy presented the president’s gavel to Angie Brunson.
Brunson, dressed in holiday red, announced the 2018 board of directors. They are Mackenzie Greene, first vice chairman; Megan Scott, co-chairman; Kristi Clements, second vice chairman; Lauren Covington, co-chair; Emily Anne Strickland, third vice chairman; Jennifer Godwin, co-chairman; Ashley Parks, recording secretary; Michelle Andrews, treasurer; Morgan Whaley, assistant treasurer; Lauren Shemwell, sergeant-at-arms; Missy Anderson, parliamentarian; Felicia Harper and Katie Tondee, entertainment chairmen; and past president Fennessy.
Brunson announced exciting plans for next year. These include the first Character Café on May 5 at the Lee Council House where children can breakfast with their all-time favorite storybook characters; the very popular Something Southern cookbook is returning — great news; the annual spring luncheon is April 21 at the Pope Center on the campus of South Georgia Technical College that will feature the return of the fashion show. The 25th Cowpoke Carnival is Oct. 6 at the Fairgrounds with Emily Anne Thomas Strickland as overall chairman. It’s a busy year ahead for the league that does so many worthy things for our community.
Elsewhere, Julie Megginson’s soprano voice singing Christmas carols lent a cheerful atmosphere to the recent meeting of the Council of Safety DAR Chapter’s meeting. In fact, Megginson invited everyone to sing along for the finale song, “Wishing You a Merry Little Christmas.” Among those attending were Nancy Gaston, Gay Sheppard, Nancy Hayes, regent, Vicki Justice, Carol Brown, Joanne Anderson, Mary Harbuck, Junay Neisler, Jean Deriso, Betty Filbey, Shirley Litwhiler, Kay Tye, Kay Pace, Rebecca McNeill and daughter Lynne Anderson of Toccoa, Jo Anne Moore, Beth Lane, Elaine Smith and a number of others.
Kent Sole’s annual Christmas party dubbed “an evening of entertainment” was just that. His home was beautifully decorated for the holidays and the buffet table offered delicacies with deliciousness in every bite. And he prepared it all. We enjoyed seeing Betty Hewitt and Bill Capitan who had come from St. Simons and Mary Urda now of Atlanta; Phyllis Argo who is recovering from shoulder replacement surgery and her husband Malcolm Argo who recounted his recent trip to New York City and the Broadway productions he attended — what fun; Bill and Carlanda Dragoin, Richard and Brooks Nettum; John and Sharon Parks, Henry and Nancy Peabody and scores of others I don’t often see.
A good friend remarked this week that a good way to eliminate holiday stress is “trim your list.” Good advice.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus.