It was an amazing and diverse merry-go-round of activities a couple of weekends ago.
Ours began with dinner at The Station with family and friends, Ray Keyrouse of Prescott, Arizona, and Jiggs Keyhouse of Payson, Arizona, along with Lori and Andy Shivers, and former residents Ginger and Jerry Perkins of Opelika, Alabama.
Incidentally, the Perkins’ daughter, Lindy White of Opelika, and her dance partner, Eric Canada, an Opelika banker, took first place in the East Alabama Dancing with the Stars competition on April 13. Sponsored by the Lee County (Alabama) Junior League, the event raised more than $70,000 that will go back into their community to support league programs.
On Saturday, April 13, the Junior Service League of Americus held its annual spring luncheon honoring the 2018 Provisionals: Hannah Cannon, Angie Flegel, Morgan Lowther, Kathryn Moore, Lauren Sapp, Emily DeVane, Ansley Jones, Mollie McGowan, Amanda Perry and Brooke Young and elected Honoraries: Kay Pace, Andrea Powell and Carroll Wiggins.
Active members coordinated a successful event at South Georgia Technical College’s John Pope Center dining room that was turned into a work of art with beautiful spring blooms and unique table centerpieces designed by Felicia Harper, entertainment chairman, and her committee Katie Tondee and Holly Mitchell. More than 200 active and honorary members from near and far attended, some of whom were former residents, Betty Hewitt of St. Simons Island and Patricia Stovall of Peachtree City.
A highlight was the return of the fashion show emceed by Everett Byrd that showcased the latest spring styles from Allie’s Boutique and More, Classy 5 Boutique and Gifts, Tepuy Activewear, The Kinnebrew Co., and Honey Hush Boutique & Gifts. Stylists at The Look Salon created the model’s hair styles.
Angie Brunson, president, welcomed everyone and recognized the current board of directors and also reminded everyone about the upcoming Character Café on May 5 at the Lee Council House and the 2018 “Something Southern Cookbook” is now on sale for $20 each (I bought one) and has tons of yummy recipes.
Among those I had the opportunity to speak to are Dr. Patricia Fennessy, Terri Joiner, Leila Jones, Christy Lightner, Ginger Perkins, Lori Shivers, Anne Barrett, Ginny Whaley, Candy Riccardi and daughter Alex Riccardi, Beth Nesmith, Faith Pinnell, Gail Ariail and daughter Ansley, Charlene Hayes, Pam Law, Millie Cohen, Lee Yates, Michelle Andrews and daughter T. Michelle Andrews, Paige Greene, Katy Hagerson, Alleen Reeves, Elena Carne, Jessica Childers, Lou Chase, Anne Peagler, Crystal Waddell, Gaye Hayes, Emily Anne Strickland, Hannah Ricketts, Caitlyn Downs, Kristi Clements, Lori Perry, JoAnn Pope, Ann Harris, Mara Durham, Mackenzie Greene, Elaine Thomas, Karen Austin, Ashley Austin and more.
There were other activities Saturday, April 21 including the 56th reunion of the Americus High School class of 1962 at the Plains Community Center that attracted 21 classmates and their spouses. The fun event was coordinated by Sandra Treadaway Smith, Sue Turner Chambliss, Bill Forehand and Marcus Oglesby. Other classmates from here attending were Kay Brightwell, Mack Hodges, and Dan and Pam Reeves of Atlanta, who visit often. Joe Daniels, AHS class of ’59, thanked the class for making possible the handsome portrait of his late wife, Carolyn Kinnebrew Daniels, that now hangs in the Lee Council House board room.
And John and Tiffany Dean hosted a surprise 30th birthday party for Gatewood Ledbetter at their home on Parkers Mill Creek Road Sunday, April 22. Among those attending were Alicia Morgan, now Mrs. Gatewood Ledbetter, Reagan and Taylor Barksdale, Tori Malerbi and Cole and Anna Logan West.
Due to the stormy weather, we unfortunately couldn’t be among the more than 90 people to attend the organ concert presented by renowned organist Brink Bush at Calvary Episcopal Church Sunday, April 22. But I hear the event was outstanding and the reception afterwards sparkled. Incidentally, Bush held a special session with the keyboarding class from Furlow Charter School and took time to engage the students in the presentation.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus.