This past week was filled with good things, especially when it comes to college football and involves the University of Georgia Bulldogs. And more good things are ahead.
I’m sure those who know we are aware I’m a died-in-the-wool UGA fan but those who don’t I’m proud say I’ve been a Georgia supporter since childhood and growing up in Atlanta also home to Georgia Tech, UGA’s rival since forever.
Let’s don’t rule out the Florida Gators and Auburn Tigers — they are UGA’s arch football rivals, too, and I sometimes think maybe even more so than Tech. To think my grandson is a Tech graduate is awesome and we’re proud of his accomplishment.
All this to say the annual UGA-UF game in Jacksonville is always the most exciting. I’ve experienced being at the stadium cheering the Dawgs up close and personal many times but not in recent years. We have to be satisfied with watching it on the tube. Thank goodness, the cable television didn’t cut up.
Sparky Reeves, who was born with the happy gene no matter the circumstances, says “it’s always a good day when Georgia beats Florida.” I agree.
Sparky and his wife Allene enjoyed the Georgia-Florida weekend with family at Amelia Island. With them were son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Jenny Reeves, and children, Tate and Will Reeves. Tate and Will are assured of returning for the 2019 game because the Dawgs won, says Sparky. Also with the group was the Reeves’ daughter Mandy Reeves Young, son Ryan Reeves and his friend, Lindsey Oburst of Boulder, Colo., both UGA graduates but Gator fans.
Among others there were Gaye Hayes and daughter, Emma Kate Hayes. Unfortunately, John Hayes, the man of the house who is with Georgia Power Co., was in Panama City where Hurricane Michael wreaked widespread havoc. Their oldest daughter, Sydney Hayes, a UGA freshman, was with friends at St. Simons Island for the UGA-UF weekend.
Other UGA fans going were Elaine and Burton Thomas, Hulme and Janet Kinnebrew, Joe and Jarrett Hooks, who were joined by former resident, Frank Hines of Augusta, and Molly Rhodes; Greg and Karen Austin, Jule and Bonnie Windham, Jack Maffett, Lisa Jones, and Taylor and Ashley Austin. Another group included MacKenzie and Mack Greene, Dr. Angie and Jesse Miller, Morgan and Jimmy Whaley and his dad Rusty Whaley, Gwynne and Bill Morton, Mary and Dan Torbert, Dr. Lou and Candy Riccardi and daughter, Dr. Alex Riccardi of Americus and Wes Turner of Atlanta, and UF fans from Americus cheering of course for the Gators were Charles and Kim Christmas.
Meanwhile, mark your calendar for what’s ahead. Leon Holloway learned many of the skills he uses today in floral design and catering from his grandmother, the late Lucille Gatewood of Andersonville, a dear, dear lady and active in many community organizations, especially the Americus Pilot Club. Leon will pay tribute to “Miss” Lucille’s memory at the Lucille Gatewood Memorial Lights of Love Benefit, a fundraiser for the Lights of Love program at Phoebe Sumter Medical Center. Leon is hosting a reception in her memory at the Carnegie on Jackson Street, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13. Tickets are $75 each and available by calling 229-931-1300.
That week is shaping up to be busy — who says there is nothing to do in Americus? The Sumter Historic Trust’s annual meeting is 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13 at the Lee Council House and open to the public. Updates will be presented on two local historic preservation projects, an election of new officers and board members and light refreshments will be served.
Calvary Episcopal Church’s third annual Art Celebration, Calvary Cornucopia Creations, opens Thursday, Nov. 15. The grand opening and reception is 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 featuring musical entertainment, food, wine and, of course, an excellent art exhibit. An exhibit of youth art and chalk art is 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and a noon luncheon is that day in Lawrence Parish Hall. I do hope everyone attends this event, which promises to be outstanding, especially the exceptional artwork of local and area artists.
Meanwhile, congratulations to Andy Shivers who celebrated his birthday on Halloween; and to Scarlett Tyson, infant daughter of Lane and Daiquiri Tyson, who was baptized at Calvary Episcopal Church last Sunday.
Election Day is Tuesday and polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. Please vote. I am.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus.