We were in Savannah last weekend for the 124th Annual Meeting of the National Society of The Colonial Dames of America-Georgia and the culmination of the 125th anniversary of its founding — a year-long celebration that Anne Barrett described as “a Dame good time.”
The two-day event was an enjoyable weekend of celebration and camaraderie with fellow Georgia Dames and National President Anna Duff, a Thomasville native. There were many highlights — perhaps the most notable being that Kathy Ray, a member of the Americus Town Committee, was named to the NSCDA-GA Roll of Honor — the highest recognition awarded by the National Society. Kathy, one of three recipients, has worked tirelessly on countless Dames projects over the years. She personifies the true meaning of commitment, dedication, and leadership.
Americus Town Committee was well represented and included Jane Arnold, our town committee’s efficient chairman, Anne Barrett, Kathy Ray, Jean Wheeler, Virginia Watson, Mary Torbert, SuSu Eskedor, Angela Calhoun, JoAnn Pope, Ann Harris, Carolyn Myers, new member Nancy Poole, and me. Husbands attending were Mark Barrett, Ricky Arnold, Wes Wheeler, Jimmy Poole, Bill Harris, and Dr. Cecil Myers.
We had an exciting but tight schedule of events that began with the dedication, a partnership between the NSCDA-GA and the Georgia Historical Society, of a Georgia Historical marker to honor Mary Musgrove, an unsung female hero responsible for the success of Georgia and one of the founders of the colony. Afterwards we went to Old Fort Jackson where we were “drummed” in by reenactors, strolled the ramparts, glimpsed the life of the soldiers once posted there, sampled the famous Chatham Artillery Punch — it really does have a punch — and enjoyed a delicious low country boil served alfresco style. Saturday morning the business meeting and luncheon was at the Oglethorpe Club on Forsyth Park followed by a tour of five unique historic homes not open to the public.
The celebration concluded at the festive gala dinner/dance at the DeSoto Hotel ballroom. The event opened with an impressive and colorful Parade of Flags — 21 flags that have flown over America in which Jane and I both participated by each presenting a flag. Indeed, it was an honor and wonderful conclusion to the year of celebration. We all had a preview of the “Fabulous Equinox Orchestra” — they are indeed named right because they are fabulous musicians and are coming to Americus to perform in concert at the Rylander Theatre at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 9. You don’t want to miss their Southern Big Band sound — you’ll love them. The Rylander box office number is 220-931-0001 or buy your tickets online.
While I was away the man-who-reads-over-my-shoulder and daughter Lori Case Shivers had the time of their lives, especially at Amy’s Dance School’s spring recital, where Clara Shivers, 7, an up and coming diva and budding artist, danced her heart out across the boards at the historic Rylander Theatre.
Elsewhere, Joni Woolf was in Saluda, N.C., last weekend visiting Lynn and Mike Cass. Lynn was her partner at Macon Magazine. Terry Holland and Jeff Logan of Macon went along, too. Saluda is a quaint mountain town where Perry Como and his wife once had a home. Also, Joni was in Macon recently to appear on a panel of three businesswomen, and to talk to a group of about 75 businesswomen about what has changed in the business world for women and what has not changed. It was sponsored by Macon Magazine, whose new owner, Suzanne Maddox, presided.
The Rotary District 6900 Conference was held in Sandestin, Florida, last weekend and those attending from Americus Rotary Club included: Jimmy Whaley, president (and Morgan); Rene Smith (president-elect) and Angela; Past District Gov. Steve Stanfield (and Jeannie); Thurston Clary (and Gail); Cindy Pryor (and her sister Claire Peeples); Dr. Lou Riccardi (and Candy); Julie Higgins (and Al), and Reda Rowell. Also attending were GRSP students at GSW: Charlott Lundberg of Sweden and Katherine Ancinez of Colombia.
And Duke and Brenda Jackson, former residents, now of Redmond, Washington, were in town visiting friends earlier this week.
And it was announced at the Americus Main Street’s volunteer appreciation luncheon that Qaijuan Willis has been named Main Street director. He has been serving as interim director for the past six months. He is most deserving of the position. Congratulations, Qaijuan.

Leila Sisson Case lives in Americus.