God bless the teachers for what they all do!

All the school children will have a full week of school this week.  God bless them and God bless all the teachers for what all they do!  They have their hands full!  Raegan and Karalyn are in the fourth grade and Maggie is in kindergarten.  They all had a great first day.  They like their teachers and say they are nice.  They all had a full summer doing this and that, going places, and playing at Grandma's.  Their favorite thing to play at my house was "family."  Papa and Maggie's daddy, Nathan, built the girl's a playhouse, but it was soooo hot this summer, they played in it very little, so they made one of the back bedrooms into their house and sometimes I would hear they were running a daycare and even gymdog gymnastics camp.  I keep things from when they were little; so Raegan went in the attic and we got down a pack and play, a walker, and a swing from when they were babies.  Now they use them for their dolls.  They had a ball, to say the least!  Mama and Daddy came over on Tuesday for a cookout with the girls for an end of summer fling.

We extend our sympathy to Curtis and Joyce Eaton of Rome in the death of her father, Raleigh Gribble, who passed away on Wednesday, August 9.  He was 92 and a World War II veteran.  He was one of the few survivors of Pearl Harbor as he was there when that awful attack actually took place.  He had been married for 65 years to Jessie Gribble who survives him.  He is also suvivied by a son, Mike Gribble as well as Joyce Eaton and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  A son, Charles Gribble, preceded him in death.  Funeral services were held at West Rome Baptist Church and the Rome Honor Guard presented an impressive ceremony at the graveside with full military honors.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this time.

Frank and Mary Eaton, Martha and Sandy Maddox, Melvin Rozar, and Annette Eaton attended the services.
We also extend our deepest sympathy to the family of Andrew Ainslie in his passing early last Tuesday morning.  Mr. Ainslie was 88 years of age and had just been transferred to the rehab unit of the Greensboro Hospital after undergoing hip surgery.  Like Mr. Gribble above, he was one of the greater generation as he was a World War II veteran of the United States Marine Corp.  Mr. Ainslie and his sweet wife, Mary, would have been married 63 years this November.  He is also survived by his four children, Mary Jo and Ron Prescott of Jefferson, Andy and Carolyn Ainslie, Sally and Dan Porter of Buckhead, and Beth and Mike Watkins of Watkinsville.  He loved his family and having family gatherings; he was a loving father and  grandfather to his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.  He was a wonderful role model for all of them.  Graveside services were held on Thursday afternoon with military honors.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Ainslies during this sad time in their lives.

Many family members, neighbors and friends attended the memorial service for Patricia Alford Pascal this past Saturday, which was held at the Harold Alford homeplace.  Harold Alford of Assisted Living in Greensboro was also able to be there and he is doing really good and still has an excellent memory!

Chip and Shannon Porter delivered their son, Clay, to ABAC in Tifton this past week to begin his college journey.  Annie Wood, daughter of Phillip and Martha Wood is starting her freshmen year at Georgia College in Milledgeville and Macy Malcom is already into her college classes at UGA.  We wish all of these young people much success in their future.
Ben Porter was in Stienhatchee, Fla. this past week where he went "scalloping."  I know he had a good time and some good eating!
Porter Road in Buckhead was a busy place this past weekend.  Janice Philippi, Rebekah Kilpatrick, and Stacy Craig gave a baby shower for Stephanie Kenny on Saturday at noon.  Stephanie and her husband, Aaron, along with big sister, Peyton, are expecting twin girls in October.  Guests were treated to a wonderful luncheon and beautifully decorated cupcakes to suit the occasion decorated as two peas in a pod.  Julia Gay Sabbadino of Greenville, S.C., along with Nell Porter also attended.

Saturday evening an engagement party was held at the home of Janice and Chuck Philippi to celebrate the engagement of Stacy Craig and Brent Loudermelk.   A delicious assortment of appetizers and desserts were served to the guests.  Wedding plans are still to be finalized.  We all offer our congratulations to the couple.

Julia Gay and her mother, Nell Porter of The Madison House attended church at Trinity Baptist on Sunday and then the family enjoyed eating out together for Sunday dinner.

Garvin Prickett of Buckhead is now back at The Lake Oconee Assisted Living after being a hospital patient.
The members of the Fairview Club enjoyed an end of summer hotdog cookout and  picnic on Friday night at the home of our president, Emily and Bobby Brewer's on Pierce Dairy Road.  A few people from New Hope Baptist Church in Greshamville where Pat Stinchcomb attends were also there to help us have a gospel sing-a-long which was nice.  Years ago, the "Club" always had a covered dish picnic at the shelter at Hill Park in Madison in July for all of the member's families and neighbors.  The children always looked forward to being able to swim at the pool and they all hoped and prayed it wouldn't rain on the date set.  This was when it was a real treat to get to go to a swimming pool; not like it is now!  It was the highlight of the year.  We are trying to revive the tradition!

We also extend congratulations to Roger and Carolyn Bruce upon their 52nd wedding anniversary.  A dozen red roses were placed in Bethany Baptist Church on Sunday in their honor.

Bethany Baptist Church members are reminded of their sweet fellowship after the evening service on this coming Sunday evening, Aug. 19, where they will all enjoy homemade ice cream.

Joanie Bruce celebrated a birthday this past Saturday.  Her girls, Katy Bruce of Atlanta and Krsity and Kenneth Davis of Conyers came and spent the day with her and baked her her favorite dessert.  David was not able to be there as he was doing PT training in preparation for him going into the Marines in October.  They all enjoyed the day together.  Happy Birthday, Joanie!

Printed in the August 16, 2012 edition