Jane Barr of Huntsville, who knows all about history of Monte Sano. Melanie Thompkins of Scottsboro is a retired schoolteacher and remembers reading some articles by Jane in past issues about Monte Sano and this area.
We were so sorry to hear of the death of Marjorie Moore. She was the beautiful mother of Allyson Kirkpatrick, (husband Raymond C. Kirkpatrick III), grandmother to William Todd Moore Kirkpatrick, and wife to General (Ret.) William G. Moore, Jr. We send our deepest condolences to the family and many friends she leaves behind.
Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Burcham of Madison are so proud of their gorgeous daughter Lindsey Morgan Burcham, who is engaged to marry Jay Robert Sterline Riffel in mid December - Congratulations to you two lovebirds.
I wanted to wish a very happy recent 29th wedding anniversary to Dick and Karen Maroon - if you remember from an article in the Times last year, Dick spends half the year and all his own money in building wooden toys for kids who are in the hospital, sick and afraid of what's happening. He delivers them right before Christmas to many smiles and cheered-up kids. Karen is a fabulous cook and a voracious reader and they love living in Old Town.
We all know that death is something that each of us will face one of these days, but when a young person dies it's almost too much to bear. On Oct. 9 we lost Bryan Creighton Smith, who was only 37 years old. Bryan was the beloved son of Judy and M.D. Smith IV and he was part of a large, loving family. He leaves his sister, Allison Smith Click (husband Mike Click) and their daughters Chandler and Campbell; brothers Dee Smith (wife Lori and son Marc); Scott (wife Jana and daughters Erin and Hannah); Brent and his children Bennett and Sarah; Martin and son, Dylan; Warren (wife Rebecca); and Owen. Bryan was a funny, feisty, loving brother & son and absolutely loved his boxer Lucy. We send our deepest sympathy to the family and many friends who will miss him so much.
John Bzdell, Sr. 3 months ago had open heart surgery and he let us know that he's doing great. He's walking and doing some light jogging and is training for a 13.1 mile half Marathon in November. He said it will be his slowest one ever, but at least he'll be in it. His friend Margaret Watson is training with him and she will be taking part in the marathon with him, her FIRST Ever.
Bob Larkin recently celebrated his 80th birthday with a concert to a packed house at the Hazel Green United Methodist church and it was beautiful. He plays violin and with his wife Leo and stepson Shane Adkins it was a very memorable event.
Billy Leatherwood IV has a Nov. 4 birthday, the young man will be turning 7 on that day and his grandma Rosemary Leather-wood is sure proud of him. Rosemary's Dad is Billy Richardson, and Rosemary and her Dad are remembering a very special lady, her mom Mary Richardson, who had a Nov. 22 birthday and is an angel in heaven now.
I had some calls regarding the year of the courthouse that was featured in a full-page picture in the October issue with no date on it (MY Fault.) but the year was 1914. And regarding that courthouse, a caller wanted to see if anyone knows whatever happened to that beautiful 4-sided clock that was on top of the courthouse? If anyone has the answer to this please call me at 534-0502 and I'll let you all know in the next issue. (Sure do miss that courthouse).
We're very proud of our friend Jane DeNeefe, who has written a unique book called "Rocket City Rock & Soul." This book begins in the 1960's and contains many interviews with musicians - black & white, soul & rock & country - whose talents all mixed within the city beginning in those days. A great read.
There has been quite an increase of crime in the city, and many residents are interested in self-defense courses (some for women only, some for both men and women.) It would be worth your time to take one of these courses when you see them offered - they are normally free of charge and may teach you some tips that could save your life.
There are some notable birthdays in November. Jane Eller is the Relationship Banker at BB&T on Church St. - she didn't say how many birthdays this is but it can't be more than 28.
Also that beautiful lady Stephanie Troup (who happens to be my daughter) turns 44 mid November and she's happy that this year there won't be any crows lined up in her front yard.
Barb & Ron Eyestone celebrated 32 years of marriage in mid October and it's hard to believe they've been married that long. They are the best.
We are so proud of our military veterans, whether older or younger, each and every one of them is or was willing at one time to put their lives on the line for the U.S. and our freedoms.
Linda Hamlin, of Linda's Printing, thinks the world of her Dad. He is Walter Tripp and he lives in New Market with his wife Joyce. Linda says that even though both of them are in their 80's, they act like teenagers.
Miscnelle Ross wants to send a big hello and much love to her Mom Yvonne Ross and her beautiful nieces, Hannah and Heather Ross.
Recently while having drinks and dinner at Macaroni Grill, we met the nicest young lady who waited on us. Her name was Britney Erickson, and she was not only beautiful, with a great personality, but she was so professional and did a super job taking care of us that night. We met the partners who are the General Managers of Macaroni Grill and said that they want to make sure their customers have a good experience any time they visit. Shaun Smith and Greg Westerholm are the managers who are very proud of their employees.
Have a warm, cozy and safe Thanksgiving and look out for your older neighbors who may be alone and need some company this time of year.
If you missed last month's column, you can read it now.
