Charles and Nellie Baggett of Centerville, Ga. and formally of Glenwood recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 26. Their children, Susan and Rick Goodwin, Brenda and George Barron,

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, July 14, 2004

This writer was pleased to receive a very nice letter from the Baggetts' daughter, Susan Goodwin of Macon, Ga., and I quote:

&uot;Although my parents moved to Georgia 50 years ago, they remain interested in the &uot;goings-on&uot; of their hometown area and it’s people. They receive your newspaper by mail each week and are faithful readers. My parents do not know I am writing you, so if you could mention this in your column, I would really appreciate it. They will be really surprised.&uot;

This writer thanks you Susan, for your kind words, and we at The Luverne Journal extend &uot;Congratulations&uot; to your parents, and we appreciate them as faithful readers. Surprise, surprise, Charles and Nellie! Charles is the son of the late Andrew and Lucy Baggett and the brother of Jimmy and Betty Baggett of Glenwood. Nellie is daughter of the late John Henry and Gladys (Jordan) Nelson of Bradleyton.

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Mac and Julie Watson of Glenwood have moved to their new home in Chicago, Ill., where Mac has accepted a position as athletic director of North Brook Parks and Recreation Department. They will be missed, however their family and friends rejoice with them on Mac’s new position.

Joquin Baptist Church hosted a delightful 4th of July Celebration on Saturday evening, July 3. Sammy Carr planned the activities that began with an old-fashioned watermelon cutting at 4 p.m. After the refreshingly cold watermelon was served, everyone enjoyed a cookout meal of hamburgers and hot dogs, with a variety of salads and delicious homemade deserts. The conversation piece at the dessert table was the dessert made by Mary Pryor, a cake decorated in the design and colors of our American flag.

Before the meal everyone gathered in the fellowship hall. Joquin’s Interim Pastor, Mack Sporman, welcomed everyone and asked for all to be forever mindful and prayerful of our freedom, which is not free. Freedom comes at a great cost to all who has gone on before us and to the Armed Forces who are now serving to protect America. Sammy Carr gave a brief history of our nation. Penny Messick led the group in singing God Bless America. Jimmy Grier gave the blessing for the meal. The Joquin church family and several guests enjoyed this impressive patriotic celebration.

South Luverne Baptist Church celebrated the 4th of July on Sunday night July 3rd, with a patriotic service at 5 p.m. Guy Bruce, music director, led everyone in singing several patriotic songs. A slide presentation titled &uot;The Price Of Freedom,&uot; was shown to the music and song of &uot;God Bless America."

The slides were provided by the website for Company F-131 regiment. The soldiers are located in Afghanistan. Jeremy Messick, son of Shirley Neal, was shown in several of the slides that he helped provide for the website. Jeremy is now serving in Afghanistan. After the music and slide presentation, Pastor Mike Green invited everyone to the altar for special prayer for our country, our leaders, our government, especially for our real superstar heroes - our service personal now serving to protect our freedom. Then everyone adjourned to the church fellowship hall for a cookout of hamburgers and hot dogs and homemade ice cream.

The Patsburg Baptist Church held their annual revival this week. The guest preacher was Donnie Burns, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Luverne. Tim Dowdy served as guest choir director, and was accompanied at the piano by his wife Kathy. The revival was well attended each night, and featured guest musicians at each service. The Brantley Baptist Quartet, Belinda Stroud, Ann Grier, Wylie King, Clara Williams, Tim Dowdy, and the Luverne Baptist Quartet all performed special music for the event.

The Luverne United Methodist Church celebrated the July 4th holiday with a special Sunday service, featuring Holly Lester and her son Houston, singing The Battle Hymn of the Republic. Afterward, members gathered in the fellowship hall to enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers prepared by the Methodist men. Before the meal, everyone sang patriotic songs, led by Jimmy Head and accompanied on the piano by Nancy Petrey.

The Glenwood Methodist Church celebrated the holiday with a cookout and evening music program, featuring Tim and Kathy Dowdy. The fellowship hall was decked out in red, white and blue, featuring American flags. The traditional patriotic music program included several songs sung by everyone. Tim performed &uot;American Trilogy&uot; and Kathy sang the &uot;Star-Spangled Banner.&uot; Afterward, the crowd enjoyed chilidogs, homemade goodies and fresh peach ice cream.

The town fireworks in the park were spectacular! The weather was perfect, and a large crowd enjoyed the colorful extravaganza, put on by the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce and launched by our local fire department. All had a good time!

Bubba and Julia Davis attended the 36th annual Davis reunion in Mountainview, Ark., on June 25-26, Cousins from several states attended.

They also celebrated the 90th birthday of Kathyleen Davis Walker of Searcy, Ark. The reunion was hosted by Milton Davis May of O’Fallon, Mo. Jim and Annis Hughes of Goshen accompanied the Davis’ and enjoyed the sight seeing during their trip to this special annual event.

A good time of fun, food, fellowship and music was enjoyed by all who attended the annual Milton family and friends reunion held on Saturday July 3. Bobby and Rebecca Welch always host this reunion in their home because they reside in The Old Home-place. Ninety relatives and friends came and brought a basket lunch that was served at noon. The 2005 reunion will be held at the same time and place, which is always on the Saturday before the first Sunday in July.

Mattie Pearl Sport and Wayne Mathews attended the annual all-night Gospel Singing held in Bonifay, Fla. this past weekend.

Ellen Solomon hosted an old-fashioned barbeque with all the trimmings in her home, celebrating July 4. Family members attending were Mr. and Mrs. Jack Solomon, Mr. and Mrs. Will Solomon, Payne and Haden, Mr. and Mrs. Daryl Wilson and Jackie Payne, all of Tallassee. Also attending were Eleanor and Glenda Boswell, Mr. and Mrs. Danny Pope, Dan Pope, Monica McLeod, Aaron and Alex, all of Luverne.

This weekŠ

Eleanor Boswell gives the senior citizens at The Luverne Nutrition Center healthy tips each day. This writer thought the one on July 6 was newsworthy, to pass along to our readers.

Did you know July is National Blueberry Month? Now that you do, celebrate! Blueberries are extremely healthful. Nutritious qualities include antioxidant powers, vitamins A and C, folic acid and fiber. All of these components are protective against cancer and other age- related diseases. New research suggests that blueberries may help prevent short-term memory loss (this writer is enjoying a cup full right now). For more tips about Blueberries and a recipe for a delicious blueberry smoothie, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to my attention at Meadowcrest Apartments, 79 Meadowcrest Dr., Apartment B-12, Luverne, Ala., 36049. I will be eating my blueberries so I won’t forget to send your request by return mail.