Ms. Ottie Thomas celebrated her 103rd birthday at the Luverne Senior Nutrition Center on Oct. 8.

Her actual birthday date is on Oct. 9th.

Helping her celebrate were Ms. Brunese Thomas, director of Senior Center, and members of the center. Also her Pastor, Rev. Donnie Burns came and paid tribute to "Ms. Ottie" by telling how much she meant to her Church, Luverne First Baptist Church, and what an inspiration she was to everyone. He also led the group in singing a senior version of "Jesus Loves Me".

Ms. Brunese Thomas and several others also honored "Ms. Ottie" by telling of some fond memories they had of her. Some of them were very funny because "Ms. Ottie" is known for her great sense of humor.

Harry and Mildred Thomas helped host the birthday party. They served the birthday cake and ice cream. The beautiful decorated cake was given in honor of "Ms. Ottie" by her dear friends, the Wilson's of Super Foods.

In the party area were birthday balloons and a large arrangement of beautiful fresh flowers given to her by Mildred and Harry. The flowers were placed in her church in her honor the prior Sunday and then brought to the Senior Center on Monday for all to enjoy.

Special guest who came to wish the honoree a happy birthday were Ms. Maud Garrick, Ms. Sylvia Bowels and Karen Crawford all from SCADC of Montgomery.

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Dr. Pat and Sandy Walker flew out to Lemoor, Calif., to attend the baptism of their new grandchild, Charlotte Ann Denardo. (Sandy had previously been there for Charlotte Ann's birth on July 23, a visit of three weeks, since the baby's expected birth date was a week late.)

Dr. Pat and Sandy returned to Luverne on Oct. 5, bringing with them their daughter Heather Denardo and her two little girls, Sydney and Charlotte Ann. Heather's husband Chris was on military maneuvers for two weeks, hence the visit to Luverne.

The Walkers gave two-year-old Sydney a carousel birthday party on Oct. 6. Their other grandchild, Will, the son of Ashley and Wesley Davis, joined in the fun.

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Ms. Hazel Dozier, a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, would like to request help in a very worthwhile project that they have chosen to do to help our Troops serving overseas.

Sorority members are collecting items for care packages that are really needed and will be carried free by the Air Force to our Troops. All Churches are encouraged to help. Some of the items suggested are gum, lip balm, disposable razors, tooth paste, tooth brushes, mouthwash, hand soap, deodorant, handy wipes, lotion and other small travel items.

The Air Force will also be responsible for packing the care boxes. You may drop off your items at MeadowCrest Community room or call Ms. Dozier at (334) 496-3896. She will be happy to pick up your donated items.

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Luverne First Baptist Church WMU night circle met Oct. 4, in the church fellowship hall.

Elgie Lee Mason gave the prayer patterns with focus on youth in Japan. Betty Bray was in charge of the program "Heartbreak and Hope in India".

Other members attending and taking part on the program were Helen Moulton, Julia Davis, Jewel Hudson, Dot Nichols and Voncile Nichols.

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The ladies of Joquin Baptist Church hosted a miscellaneous shower the afternoon Oct. 3 in honor of Sommer Sims Watson, bride of Seth Watson.

Many family and friends attended. The church fellowship hall and the party area were decorated with mixed arrangements of flowers. Delicious refreshments of finger foods and punch were served.

Sommer and Seth received many useful gifts.

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Cameron Chapel Methodist Church will host a Gospel Singing Saturday night.

A covered dish dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The singing will begin promptly at 7 p.m. featuring The Bottle Creek Singers. A love offering will also be taken.

This writer highly recommends this fun and fellowship time. The food is always outstanding. This will be great place to be on a Saturday night.

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A hearty welcome with warm expressions of hospitality was given to many last Tuesday night at the Petrey Community Center. Family, friends and neighbors gathered to be a part of the swearing in of Curtis Petrey, as mayor, and also the new council members. Judge Jim Perdue said it so well, "Now this is what you call, The Grass Roots of America."

After the ceremony refreshments were served. Several people from the Luverne area attended.

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The 2004 Crenshaw County American Heart Walk has begun!

The Team Leader Kickoff was held at the John Harrison Cultural Center. Anyone who was unable to attend the kickoff and still has not received a rally bag, please call the AHA office toll free at 877-870-1611 and you will receive everything you need.

The Crenshaw County Goal is to raise $25,000, which will help continue the American Heart Association fight against cardiovascular disease and stroke, the Nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers.

Please mark your calendars now. There has been a change in the dates for the Heart Walk. The Walk will be Nov. 9.

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Praise Report: In cooperation with the Troy Wesley Methodist Foundation, the Luverne Methodist Church prepared 122 five-gallon Flood Buckets.

The Mission Committee of LMC, led by Ms. Sandy Walker, filled the buckets with cleaning supplies that will be given out in the panhandle of Florida. The buckets were delivered to Milton, Fla. after Hurricane Ivan. The five gallon buckets with resealable lids were filled with bleach, sponges, scrubbing pads, laundry detergent, soap, trash bags, air freshener, insect repellent, reusable wipes and other useful items.

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This Week: People are like stained glass windows. They glow and sparkle when it is sunny and bright but when the sun goes down, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within.