ELLAVILLE — Family enjoys special Thanksgiving

There was a special family Thanksgiving at the Wilbur Justice home on this special day.

Joe and Iris Menendez of Spartanburg, S.C., came on Wednesday for Iris to help her sister Vicki get ready for the big Thanksgiving feast.

Those attending this special occasion were Brian and Sandy Justice and children Anna and Mary Katherine Justice,  Jasper and Danielle Goodin, Jason and Dawn and children Liberty and Dixie Justice, all of Ellaville. The families from out of town were Joey and Rene Menendez and children Adriana and Colton Menendez of Centerville,  Jacob and Christina Menendez of Pace, Fla., and  great-grandson Connor Justice of Macon. Connor’s parents, Caleb and Rebecca, had to work on this day.

As some of the children arrived they were dressed as Indians and Pilgrims. Liberty Justice read a story about Thanksgiving and she mentioned their ancestors and where they came from.

Wilbur asked the blessing and then the festivities began.

After the special Thanksgiving Day with the family Jacob and Christina Menendez and children, and Joey and Rena Menendez all returned to Centerville  so these brothers and families could be together.

On Friday Vicki Justice and Iris Menendez went to Centerville and picked up Iris's daughters-in- law and went shopping. The men went to White Water Creek to shoot guns and worked on Wilbur's project — putting a bridge over creek.

This family always enjoys each other on these special occasions



A special visit with Ellaville family

On Saturday after Thanksgiving, Bobby, Frederick and I were honored to have family members to come over for a special visit.

Mary Richards and her  daughter Ginny Calhoun Layfield of Andersonville came over to help us put up our Christmas tree.

It all started last year when Ginny heard me say that we were going to put up our tree, and when I looked at her I could tell that she wanted to help me decorate the tree. So I invited her and her mother to help out. When we finished last year, I invited them back this year. They called me this year and asked if  I wanted them to come and help again, which they did with pleasure.

So we may have started a family tradition  — decorating the Christmas tree, and oh how much they do to help us out.

It's so nice to have family on special occasions.



Former resident visits friends

A former resident of Ellaville, Bob Mowbray, visited Bobby, Nancy and Frederick Young the weekend of Nov. 30. Bob arrived on Friday and returned back home on Sunday.

Bob lives in Gainesville, Fla., and is still working with the timber company. He has lots of friends here in Ellaville. He comes about twice a year — once in the spring to hunt wild turkey and this time of the year is mainly just to visit and be with friends.

It's always a pleasure to have him visit us and others.



2012 Holiday Social held

At 7 p.m.  Nov. 29, a lovely "2012 Holiday Social " was held at the Schley County Courthouse downtown. This was sponsored by the Board of Directors of the Ellaville-Schley County Chamber of Commerce.

This special occasion was a thank you to all members for coming together to re-energize and reorganize the Chamber.

The rotunda of the Courthouse was decorated so pretty. There were four large green wreaths with red velvet bows that were hung on the four walls in the rotunda. A lovely center piece graced the round marble table in the center of the Rotunda. The lovely arrangement was in a tall crystal vase with green Fuji mums, green buttons, red carnations, white snap dragons, white mums and Christmas greens.

As guests were entering the front door, two Christmas designs were placed in urns with greenery and lighted candy canes. The Courthouse was so pretty and clean that it just glowed.

They served hors d' oeuvres and punch to all guests.

Chamber Vice President Greg Barrineau welcomed everyone and then turned the event over to John Greene who was the auctioneer for this special occasion. They auctioned off nine 24-in. Christmas Trees that were decorated by civic clubs, churches and school groups. The auction was to benefit the Chamber in its projects.

Those that decorated the trees were the Rainbow Garden Club, Schley County Kindergarten, Schley County Middle/High School Art Department, Ellaville United Methodist Church Youth Group,  Ellaville Baptist Joy Club, Ellaville-Schley County Senior Citizens, and the Play Zone. All of these trees were lovely.

Watson Christmas Tree Farm donated a potted blue ice fir tree.

With John Greene’s help they raised over $500, and also got four new members. There were 45 that attended this holiday social.

                    

Ellaville-Schley  Historical Society has exciting day

On Dec. 1, the Ellaville-Schley County Historical Society had a booth at the Holiday Festival downtown Ellaville. This special occasion was sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority.

Our booth was set up to give out information on what the historical society’s goals and projects are for the future. Also we had applications for membership. We were so pleased to have six new members who joined that day.

That night we had a float in the Ellaville Christmas Parade. We placed second in the float category. We had two members who designed and made our float. They were Laura J. Robinson and P.J. Wilson. I must say that these young members did an excellent job.

The theme this year was "Home for the Holidays,” remembering sailors and soldiers and all military personnel. The float was designed to look like our Courthouse, and  was made of cardboard and painted red and white and outlined with Christmas lights/ This was on the front end of the float. On the other end was J.T. Robinson dressed like a soldier sitting next to his military tent with Christmas cards he had received from family and friends at home. The float had Christmas lights all over it.

We are so proud that we placed second with our  float.



McCorkle family holds reunion

On Nov. 17, Billy and Elene McCorkle hosted their annual family reunion. This was a big day at the McCorkles’ home.

Those that attended this special occasion were Bryant Collins Sr. and his son Bryant Collins Jr. and wife Jennifer and Crystal Collins, all of Albany; Bill and Mary Nell Schueler and son Dwight Schueler of Macon; Dwight and Mary Ellen McCorkle of Tampa, Fla.; Martha McCorkle of Dalton; Steve and Beth Warner of Danielsville; Nick and Melissa Snyder and daughter Harper of Alexandria, Va.; Amanda Gillard and two sons and her friend Chris, all of Summerville, S..C;  Dr. Nancy McCorkle McGwier of Gadsden, Ala.; Roy McCorkle  William McCorkle and daughter Emily McCorkle, all of Ellaville, and the host and hostess.

The McCorkles served a delicious meal along with some dishes that other family members brought.

The dining table was covered with a gold table cloth and a lovely fall centerpiece graced the table along with mini jack-o-lanterns. The centerpiece was given by Stephanie Holloway.

All of these 25 family members look forward to having this annual reunion each year. What a blessed time it is when families can get together on special occasions like this.



Reception to honor Frances Hunter

The Schley County Board  of Commissioners honors Frances Hunter with a Retirement Reception from 5-7 p.m. today in the Commissioners’ Conference room.

Frances is retiring after 33 years as clerk and secretary for the commissioners. She has been a very dedicated person to the County. Frances has educated all new commissioners as they each took their new seats on the Board, helping them and explaining different things to them.

This reception is open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Plan to join us in this special event for Frances.