COMMUNITY

Wakulla Station News

By VERNA BROCK

Readers, are you LOVING these cooler mornings? My dogs are definitely reveling in the respite from summer’s sauna, so frisky I can’t keep up with them. I heard a rumor this weekend is bringing us morning temps in the FIFTIES. I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait! Seriously, I haven’t cooled off yet from the recent insane weather experienced hereabouts.
That brings me to Homecoming this weekend at the Wakulla United Methodist Church. Friends and family, join us Sunday morning at 10 a.m. as we celebrate 180 years as a congregation. Plan to stay for the smorgasbord of home-cooked, old-fashioned potluck dinner. The food, fellowship and family time will be outstanding, so y’all come!
So many exciting things are going on this fall, including the Blue Crab Festival last weekend. For the first time since the Covid pandemic hit us, Panacea resumed celebrating the exalted crustacean. Panacea was a very busy burg, and the parade was a hit.
Candy was tossed, flags were waved and the Lofty Pursuits Marching Band made an appearance. Beauty queens shone and the Grand Marshall of the parade represented the lone remaining crab house in Wakulla County. Karen Radabaugh rode in a stunning convertible along with family members  as Sanders Crab Company was honored for its integral contribution to the economy and history of  Panacea.
There was a fundraiser fish fry for little Bennie Mott last Saturday, in an effort to defray the huge costs of having an infant battling brain cancer. The turn-out was steady in support of this sweet family, as supporters were treated to the freshest mullet and fixins while doing a good deed. Many thanks, Wakulla, for your prayers and support for Bennie and his family.
Likewise, your prayers and support have made a huge difference for the Mosely/Bennett family. Beautiful Sebastian has celebrated his first birthday as well as many milestone firsts. After so many life threatening complications, so many dark days and challenges, Sebastian is with his family. He is thriving ‘n smiling despite facing a long road to full recovery. What a testament to his resilience and the power of prayer! I like to imagine his future and the great things this blessed child will do.
Coming up soon is the Shadeville Fall Festival. Several generations of Wakulla students have looked forward to this annual fundraiser. Staff and parents begin planning and preparing for this event almost as soon as the school year begins, and it is a great evening of fun and fundraising for the school. Put Friday, October 20th on your calendar; the Festival will be from  5 to 8 p.m.
Please keep the family of Cheryl Turner in your prayers as they mourn her loss after a brief battle with cancer. Many knew her as the director of Wilderness Coast Public Libraries (WILD), and her vision helped to provide library services to folks across Franklin, Jefferson and Wakulla counties.
Also in need of prayers is the family of Betty Messer. Mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,  she was a cherished anchor for her extended family. Please continue to lift Donald Garrison, son of our good friend Warner Garrison, as he  prepares to meet his Maker. Our Pastor’s wife, Kathy McCollum, has lost a beloved brother-in-law this past week, and would appreciate your prayers for the entire Virgil family.
Shout out to our new pianist at Wakulla U.M.C., Jennifer Brown. What a joy, after many months of singing acapella or with “canned” music, to have this gracious, talented sister among us. Despite her humble claims of being rusty, she is providing the most divine, uplifting chords to the glory of God. More prayers answered by our loving Father!
I have truly enjoyed attending the Community Traffic Safety Team meetings. There are so many road improvements headed our way, due in part to some valuable grants for the county, Our representative from the FHP, Tom Dewitt, spoke to the three top causes of traffic accidents: speeding; following too closely and inappropriate driving. Obviously, the top two reasons are easily controlled by “we the drivers.” Let’s all be more aware of our surroundings when driving, and observe speed limits, if not for our own safety,then for the safety of our fellow sojourners.
Don’t forget the 2nd Sunday Sing and supper at the Woodville U.M.C. at 6 p.m. this Sunday. If you’ve never been, you are missing a sure bet for a great evening of music and fellowship.