I hope everyone had a great holiday! We all came through safe, sound, and full of love for America.
Pastor Steve Montgomery shared some of his takeaways from grandson Sam’s time at FSU Band Camp. This was camp number 82, having first begun when the university served only the flower of Florida’s womanhood. Former band/music students from across the nation came to Tallahassee to help run the camp, including Wakulla High’s newest band leader, Mr. Spendler.
Grandson Sam Jose was chosen to attend the Master Class in baritone saxophone as a part of his time at camp. New friendships were forged, skills practiced and learned, and much fun was had. For the final concert performances, family and friends packed out the venerable Ruby Diamond Hall to the rafters. What an outstanding resource for our young people!
Don’t forget “Christmas In July” is right around the corner. Put Saturday, July 20th, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Wakulla United Methodist Church on your calendar. It will be great fun, all to benefit our food pantry and clothes closet.
Because the last day of June was Sunday the 30th, the second Sunday Sing will be on July 14th, at 6 p.m. at the Woodville UMC. Dinner will be served immediately in the Social Hall following the Gospel music, free and open to the public. Y’all COME!
Ed and I travelled to Grand Ridge last Friday, to visit daughter Emma Smith and her husband Matt. It was especially fun, as we finally were able to visit with great-granddaughter Paisley Grace. Now 10 months old, she is working hard to overcome gravity and start walking…then we’ll be off to the races for sure!
On Saturday, I started babysitting Harrison and Harper, while parents Eden and Brian took a quick weekend away. We had a great time while keeping cool, or in the pool. It’s hard to believe how fast the summer is slipping away. BTW, the Grands have pronounced Golden Corral to be outstanding.
As I write, Hurricane Beryl is spinning with purpose straight for Corpus Christi. I’m praying her intensity diminishes before she makes landfall again. This appears to be shaping up as a busy (and bad) storm season. We’re already taking stock and making plans to protect our humble homestead. My Mom always cautioned against borrowing trouble, but my Coast Guardsman Dad really believed In “Semper Paratus!”….Always Prepared. I plan to err on the side of caution this summer.
Congratulations to our friend and neighbor, Shawn Pearson, on the completion and publication of his first book,”Sayings to Live by, Or Laugh At.” A collection of recollections and short homilies, Shawn is sharing a whole lotta downhome wisdom. You can find a copy at Amazon.
Several of our friends and families still need our prayers: Cindy Blackstock and her sister Deborah Giles; Mary Jo Dowling, Crystal Rudd, Becky Perkins, Terry Allen, Sharhonda Williams, Thelma Watts, Norma Woodcock, Kelly O’Neil on the loss of his brother, and the family of Warner Garrison who recently passed away.

By VERNA BROCK

Good news, readers! The 4-H Teen Leadership CERT Public Services Careers Camp has a number of openings for young people ages 13 to 18. There may be limited scholarships available, and camp will be held from July 22nd until the 26th. Youth participants can participate in several dynamic, exciting career experiences. Just reach out to the Wakulla County Home extension office for more details (850.926.3931).
I know everyone is making plans for the Fourth of July, and lucky us, we have so many great options here in Wakulla County. Whether down in Sopchoppy or St. Marks or Shell Point, there will be so many fun things to do while celebrating our great country’s birthday. Just remember to stay hydrated, sun-screened, and fireworks safe!
I had the BEST time at Sue Scott’s painting class last Thursday. She is certified in the Bob Ross technique for painting, and has many of her classes at Wakulla Springs. What could be better than that?! I enjoyed it so much, I signed for another one later in the month. I highly recommend the experience for anyone. It was educational, convivial, and I walked away with my own artwork. Can’t wait for the next class.
Right now my fiction writing class is on summer break, but we met every week for the last year. Kitty Culkin is an excellent teacher, my fellow students are delightful, and the class is free. The public library is a great place for budding authors to meet every week, and the class is composed of people from every walk of life and interest. Young to (ahem) old, retirees and working folks, we are an eclectic but welcoming crowd of budding writers. If you think you have something to share or express, come join us when class resumes. It is so much fun!
My family celebrated a milestone birthday for Ed (you can ask him, lol!), as well as Anna and Josh’s wedding anniversary this past weekend. There’s this little restaurant in Bristol, the Apalachee, where Ed can get AYCE fresh catfish any given Friday for lunch. Emma, Matt, and Kara Smith joined me, Ed, Eden, and Harrison Rodgers for lunch. We feted Ed, and had a great time. We’re still hoping and planning for the WHOLE crowd to get together in the next few weeks.
On top of THAT, my (literally) life-long friend, Robyne Rentz, was visiting while stateside from Germany. She and her sweetie have a house in Shell Point, and while here she joined me for Church and lunch. Her parents lived next door to my grandparents in Baldwin, Florida, and we have known each other since her birth. What a blessing to see her! Cannot wait for her permanent return to the States.
I was able to attend the Wakulla County Community Traffic Safety Team meeting last week, and as always, the updates were exciting and interesting. But my main takeaway is always just how dedicated each representative is to keeping our citizenry safe and sound. Their expertise and genuine commitment to the cause is inspiring.
Your faithful prayers are deeply appreciated by Sharhonda Williams, Crystal Rudd, the O’Neil family, Becky Perkins, Cindy Blackstock (as well as her sister Deborah Giles), Thelma Watts, Clem Bunker, Norma Woodcock, the family of Peggy Page, and Terry Allen.
Christmas in July is fast approaching, on Saturday, July 20th, at the Wakulla United Methodist Church. All funds raised will benefit the Church’s Food Pantry, which helps support over 30 families every month. Put the date on your calendar!
There will be no First Sunday Potluck dinner this coming Sunday, due to the Fourth of July holiday. The 10 a.m. worship service and Communion will continue as always. The Second Sunday Sing at the Woodville UMC is scheduled as usual also.