A group of WHS Alumni Members, life-long friends, who meet monthly for a lunch, comradery, laughs, a good meal and updates of any changes in the lives of the group’s members, twice a year, have special events.  One is Christmas and the other is our July Celebration.  After having shared all of the old memories many times over and with the group size dwindling due to aging issues, moving to assisted living or nursing homes and sadly many have passed from our earthly existence, it was decided to try some new things and new places of meeting and new meeting agendas. 

On Wednesday, July 26th, our July Celebration Event was centered on the theme of a Hawaiian Luau (southern style).  We also opted to have the Ladies’ Ministry of the Wadesboro Church of God, cater the meal and host it in their fellowship hall.  The facility was decorated in true Hawaii style, colorful, relaxed and fun.  Several teens served as our ‘wait staff’.  During the pre-lunch social time, fruit punch, crackers, dips and delicious cheese balls were served, while traditional Hawaiian Steel Guitar music played in the background.  However, the lively and jolly interactions were serious competition for the music…. But the laughter of friends is always the best music of all.

During this time, Wink Myers entertained with his always good humor and participation.  Dressed in grass skirt, shell bra, (over his shirt) straw hat, sunglasses and a lei, he was quite the fashion piece and I am sure you will see photos of him as he mingled with everyone.  Everyone, men and women, were dressed in Hawaiian style.  Bright florals and grass skirts and leis were in abundance.  I thought if we had all been able to gracefully rise from our seats and smoothly glide up the center aisle, we could have had a fashion show.  Of course that ‘rising and gliding’ prevented that from happening.  You will see how summery the attire in the photos.

A sumptuous lunch, with a touch of southern cooking added to a Luau menu was served buffet style and every dish was delectable.  Bill Porter prepared and provided his Bill’s BBQ and he always serves as our official photographer.  You will be able to see the photos on this site.  Pastor Sam Abee, greeted the group and their guests and asked the blessing of the event and the meal.  Bill shared ‘Salutation to the Dawn’, which in brief encourages us to live today to the fullest.  Yesterday’s gone and tomorrow’s yet to arrive, but TODAY…Live Fully!

Between the entrée and dessert, the group was entertained by the youngest attendee, 8 year-old, Autumn Newton.  She danced to the music of ‘I Can’t Stop the Feeling’.  Her dance was self-choreographed and required some rather limber and smooth movements as well as some athletic moves.  We all enjoyed watching this and remembering when we could make such moves.

After the dessert course, the group moved to the Sanctuary to enjoy an organ performance by Ralph Coble. This was to be an organ and piano concert but the pianist suffered a kidney stone and was not able to attend, but Ralph played just as beautifully.  Sometimes, we just have to ‘go with the flow’.  Life happens.  Ralph is an extremely gifted, musician, an artist, a chef, a historian who has hordes of friends and a great antique shop.  He is in high demand as he plays for Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wadesboro, Forestville Methodist Church in Lilesville and at the Lutheran Church in Hamlet.  He is truly a troubadour.  He played Hawaiian songs and some familiar and favorites of the group and Sister Watson, was invited to sing along with him for Somewhere Over the Rainbow.  The performance ended with a request from the group for him to play Happy Birthday.  The next day, Thursday, would be his birthday and we closed, singing to him.

Each member of the group received a take home ‘goody bag’.  Rachel Myers had baked for each one, her famous zucchini bread, a collection of delectable chocolates were gifts from distributor vendors and solar eclipse watching glasses were provided by Wendy Efird, director of the Rotary Planetarium and Science Center and TD Burns provided printed instructions on how to safely use them.  Probably the best thing about the day was… this was a fundraiser for the Ladies’ Ministries and the COG North Carolina Home for Children, located in Kannapolis, was one of the major projects for them. The event through good attendance and generous donations, grossed $960.  It may have even exceeded this, since after our affair some were purchasing ‘take out’ dinners.  We were very pleased to have been a part of their efforts.

Above narrative of the luncheon by Sue Newton per my request and gives an excellent summary of the events.  I will now, let the photographs aka pixs taken do the rest of the talking.

OUTSIDE VIEW OF THE FELLOWSHIP HALL

WELCOME AND PRAYER BY PASTOR SAM ABEE

LET THE PARTY BEGIN

Click on the thumbnail pixs below for a larger screen view:

CHURCH MEMBERS - HELPERS IN ACTION

BUFFET MENU

Menu consisted of the following:  Bacon Wrapped Chicken, Pulled Pork BBQ and City Slicker BBQ Sauce, Chicken Salad, Red Cole Slaw, White Cole Slaw, Green Beans, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Sweet Potatoes, Deviled Eggs, Sweet Potato Soufflé, Deviled Eggs with Crab Meat, Fruit Salad, Pineapple Casserole, Watergate Salad, Homemade Beets, Fruit and Veggie Tray, Banana Pudding, Strawberry Cake, Date Bars, Earthquake Cake, Upside Down Pineapple Cake, Cherry Crunch, Chocolate Brownie, Dinner Rolls, Punch, Tea, Coffee and Water.

Click on the thumbnail pixs below for a larger screen view:

DINNER BELL TIME

After those serving plates were filled, it got a little quieter......grin if you must!

DANCE BY AUTUMN NEWTON

ORGAN PERFORMANCE BY RALPH COBLE

In conclusion, this was a very successful luncheon and the food, friendship and fellowship were fantastic.  It would not be Bill Porter if I didn't include this at every opportunity I have, "Two of the Greatest Ships that ever Sailed, Friendship and Fellowship" of which we certainly did sail during this luncheon luau!

A special Thank You to Sue Newton for spear heading this event and all the hard work that went into preparing the meal by the Ladies of The Wadesboro Church of God and a few Male cooks as well.

I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for each and every day that he allows and give him the Praise, Honor and Glory in all things and look forward to his second coming!  I hope and pray you are ready as well.