By Monaray Powers

Charlotte and Don Youngblood of Jekyl Island were guests last week of Johnny and Brenda Youngblood.
Wesley and Michelle Stephens, along with Ann and Bob Helriegel from Columbia, S. C., entertained Tony and Louise Hensler with an “early” Surprise birthday party Saturday, May 31. The party was held in the Stephens’ home. There were approximate 50 friends and family members present to greeted the couple.
Louise’s birthday is June 6 and Tony’s is July 10. Special out of town guests were Madelyn Helriegel of Columbia, S.C. and Annie Arwood of Augusta.
Last weekend was one of much celebration for the Youngbloods. Family members attended the bridge dedication ceremony for Rogers Youngblood on Friday, May 23 at the home of Dusty and Lisa Hawkins. Cecily Youngblood graduated for MCHS Friday night and enjoyed a reunion with more family members Saturday at the home of Ronnie and Chris Long.
I would like to thank Judy Senft for submitting the following items:
Evelyn Hunter celebrated her 101st birthday on Monday, May 19.  Luncheons and dinners with friends started before her birth date and continued throughout the month of May.  She was showered with bouquets of pink roses for her special day.   On Sunday, May 18, a family celebration was held at the Blue Willow Inn in Social Circle.  Those attending were Betty and Jess Chanel from Savannah, Ashley and Sanders Brightwell and their daughters from Atlanta, and Laura Brightwell and her son, Crawford, also from Atlanta.
Bert Berding celebrated his 80th birthday at a surprise party given in his honor at the Brady Inn.  Thirty-five relatives joined the festivities with many attending Morgan County graduation ceremonies for grandson, John Meadow.  He is the son of Marjean Meadow of Madison.
Rosie and Don Becker and Amy and Lee Gilbert entertained some 250 friends and relatives at their annual Memorial Day Barbecue on May 24.  Even the rain didn’t dampen the spirits of guests who gathered in the barn and serving pavilion during the brief shower.   When the sun came out, guests enjoyed the lovely surroundings and little ones had games to keep them occupied.
The Morgan County Historical Society, and the Friends of Heritage Hall, held its annual Spring Picnic on the grounds of Heritage Hall on Thursday, May 22.  Approximately 100 members and guests enjoyed the fried chicken, baked beans, and potato salad supper along with homemade desserts. Founding members of the Historical Society, Col. Dan and Hattie Mina Hicky attended the event with their daughter, Mina Lujan.    Annelle Argo and Marcia Lurey are co-chairs of the Friends of Heritage Hall.   Ruth Felix serves as house manager.
May 2008 marked the 20th year anniversary of Madison’s Historic Preservation Commission.  In conjunction with National Historic Preservation Month, Madison’s Historic Preservation Commission hosted its eighth annual Ice Cream Social on Thursday, May 29 in the beautiful gardens of Bobbi and Bill Rushing.   Five flavors of homemade ice cream were served along with lemonade.  This year’s awards were presented to Theresa and Hank Johns for Outstanding Commercial Rehabilitation; Carole and Bob Mason for Outstanding Residential Rehabilitation; Cathy and Clarence Whiteside for restoration of the house located at 933 Dixie Avenue; Sally and Grady Tuell for taking the helm of their family’s stewardship of the Billups-Tuell Cottage located on North Main Street; Diane and Patrick Yost for Outstanding Residential Rehabilitation of the small cottage located at 256 East Jefferson; and,  recognized Judy Senft for her more than nine years of service on the Historic Preservation Commission.
Margaret and Jerry Caldwell celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary with an open house for friends and relatives on Sunday, June 1 at their home on Dixie Avenue.   Guests included former co-workers from IBM and neighbors from Atlanta.  A family reunion celebration was held at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge during the week of June 2 with relatives coming from Idaho and Atlanta.  Congratulations to Margaret and Jerry.  Their actual wedding date is June 6.
Friends of Ellen and Curt Gilbert will be pleased to learn that Captain Gilbert, MD, US Army, has been assigned to the Eisenhower Army Hospital radiology department in Evans, GA.  They will move from San Antonio, TX into their new home in Evans the week of June 15.   Ellen is the daughter of Lynn Treadwell and Jim Treadwell, and Curt is the son of Judy and Bruce Gilbert, all of Madison.
Sunday, June 1 marked the annual Homecoming festivities of Madison Baptist Church.  Some 250 members and friends enjoyed the luncheon with barbecue prepared by Lester Jarvis.
April and Corrado Corias are proud parents of Alessandro Gabriel born on Monday, June 2 at 5:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital in Athens.  He weighed in at 6 pounds, 9 ounces and is welcomed by big brother Gianlucca.  Grandparents are Lucy and Tim Monahan of Madison, and Giovanna DePalma of Sardinia, Italy. 
Three Seasons Garden Club will hold its annual spring picnic on Sunday, June 8 at the home of Cindy and Ronnie Stapp on Harris Hollis Road.  Members are asked to bring their favorite covered dish for the potluck supper.  The Stapps’ beautiful yard and gardens are a favorite gathering place for this annual club event. 
Cathy Whiteside has returned from spending time at her home in The Highlands, NC. 
Sam Scott, former Morgan County High School valedictorian, graduated on June 5 from Harvard University in Cambridge, MA.  His parents, Beth and Karl Scott attended the ceremony.  Congratulations, Sam!
Stacy Lurey Connell and her children, Hannah and Owen, are guests of her parents, Marcia and Barry Lurey this week.  Stacy and her husband, John, currently reside in Hilliard, Ohio where she is a second grade teacher.  Jamie Lurey Burak and her daughter, Lauren, of Atlanta, will join the family in Madison for the weekend.
Joyce and Warren Few have returned from a trip to Paris, France with friends who were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary.
The Tuesday Evening Supper Bridge club traveled to Athens for dinner at Bert’s this week.  Members of the club are Sarah Burback, Brillo Jackson, Linda Jarvis, Pam Latham, Judy Senft, Debbie Tamplin, Georgeana Tamplin, Lynn Treadwell, and Jan Wilbanks.
Theresa and Jim Pittman currently of Wilson, NC, and formerly of Lakeview Drive in Madison, were visitors of Marcia and Barry Lurey this week.  Friends will remember them, as they were active in Madison Baptist church moving from here 29 years ago.
Judy and Michael Lurey recently returned from St. Augustine, Florida and a visit with her daughter, Brenda.
Edith and Mark Mason, their daughter Mary Mason DeVane and her children have returned from Columbus, Oh where they attended graduation ceremonies for their grandson David Fabozi, son of the former Sarah Mason.
Shirley Wallace has returned from West Virginia and a visit with her sister to celebrate her birthday.
Deena Kuykendall DeVeigne is at home following surgery at Athens Regional Hospital.