Catlett: Get chicken barbecue Saturday
I was born in South Carolina and raised by a daddy whose love of hunting and fishing was very significant in his life. My grandfather was also a great fisherman.
I am told that he fished and sold them to help support his family. This love of nature and tradition was passed on to us by my dad, especially to the boys.
Our holidays were spent in and around the Wateree River Swamp. Many times, we all went for the day, but there were times only the "boys" went and brought home their catch for our family to enjoy in the evening.
Not all Fourth of Julys were spent like this, but I remember one when they had gone to the swamp, spent the night before the holiday and came home with, what seemed to a young girl, at least 100 fish. All kinds and all sizes.
After they were cleaned and cooked, we enjoyed momma's corn muffins with cole slaw and boiled potatoes. Not the traditional meal for the Fourth. There were fireworks throughout the city, but we had our own, and with such a large family, there were always lots of friends to add to our holiday gatherings.
Each of us children grew to have our own family traditions, but those early times with family celebrations will always be remembered and hold a special place in my heart.
I know you each have your own. Cherish them and enjoy this 2008 day of independence and freedom.
We would like to express our sympathy to the family of Bessie Kerns. She was the sister of Ruby Conner and Willie Kerns of Catlett and will be greatly missed by the ones who knew and loved her.
On Saturday, July 5, St. Stephens Episcopal Church will host a barbecued chicken cookout on the lot between BB&T bank and Catlett Market & Deli on Catlett Road from 3:30-6:30 p.m. If this is as tasty as the barbecued chicken at the church spring bazaar earlier, you don't want to miss it.
The Christian Women's Club of Warrenton will host its "Come Fly With Me" brunch at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 10, at Fauquier Springs Country Club.
The feature will be John King of the Flying Circus of Bealeton. Natalie Beals will bring the musical program, and Willie Bongiorno of New Bern, N.C., will speak to us of her life experiences. There is a special welcome to teachers and children for this program.
For reservations and complimentary nursery, call (540) 788-4850 or (540) 349-9118.
Catlett columnist Virginia Copeland can be reached at (540) 788-4609 or catlett1966@earthlink.net.