Tuesday, August 23, 2016 11:45 am

By ANNA PATRICK

Although she doesn't turn 90 until the 5th of September, Mary Kemp was greatly surprised when her out-of-state children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews joined the A'town kids for a great weekend of celebration.

Joining the local kids Susan and Todd Turney and Sandi McDaniel were Mary's brother Jim Johnson from Missouri, sister Marguerite Cates from Alabama, son David Sadler from Georgia, another son Glen and Penny Kemp from Florida, great granddaughter Keely Zimmerman and boyfriend Tekoda Counts of Arkansas, nephews and nieces Ray Johnson and girlfriend, Laurie Larsen and Wendy Pitts and Dale Johnson of Missouri, Stewart and Donna Miller of Alabama and Jan Imhoff of Minnesota.

They began the day Saturday with breakfast at JimBo's. Then it was a barbeque lunch catered by Sandi in the Fellowship Hall of the Church of Christ. This was attended not only by family but by friends and church family.

Her words, "It will be an experience I will keep with me forever."

Although Robbie Owen turned 79 on the 6th, it wasn't until Tuesday that Betty Thomas, Ruth Davenport, Wilma Harris and I were able to get together and take her to Cheddar's. Of course a little shopping followed and if there is a Sonic in town, Robbie won't leave until she gets some ice cream!

Cousins meeting Friday for lunch at D&J's in Woodbury were Faye Stuckey from Kansas, Johnny and Lou Nichols from Woodbury, Ruth and Marvin Davenport, Betty Thomas, Robbie Owen and Prentice and I.

Jewell Dale and Brian, Tunnel Hill, GA, have been up for a few days. They joined us for Sunday lunch at Alexandria Café.

The middle school Cross Country girls took first at the Cookeville Jamboree held Tuesday the 11th. Kiley Hughes came in 2nd for the team at 16 flat. Congratulations!

It was a Back-to-School Pool Party/Cookout for the youth of Prosperity Baptist Church. Hosting the event at their home were Tim and DeAnna Reed. Attending were leaders Janna Womack and Linda Hayes, Garrett Hayes, William and Grant Buterbaugh, Mary Beth and Hunter Patterson, Emily Keaton, Shelby Clayborn, Hailey Walker, Hayley Satterfield, Rachel Dorris, and Alayna and Adrianna Reed.

It has begun - you know - the school's Harvest Festival Fundraiser. They are selling Smart Cards and tickets for the $100 drawing which takes place at the Harvest Festival in October. Of course there are always the delicious meals and the first is the chicken and fish fry. And, of course, Tim Reed is the chef. As usual all of the proceeds will go to Auburn School.

It begins tomorrow (Wednesday) at 4:00 p.m. and ends at 7:00 p.m. or until the food runs out at the Auburn Community Center. The menu includes the fish and chicken strips with fries, hush puppies, slaw, white beans, dessert and drink. You can get all of this for $8.00 if you're an adult. Children ages 5-10 get their plates for $5.00 and for those 4 and under, it's free. You can't beat that with a stick!

Come, sit down and visit while you eat or use the take out method. Either way you don't have to get hot and sweaty cooking over a hot stove nor do you have to clean up your kitchen.

As you have noticed when driving thru town, the Library has been having a book sale. Here is an update from Patrick Jacobs, Public Services Librarian: All items have been moved to the Adams Memorial Library to include in the book sale taking place there at the end of the month. All funds raised in this sale goes toward fixing up the Auburntown Library.

Saturday, October 29th is the 2nd annual benefit race/breakfast Running 1.4.U 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run or Walk for Russell Fults. As you may remember, he is the father of C.J. Hughes and grandfather of Kiley and Lily Hughes. This event is to help with expenses as wife, Helen, had to quit work due to taking care of Russell. Click on the following link neonroadrunner7@gmail.com for entry forms. For more information you may contact Derrick or C.J. at 615-464-8865.

Johnny Kennedy hits the 43rd mark on the 25th. Sylvia Flynn has her 75th the 26th. Jeremy Whited and Nathan Wright celebrate the 27th. We skip to the 29th where a large number are celebrating - Jeff Fletcher, Jacob Pursell, Chase Bogle, Bridgett Dodd, Dustin Mears, Bre'Anna O'Neal and Amaieah Grace Morrison. Finishing up the week is another large number - Kim Fleming, Laura Reed Cooper, Curtis Davenport and Tommy Shehan. Happy birthday to all of you.

If you have news for this column, please e-mail me at apatrick@dtccom.net, or call 464-4310 and leave a message.