Category Archives: Uncategorized

McConnell Middle School Student uses Minecraft skills to showcase art…

Posted on January 6, 2014 | Leave a comment
McConnell Middle School student, Joshua Morrison's work of art showcases a combination of skills.

McConnell Middle School student, Joshua Morrison’s work of art showcases a combination of skills.

While mom, Alyson, was working in the Media Center today, Joshua got to “vandalize” a wall at school (as he put it.) “His 1-point perspective drawing was selected, by his Art teacher, to be turned into a temporary mural. This was one of his Minecraft drawings/doodles, too, not even a class assignment! Kid wants to be an architect, and I think JSM Enterprises has a nice ring to it!”  (from Alyson’s post on Facebook).

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Wedding Vow Renewal on the Winter Solstice

Posted on January 5, 2014 | Leave a comment

The text of the wedding vow renewal ceremony:

Winter Solstice Vow Ceremony

A very warm winter welcome to all of you. Thank you for choosing to celebrate your marriage with us.

Historically, this night is one filled with the wonder of renewal. The world experiences the longest night in a variety of ways and our celebration draws from the many traditions that celebrate the renewal of the source of light. The light of the world shines brightly as a beacon of hope in a way that transcends language, culture or religion. It is a symbol of renewal and hope for the best of what is to come. Wedding vows are a symbol of hope and all that is sacred to each individual couple. We are so happy that you have chosen to help us celebrate our future by renewing your vows with us on this mystical and magical night.

Please join us in a renewal of vows by repeating each phrase:

  1. Winter is a season of quiet preparedness; please grant us time to prepare our marriage for all seasons to come.
  2.  The light of the world shines this night for renewal; may the light of our union shine brighter than ever in the days to come.
  3. May the white of our dresses be the fabric that reflects the light of our love for all seasons to come.
  4. In the chill of the season, in the darkness of this night;  let us remember to look forward toward that path that is lit for us together and walk it hand-in-hand.
  5. As we prepare for the feast to celebrate returning light, may we each remember to love each other at our own tables and give thanks for the love that burns bright.
  6. I, ___________________ take thee ______________________ to be my partner/spouse  for life and to celebrate the light of our love each day.

Now that you have renewed your promise to love one another through darkness and light; I now pronounce you all Spouses. You may now show your love by sharing a lasting kiss on this, the longest night of the year!

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Some folks just remind you of others…Happy Birthday Mandy!

Posted on January 3, 2014 | Leave a comment
Mandy on the left, Sharon, me and mom on the right...

Mandy on the left, Sharon, me and mom on the right…

There are people who just remind you of other people right off the bat. In this case, it was a matter of about 20 years before I realized that someone I had admired in high school was just the spitting image in looks and spirit of my very favorite aunt. You see, my friend Mandy and my favorite aunt, Sharon Ann, had to be cut of the very same cloth. Sharon Ann was closer in age to me than many aunts are, but she was loved dearly by her niece, kind of like my friend Mandy is loved dearly by young’uns of all sorts who surround her. They share the same infectious laugh, the same irreverent nature that does not abide by most rules and the gift of keen observation which makes Mandy a great story-teller and the keeper of all manner of Snellville lore which she shares without hesitation. Our lives keep getting more intertwined again and again as we live those years between that time in high school and where we find ourselves today-still unwaveringly connected to our community.

It is that hometown community who will help Mandy celebrate a momentous occasion-her 50th birthday! Her party will be held at yet another former classmate’s bar and grill and the entertainment hails from that same Alma Mater. FLH band will play some serious rock and roll tonight at Glenda’s Bar and Grill out in Oxford, GA and we will dance, drink a toast and laugh together in celebration of a very special lady who is loved dearly by those who know her.

And of her “twin”? I know that she will laugh along with us and I will be lucky enough to have known both!

The Handsome Men of FLH

The Handsome Men of FLH

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Winter Solstice Wedding Vow Renewal at Vecoma at the Yellow River

Posted on December 11, 2013 | Leave a comment

 

 

Vecoma at the Yellow River celebrates award

Vecoma at the Yellow River

Vecoma at the Yellow River celebrates The Knot .com’s Hall of Fame Award with Winter Solstice Wedding Vow Renewal Party

 

Snellville, GA, Gwinnett County/USA

December 11, 2013

 

Vecoma at the Yellow River is the first to ever win the Hall of Fame Award from The Knot and the only venue in Georgia to win the award.

 

Executive Director and family member, Caroline Tucker, is overwhelmed by the feedback from “her brides”. “They took the time to provide the reviews online that led to this prestigious award,” says Caroline. “I appreciate each of them for being so kind and loving with their words.”  This is a HUGE award for our family business and Vecoma wants to do something very special for our brides.

 

Vecoma is celebrating the award with the theme of: Winter Solstice Magic “White Dinner”, which is a nod to many December traditions with some creative adaptation. The Wedding Vow Renewal will take place in conjunction with a meal based on white foods with a celebratory twist.

 

The Solstice represents a new season. Winter white is used to represent the refreshed and renewed aspects attached to the color. Female guests are asked to wear white (or their wedding gown if it still fits…). The décor is to be sparkling, white and glittery to bring the idea of the magic of celebrations like St. Lucia (Scandinavian), Soyal (Hopi/Zuni Purification), and Yule (German) together on the shortest day of the season and invite the sun to begin returning to the skies.

 

winter solstice7Along with the their superb chefs, A.B. Bailey and Walter Reid (each with 17 years at Vecoma) and Novis Cody who joined the team 10 years ago, Vecoma’s staff is planning a mass vow renewal and Winter Solstice party for all of the couples married at Vecoma over the past 17 years.  “We want them all to wear their wedding dresses or a white dress with their original veil,” says Judith Warren, owner. “It is our sincerest wish for this to be a wonderful evening that coincides with the beginning of the winter celebrations.”  The lodge will display a wintery white décor and a winter solstice white dinner will be served after the vows.

 

The Winter Solstice and Mass Wedding Vow Renewal will take place at 6pm on Saturday, December 21st, 2013 at Vecoma at the Yellow River. The event will include brides with bookings into 2014 who will enjoy the company of couples who have “tied the knot” with Best that The Knot.com has to offer in Atlanta.

 

With 2013 awards from The Knot Best of Weddings and Wedding Wire Brides’ Choice, and Atlanta Bridal, Vecoma at the Yellow River enjoys the support of the brides who have experienced a magical Vecoma wedding.

 

Nestled among 70 acres of forest, Vecoma offers a beautiful setting for weddings and special events inside and out. Riverside weddings are extremely popular as the natural setting creates a spectacular backdrop with the Yellow River flowing gently behind the wedding party.

 

 

 

The lodge has been designed to capture the history of Vecoma, yet provide a modern touch with all the conveniences. Soft, buttery walls, twinkle lighting, antiques and interesting little touches throughout create a memorable space to hold a ceremony and reception. The huge covered deck overlooks the wedding area and river just beyond.

 

 

 

At Vecoma, weddings find a riverside setting befitting a beautiful bride with plenty of space to dance all while reflecting the love in the hearts of a couple starting a new life together.

 

Contact: Judith Warren, 770-972-6540, vecoma@mindspring.com

 

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December Flip-Flop weather exposes toes

Posted on December 6, 2013 | Leave a comment
Flip-Flops in December

Flip-Flops in December

Today in Georgia, it feels way more like May than December. Balmy and slightly breezy has brought out the desire to get just one more flip-flop day in-just for fun.

Seems strange to be wearing flip-flops in December, but if the weather demands it, then who am I to resist? Observation of my toesies this morning forced me to have to reconsider the idea of  revealing them in public. With no time at all in the schedule to have my favorite pedicurist pamper me and my toes, I mentally ran through my options. The objective was to sport flip-flops despite conditions; probably not a good idea. I looked at the remaining chipped paint in an effort to imagine that they had been done in an Art Deco style…that dog was not gonna hunt. My toes looked more like an Elf On The Shelf joke.  Removing the remaining polish and repainting was hampered by time constraints. I finally decided that it would probably be ok to just gloss over with a quick coat of dark red that would hopefully cover the ragged edges and not bleed too much into the sad state of my cuticles; a lot to hope for. Not aware of any Saint specializing in flip-flops, I sent a quick and humorous request for a steady hand to St. Anthony (Saint of Lost Causes) and dove in brush first. The end result was RED, but then again…it IS Christmastime and who am I to argue if the powers-that-be offered us the gift of a temporary springtime. A flip-flop day in December MUST be honored and celebrated. It is the kind of thing that keeps you going.

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Come Play With Us…Forever and Ever

Come Play With Us...Forever and Ever

Came downstairs to find our twin sister cats hanging out in the doorway…reminded me of The Shining…

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Posted on November 5, 2013 in Uncategorized

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Father’s Day…Barbershop Style

Posted on June 14, 2013 | Leave a comment
"Dado" Earl Volpert and his quartet delivering a Singing Valentine...Barbershop Style.

“Dado” Earl Volpert (with the rose) and his quartet delivering a Singing Valentine…Barbershop Style.

For as long as I can remember, songs in four-part harmony have been a part of the audio background of my life. Specifically, the bass parts which always seem to surround my dad with a hum or a tag. I grew up thinking that such songs as “Little Girl”, “My Wild Irish Rose”, and “Lida Rose” were normal lullabies. My two boys have grown up with the same songbook-with some good old school rock-n-roll mixed in. At a recent performance, the MC asked the audience to raise a hand if they had seen more than 10 years of Barbershop Shows in their lifetime. While there were the expected hands from the folks with “snowy hair”, none of the hands was raised more enthusiastically than by my oldest son who proudly said out loud, “I have seen 14!”

Dado, Uncle Steve & Drew-3 Generations of Barbershop Style

Dado, Uncle Steve & Drew-3 Generations of Barbershop Style

One of my fondest memories included an Alaskan Cruise on which our Stone Mountain Barbershop Chorus had been invited to sing. Again, my oldest (then 7) practiced and practiced the chorus’ signature song, “Down By The Riverside” along with his Uncle Steve which then resulted in three generations of “Volpert Men” singing on the same stage. I still think both my boys expect to meet their own “little bright-eyed gal” down by the riverside one day.

Dado, Ditdo & The Boys

Dado, Ditdo & The Boys

My dad’s names are varied. Those close to him call him “Butch”. He is “Earl”  or “Big E” to many. I always called him Dad, but the one that fits him best was given to him by the firstborn, as often happens…Dado. Not only do his own three grandsons call him “Dado”, but most of the neighborhood kids, swim team, hockey, soccer, band, school and church kids call him “Dado” too.

I will always be “Daddy’s Little Girl”, in the best of Barbershop Style. That song will unfairly bring many tears to your eyes. He always hums a little tune under his breath and has a song for just about every occasion. Dado always asks if he can call you sweetheart and tells me that we are the hearts of his heart…Listen for yourself…Let Me Call You Sweetheart…and Happy Father’s Day!

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The TED Blog: Telling Stories, Spreading Ideas

Posted on June 14, 2013 | Leave a comment

The TED Blog: Telling Stories, Spreading Ideas.

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Easter Bonnets and the Importance of Being Silly

Posted on May 3, 2013 | Leave a comment
My baby brother and me in easter bonnets Sunday.

My baby brother and me in Easter bonnets Sunday.

Was just sifting through the photos that have been taken just since the beginning of the year…ok, I have a bit of a reputation for “shoot now..ask later” kind of attitude. In my defense, there are many comments on social media that indicate that being a little trigger happy with the camera can get you awesome results.

DSC_5456It was a surprise when I came across these little gems from our Easter Day celebration. Cannot believe that with the mad rush to Spring Break, I had glossed over them.

Just like years past, we had the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Only this year, my 14-year-old was the “hider” and delighted in watching his 3-year-old nephew “find” all the colorful treasures. His “little brother”, who is 12 now, had a blast trying to collect the eggs that had been hidden with great care just for him. Outfoxing your older brother is sometimes as sweet as a Peep.

DSC_5515As with most of the holidays at the house on the top of the hill, there are generally all manner of “extras” in the play. This year, we hosted a great gathering of all kinds of folks. One mother and daughter pair had spent the morning with the hot glue, dollar store flowers and two great hats which clearly required adornment for the festivities. What resulted was a photo-frenzy during which almost everyone was shot in a bonnet! What fun.

DSC_5531The day was complete when the same pair produced a candy-filled Easter egg pinata. Dado (grandpa) strung the target up by the basketball goal and the cousins commenced to batting the poor egg into bits which revealed a cache of the best Easter candy ever.

DSC_5459We had plenty of fun in our “Easter Bonnets” with all the frills upon it. On reflection, it was the silliness of the photo-ops that started the day off just right, in celebration.

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A Century of Memories…from the Gwinnett Citizen Files

Posted on May 3, 2013 | Leave a comment

A century of memories

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