The family has been busy putting up some of the garden vegetables. This week we have been canning "Chase" beans, which is a type of corn field bean. Neighbor and friend, Jeanette France, gave Lisa Cripps and Kathy Hendrix the bean seeds during the planting season. It was hard not to think back on the wonderful lady these seeds were named after, while stringing the beans. Chase Elledge Davis lived in Dowelltown for years. She worked doing various jobs in the school system, but was known as a good friend and outdoors person. Chase would always tell you just like it was. She never met a stranger and was faithful to her family and friends. Her brother, Joe Howard Elledge, was the Dry Creek mail-carrier for years until his retirement. We remember the brother and sister always enjoyed fishing and being out in the local creek. We loved them both very much. Chase was 91 when she passed in 2011. It was good to reflect back on our many years of friendship during the canning of her favorite bean. Thanks Jeanette for the seeds.

We are happy to report that Edward Frazier is doing better. He is hopeful to return to Smithville soon. Edward is a dear friend and family member, and we pray for his complete healing. His immediate family has been with him during his stay in a Nashville hospital.

Our community would like to send out special birthday wishes to our neighbor, Dwight Cripps. He celebrated his birthday on July 11th.

The DeKalb County Fair is here. We know the children and adults will be there to support this event. Many of our children and grandchildren always enjoyed going to the fair. The Fair Board members give every effort to bring the best to our county in fun and entertainment. We are thankful to them for all their hard work.

Congratulations to Mrs. Mandy Dakas being named principal at DeKalb Middle School and Tad Webb assistant. Mandy’s mother Sandra Cubbins Widener grew up in the Dry Creek Valley and was always a dear friends to our daughter, Peggy Frazier Thomas. We pray you all have a wonderful school year.