DEBBIE WHEELER: Now I know why folks flock to the national conventions
The L2 Gallery's Tracy Lewis settled her daughter, Montana, into a freshman dorm at the University of San Francisco last week. Daryl Davis (Mrs. Seaside) lives nearby and will serve as Montana's new local "family."
Tracy and husband, Jeff, then flew to Denver to attend the Democratic National Convention and took in all the city's offerings. They met several convention delegates and rode their eco-friendly scooter to Tent City. "It was filled with tents hosted by groups promoting peace, awareness of war casualties and causes such as Amnesty International, Rock the Vote and Musicians for Peace. The memorial to the U.S. troops from Colorado who lost their lives in Iraq was made from the uniform boots they wore, each tagged with the soldier's name and hometown, lined up across a field. Adjacent was a field of shoes from hundreds of children, all innocent victims in Iraq. It was very emotional to walk through," she said.
The Lewises also visited an Eco Fair, showcasing power-saving technologies for homes, vehicles and lifestyles, with some innovative stuff to help us find ways to economize and save the Earth and our wallets.
The Lewises saw James Taylor and Crosby & Nash perform on Tuesday. On Wednesday, it was Rage Against The Machine in concert.
"This town is abuzz with talent and celebrity," said Tracy. "It really is an amazing experience to be here for this week that will go down in history for the U.S., not just for nominating an African American for president, but for bringing together so much awareness of ideals that people are so passionate about today in America."
I also saw my youngest off to her final semester at FSU this week.
My son called from Washington, D.C., on Sunday. He enjoyed an exciting weekend of travel, visiting a friend in Philadelphia and gambling in Atlantic City. He returns to Birmingham this weekend, then on to Atlanta.
Betty and Joe Mustachio, of Seagrove Beach, returned home this week from a two-week trip to Europe. Starting in Venice they sailed on the Windsurf to Croatia, Greece, Sicily and Rome. A surprise was finding a SoWal sticker on the steps on one of the bridges In Venice!
Sandestin's Mary Damroth has spent the summer in Asheville, N.C., taking pottery and painting classes and playing. "I am in my second childhood and really enjoying myself," she said. "It is a bit cooler here and the mountains and greenery take my breath away."
She should be back home on the third or fourth of September before heading to California for the Monterey Jazz Festival.
"Until my money runs out (and that could be sooner rather than later!) I am going to play," she said. You go, girl!
Maestro Demetrius Fuller will attend "M4H Concert for Peace 2008" on Sept. 11, featuring Iraqi cellist Karim Wasfi at Merkin Concert Hall at the Kaufman Center in New York City.
I ran into golf pro Peter Burke and wife Stephanie twice in the past week, first at Burnt Pine Golf Club and again at Wine World at Grand Boulevard's Friday night wine tasting. Good to see them.
Johnny Earles will hold a wine tasting tonight at Criolla's at 6 p.m. Part of the proceeds go to Chiari research.
Debbie Weant Lane is hosting her annual Labor Day party and sale at Big Mama's Hula Girl Gallery in Grayton today, tomorrow and Monday with food and drink. She and husband, Tom, will then head to Ireland and London for 10 days. Can I go?
Chandra Hartman reports that she is both proud and appalled to say that the Friday night candidate forum was the best attended of all the forums held south of the bay, with approximately 40 people attending and less than a week of coordination. It was brought to attendees' attention that less than 2,500 people in the county pre-voted and with historically more voter turn out in the northern part of the county, they will be the ones who decide who will be our district county commissioners.
Man-about-town Jim Ross enjoyed a great birthday on Aug. 21, starting with lunch at Fire in Grayton Beach, then cocktails at Mitchell's Fish House with some former employees. It culminated at Cuvee Beach where some 20 folks showed up, including Johnny Savage, Claude Perry, Mary Kay Phillips, Tall Tom Hopkins, Paul and Sandy Luchtefeld, Joe Serrato, John and Christie Roby, Georgeen Newell, Debbie Weant-Lane, and Al Greene.
Jim tells me that Ernie at Cuvee Beach donated a $100 gift certificate to an auction/party for Donna Johns in September.
Garner Chandler celebrated another birthday Aug. 21.
Happy birthday today to Quincy's Dorothy Baratta, Charles Modica Sr., and Marvin Williford, who turns 50.
Tomorrow to Seaside Rep lady Jennifer Steele Saunders, Patchouli's Linda Boswell and Frank Sandro.
Monday to Betsy Evett.
Tuesday to art lady Sharon Long.
Thursday to Ann Robinson.
Friday to hat lady Sally Powell.
Deborah Wheeler is the arts and entertainment reporter for The Walton Sun. She may be reached at (850) 267-4555 or e-mail debbie_wheeler@link.freedom.com. Party Line Talk appears weekly in The Sun. Contributions are encouraged.
