WEDNESDAY’S LIST . . . of beans ‘n greens ‘n other things:
I’VE TOLD this story before, but not today. So in fond memory of a good buddy, Terry “Shaky” Hodges, a flashback to the mid-forties.

Hodges, who left us this past week at 87 years, was playing football at Jacksonville State. On one Saturday afternoon, at Southern Miss, the Jaxmen were handed a really lop-sided loss.

In a celebration, the Southern Mississippi band took to the field.

Hodges, who had been a drum major in high school, decided to “help out.” Grabbing the baton from the USM drum major, he proceeded to lead the foe’s band down the field.

JSU Coach Don Salls was livid. He aimed both barrels at Hodges.

In legend, Hodges’ reply:

“Don’t know why you’re mad coach, I’m the only one (of us) to cross the 50-yard line all day.”

Salls supposedly dismissed Hodges from the team on the spot, but took him back the following week . It’s tough to keep a really great football player “down,” and Hodges was just that, one of JSU’s all-time greats.

And a good friend who often rode “shotgun” with me on my wanderings across Alabama.

I’ll miss “Coach” . . . and I’m not the only one.

*** BEST WISHES to Debbie Owen, longtime secretary to four superintendents in her years at the Calhoun County School Board. Debbie put in her last day Friday and headed into retirement after 32 years.

Debbie was (and is) one of those unsung stars who make all our lives better.

‘Course she has work waiting, helping her mom Patsy Kilgore keep daddy Troy upright and on the move. Troy is a good friend who spent years in the Star’s day of “hot lead” making a young sports editor look good.

Cheers for Debbie . . .

*** BIRTHDAYS: Apr. 27 – Olivia Brillhart; Apr. 28 – Michael Ervin; Apr. 29 – Lois Hipps; May 1 – Amelia Tuck; May 5 – Henry Baugh.

*** IT WAS a “Fifth Sunday” songfest for Blue Mountain Baptist this past Sunday, which meant our pastor, the Rev. Truman Norred, got to give his tonsils a rest.

But he had a couple of friends, Henry and Sue Campeaux, with him to do a few numbers for us. Very enjoyable, especially one called “On My Father’s Side.” Never heard it before, hope to hear it again.

*** QUOTABLE: I have learned that only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. First, let her think she's having her own way. And second, let her have it. --Lyndon Johnson *** TOP TEEN: Meet Amari Newton, a senior at Anniston High School where her 3.63 GPA has her in the National Honor Society while her excellence in math qualifies for membership in Mu Alpha Theta.

Amari has participated in soccer and volleyball at Anniston High, is a member of the Key Club, and, according to her counselor Sherry Baxter, “is taking the most rigorous classes offered at Anniston High School and takes Advanced Placement classes online.”

All of that adds up to an Advanced Academic Diploma come May 30, acceptances from no less than seven colleges. She will take all of that to Auburn University in the fall where she plans to become a pharmacist.

“I have seen many examples of her talent and have long been impressed by her diligence and work ethic,” says Baxter. “Amari is enthusiastic, bright, energetic and positive. I’m sure her star will shine brighter as the years go on.”

A proud parent is Diana Newton.

Some cheers if you please . . .

George Smith can be reached at 256-239-5286 or e-mail: gsmith731@gmail.com.