ANNIE'S MAILBOX
He's still in the closet to friends and family
Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar
      Dear Annie: I am a male in my early 40s. My mother died a few years ago, and my grandmother shortly after, so life has been difficult lately. Here is my problem: I'm gay and still in the closet to friends and family. At my age, single and never having dated, people have pretty much put two and two together, but I was raised to think this is not an acceptable lifestyle.
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National Cornbread Festival looking for nation's best cornbread recipes
Your recipe could win thousands of dollars in prizes
      SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. - Attention all home cooks and cornbread connoisseurs! Grab your aprons and your cast iron skillets. The National Cornbread Festival is in search of original main dish cornbread recipes to be entered into the 12th annual National Cornbread Cook-Off.
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WHAT'S UP
      Church news ¦ The Shady Grove Church Young Women's Auxiliary will have its annual banquet, "It's a Love Affair" on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 5 p.m. in the fellowship hall. On the menu will be steak, baked potato, salad, corn, chicken and dessert. A $10 donation is requested per person. The YWA's will have a "100 Women in Red" program Sunday, Feb. 10, at the 11 a.m.
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Darin Aldridge, Brooke Justice Quintet will give concert Sunday at Grassy Pond Church
      The Darin Aldridge and Brooke Justice Quintet will be in concert at Grassy Pond Baptist Church on Sunday, Feb. 10, during the evening worship service at 7. Composed of members from past groups such as The Country Gentlemen, Blue Ridge, Pureheart, Damascus Road and Standing Tall, the quintet features a unique and genuine sound.
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Birthdays
      ZY'KELAN JAISHON BLANTON will celebrate his 1st birthday February 7, 2008. He is the son of Hikel Shanta Blanton of Gaffney. Grandparents are Deborah Blanton of Gaffney, and Donald G. Blanton of Shelby, N.C. Great-grandparents are the late Deacon J.B. Camp, and the late Helen Camp.
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