Two ladies caught our attention this week and we thought our readers would appreciate their accomplishments and courageous battles.

I am referring to Sandy Fretwell Hollinger and Whitney Maholovich, my granddaughter.

Of course many of you know Sandy as a member of the Poarch Creek Tribal Council. Her work assisting families in crisis situations stands out conspicuously, but her dedication to her son, Denver, is easily more recognizable.

You see, Denver has cancer and has been undergoing treatments at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the past few years. In a recent conversation with her, Sandy told me about making many trips with her son to this Memphis, Tenn.-based hospital. She also recognizes the role of Pilots for Christ, the Christian airlines from Monroeville dedicated to air flights for diseased patrons.

But she finds the necessary time to serve her Poarch constituents. Recognized for her unique leadership by her fellow council members, she chairs many important bills in Tribal matters. I was raised up with her dad, William Fretwell, and knew his family real well. Her grandad, Will Fretwell, was an outstanding “country” preacher. He pastored a church in the Splinter Hill area for many years.

She, like all the tribal members, are anxiously looking forward to the gala opening of the tribe’s newest project, OWA. This funfilled Six Flag type park will open on July 21. Located in Foley, the attraction is expected to draw patrons from throughout the south.

She and all members of the council can be proud of the many, many accomplishments they have achieved.

(Note: This column was written on Monday.) My granddaughter, Whitney is preparing food and gifts for her husband, Jacob who is flying to Qutar next week. Yes, his military reserve unit has been activated and he will be away for almost a year. She is inviting friends and relatives by her home July 4 to say goodbye to Jacob. With the help of family members and friends, we know Jacob will be showered with blessings and good wills. He will leave for his assignment on July 5.

This will be the second time he was called to serve in that area. And, fortunately, his service time will be complete when he returns next year.

I am sure it will be a struggle for Whitney, but we all know she will do just fine. Her 10 years of service in the parole system will keep her occupied to a tee. She will probably enroll in another online master’s degree course. She recently finished one of these courses and can you believe she made all “As?”

She and Jacob are expecting a big turnout as many friends and relatives will be there.

Now, let’s take a look at some nostalgic happenings from 1955.

Atmore began a “housing boom” that year as people moved here, bought homes and had a much shorter drive to work in nearby towns, especially to Monsanto and the “paper mill” in Cantonment.

Many times at the close of our broadcast day I could see new homes under construction there at the end of East Craig Street. Only a year or so before, looking out the WATM windows, I could see swaying tall pine trees everywhere. No hospital, no doctors office no drug stores — just “woods.”

Bubber Bowab became affiliated with his mother, Mrs. L.F. Bobab, at the “Economy Shop.” This was one of several family operating clothing businesses in those days.

Johnny Hoehn, at “Hoehn’s Trading Center,” introduced a new tubeless tire. This firm was the Firestone Store and also carried home appliances.

Leroy Wiggins, through the Perdido River Soil Conservation Department, presented a unique program to help Northwest Florida farmers better utilize their farm lands. Jack Liles and Langley Bell were two recipients of Leroy’s program.

S.Y. Bagley was named new manager of Bedsoles Dry Goods Store. Bill Gordy, the former manager, was transferred to a store in Clarke County.

Here’s hoping everyone has a glorious Fourth of July. One thing we can really hope for is a “dry” day. If you don’t think this rainy weather has been disastrous, just ask any farmer. I saw a news story on TV the other night where a south Florida farmer was denied credit by his bank due to the heavy rain. The farmer was unable to harvest his crops because they were completely rain damaged and the banker considered him a credit risk for not being to get his crops out.

Wow, can you believe that?

More next week.