Keeping up with my columns

   I’ve been writing this column since 1999. Several years ago then Editor-in-chief J.K. Murphy invited me to a Readership Institute seminar where I learned that readers like updates on stories of the past. So, I went through my 365 columns so far and thought I’d bring you up to date on a few of them.

   William Arndell, my poet in a pickup truck (June 1999) went beyond handing out free poems to become EPCOT’s Resident Poet during Black History Month. (But he still gives out free poems.)

   The Winn-Dixie of my July 2000 column has closed, but Joe Tunis, the seafood guy with the big wave is still around, working - and waving - at Kroger.

   Big J Peterson, the 6’7” actor who portrayed “The Golem” in September 2000 is now an active duty Marine serving in Iraq.

   Pamela Koehler-Camp, who left a lucrative accounting career to become a potter, has appeared on HGTV’s Crafter’s Coast to Coast several times since my October 2000 column.

   My “Unicorn Lady” column of March 2001 brought more questions and comments than any other. Yes, the Unicorn Lady is real. After years of rehab, Justina York transferred her addictive habit from drugs to unicorns. She still collects unicorns, remains drug-free and dishes out deli delights at the Lilburn Publix.

   Fitzgerald’s, in the Mall at Hopewell Baptist Church where I first tasted chitlins in July 2001 is still serving up their super soul food. The only thing new is their name - Brown’s Family Restaurant. (Info: 678-969-9122)

   Keaston White, of Collins Hill, who became a quadriplegic as a result of a football accident on 9/11, is now studying biology at Emory. (More about Keaston next week.)

   When I wrote about Scot Ferrell in March 2004, he has just established the Mental Illness Awareness Foundation. His third annual benefit golf tournament will be on June 30 at Chateau Elan and he’s currently seeking 20 participants for a study of holistic treatments and their effect on mood disorders which will start in late April. (Info: www.wholepersonconcepts.org )

   In April of 2005, Ursula Miller staged a dog fashion show at Carl House to raise money for her Pup & Cat Company. She’s since purchased property in Winder for a pet rescue facility, but still welcomes donations ( www.pupandcatco.com )

   In July 2005 at Wal-Mart I met some young ladies from the pilot group of 28 Teens, an enrichment group meeting at a church in Lilburn. The only thing we had in common was that we were all buying purple cloth and the next thing I knew I was on their board of directors. Since then, these talented teens have performed on WPBA Channel 22 and partnered with three middle schools. (www.28teens.com )

   Curious about anyone else? E-mail me. I love keeping up with my column crowd.

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