Douglas Sumblin, owner of Mr. D’s Southern Kitchen and Catering at 931 Armory Drive in Franklin, held a grand opening on June 16.

Mesha Bullock and Justin Sumblin provided entertainment, and the Rev. Earl Bynum offered musical selections. Leslie Pace from Atlanta performed a selection from “The Lion King.”

It was a true family affair.

Earl Sumblin emceed. Angel Sumblin welcomed everyone. Evangelist Lynnore Sumblin gave the grace. The Rev. Earva Sumblin gave closing remarks.

Guests included Dr. Peggy Scott of Fellowship Around the Word in Franklin and Dr. Howard of New Hope God In Christ in Atlanta.

Family and friends traveled from out of town to attend.

• Teressa Holt recently hosted the annual piano recital at Courtland Baptist Church for her students.

Students performing were Caroline Fowler, Olivia Hatch, Katherine Davis, Lee Johnson, Aiden Hatch, Samantha Brown, Morgan Ognibene, Emily Fuller, Trisha Dunn, Setta Brown, Maryann Johnson, Noah West, Charlotte Fowler, Rickaya Sykes, Haley Lowe, Aryn Sipos, Hannah Futrell, Jacob Turner, Anthony Ona, Kaylynn Winningham, Brooke Whitley and Hannah Beach.

Jordan Bowden played a duet with her grandmother, Nancy Ricks, and a solo piece.

Students not performing were Bill Hatch and Alex Ona.

Trophies were given to Fuller, who will be going to college, and Setta and Samantha Brown, who are moving to Williamsburg.

• On June 19, 18 “girls” who graduated from Southampton High School in 1969 met for their annual dinner night out at Simply Divine restaurant in downtown Franklin.

Most still live in Southampton County, but others live in Hampton Roads, Richmond, North Carolina and Alabama.

Those attending were Margie Thorpe McClenny, Peggy Gillette, Nancy Edwards Partridge, Carol Parham Simms, Cookie Hancock Duffey, Julia Lucasti O’Berry, Claudia Applewhite Brazell, Kathy Simmons Clay, Linda Edwards Swanner, Martha Ann Washington Wright, Frances Premaza Edwards, Linda Lytton, Dianne Williams Custis, Celeste Cobb Kelly, Margaret McCormack, Becky Smith Martin, Cynthia Grizzard Turner and Susan Hancock Duke.

GWEN ALBERS is managing editor of The Tidewater News. Her email address is gwen.albers@tidewaternews.com.