Here we are at the last day of August facing a “last gasp” of summer fun from the Brindisi family just before the Labor Day weekend is upon us. Catching up on some other summertime news, Around Davidson reports today on the June wedding of Amelia Mange and Alex Castaño. In addition we take time to report on Jessica Keener who has an impressive photography business and include some Noteworthy Notes on reading, books and book clubs.
Grannie Annie "surfing" with a very sleepy Chase
BEACHIN’ WITH THE BRINDISIS
Summertime is the best time for Ann Brindisi when she gets her sons and their families together for a week at Nag’s Head. Corey Brindisi and his wife, Autumn, came from Key West, Fla., with their two dogs, Tag and Tegan. Jess Brindisi and his wife, Sue, arrived from Lorton, Va., with their three sons, Jack (5), Reed (3) and Chase (1). Corey and Jess like to take this week to relax and get in some deep sea fishing – hoping to bring home tuna or mahi mahi for dinner. The weather was blazing hot so time in the pool or on the beach was limited but the family had a wonderful time with “Grannie Annie’s” undivided attention.
Jess Brindisi and son, Jack, loved the pool
We can all identify with Ann’s remark that when the boys took afternoon naps, many of the adults did the same. Evenings when the little ones were in bed, the adults enjoyed parlor games, watched movies or just talked. It was a wonderful week for the Brindisis and especially delightful for three beautiful grandsons to have Grannie Annie to dote on them.
TYING THE KNOT
A happy Mr. and Mrs. Alex Castaño
Congratulations to Amelia Lynn Mange and Alejandro (Alex) José Castaño who married on June 12 at the Davidson College Presbyterian Church. Officiating at the 6 p.m. ceremony was the Reverend Kathy Beach-Verhey. Music was provided by organist Jane Cain, harpist Abagail Sprau, and trumpeter Bill Lawing. A reception followed at the Lilly Gallery on the Davidson College campus.
Amelia is the daughter of Steve and Pam Mange of Davidson. Alex is the son of Rolando and Maria Castaño of Miami. (Interesting to note that the date of the wedding marked the 50th anniversary of Maria’s flight from Cuba to Miami.) Joe and Angie Grooms, longtime friends of the Mange family, served as honorary parents of the bride. Grandparents attending were Pam’s mother, Barbara Rhodes and her husband, George, from Marietta, Ga., and Sue Dohoney, Amelia’s adopted grandmother from Michigan.
(l-r) Haley, Dulce, Amerlia, Mom Pam and Dad Steve Mange (photo by Jessica Keener)
Natalie Proffit, formerly of Davidson and now of Washington, D.C., was Amelia’s Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids included Amelia’s sisters, Haley and Dulce, as well as her Furman roommate, Sarah Asman, and sister-in-law, Jodi Castaño. Alex chose his brother, Roland Castaño, as his Best Man. His father, Rolando Castaño, was a groomsman as were his friends, Brandon Stutzman, Sergio Faundez and his son, Sergito Faundez. Greeters at the door of the church were Joseph and August Knox, sons of Doug and Terilynne Knox, good friends of the bride. (Amelia started taking dance lessons with Terilynne’s Dance Davidson at the age of three.) Wedding coordinator was Harriet Kessler. Flowers were by Pat McCall and Sandra Rhyne of Charlotte made the wedding cake. Photography was by former Davidsonian Jessica Keener.
Out of town guests included many members of the Castaño family from Miami and Puerto Rico. Also coming from out of town were Steve Mange’s brother and two sisters: Philip Mange from Anniston, Ala.; Cindy Brookshire with her husband, Steve, and son, Alan, from Albertville, Ala.; and Nancy Shull with her husband, Ken, and two daughters, Meghan and Camden, from Knoxville, Tenn. His aunt and uncle, Jan and Bobby Mange, came from Cleveland, Ohio. Pam’s aunt, Evelyn Booth, came from Mobile, Ala. Former Davidson residents Lars and Lynn Balck came from Asheville. Tim and Kathy Beach-Verhey and their children drove from Faison, N.C.
Prior to the wedding a Bridesmaid Luncheon was held at Beaver Dam. The rehearsal dinner and Sunday brunch following the wedding were held in the gardens of the Barkemeyer family just off Grey Road. Following a weeklong honeymoon in Tahiti, Amelia and Alex are making their home in Greenville, S.C. Amelia teaches third grade there and Alex is the Service District Manager for Toyota.
Jessica Keener
AN EYE FOR PHOTOGRAPHY
What a delight to know that Davidson’s own Jessica Keener was the wedding photographer for Amelia Mange and Alex Castaño. Jessica, the daughter of Gene and Lynne Keener and older sister of David, a Woodlawn School student, graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 2005. Four years later she graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design with a bachelor’s degree in photography.
Jessica learned to love photography during travels in the United States and Europe but decided to make it her profession because she loves working and learning about people. Based in Savannah, she has been shooting portraits, weddings, engagements and bridal portraits professionally since 2008. Her assignments take her throughout the Southeast including Asheville, Charlotte, Charleston, Savannah and Tybee Island. Kudos to Jessica on following her dream and best wishes for continued success. Such fun to access www.jessicakeenerphotography.com and see what a product of our town is doing to make a name for herself.
NOTEWORTHY NOTES
Cathy Pickens
BOOK CLUBS OF DAVIDSON
Just a reminder for all book clubs of Davidson (at last count we had some 33 on our list!). It is that time of year when members are gathering to “kick off” their 2010-2011 season. Be sure to send copies of your programs to Jan Blodgett of the Davidson College Library for the archives. Also consider supporting the Annual Book Club Tea with a monetary contribution from your club. All donations should be given to Betty Reinke of Main Street Books to help defray expenses bringing an author to speak at the Fall Gathering. This year’s 14th Annual Fall “Tea” will feature mystery writer Cathy Pickens. Cathy will be speaking in the Davidson Room at The Pines on Thursday, Oct. 28. The program begins at 3 p.m. and ends at 4:30 p.m. All Davidson book club members and their guests are welcome.
SPEAKING OF READING…
Did you know that our current Davidson Public Library on the Town Green is about to celebrate its 15th Anniversary? Our public library used to be in smaller facilities until the college, town and Charlotte Mecklenburg Library joined forces to make our current building possible. Ellen Giduz, our library manager, and a team of volunteers are planning a gala celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 29, to commemorate this event. This will be a great chance for each of us to know more about our library’s history, present situation and future challenges.
Be sure to let Ellen know if you want to help – and be sure to watch this space for more information as the date gets closer.
Send us your news
Have news for Around Davidson? Write to Brenda Barger at hbarger@bellsouth.net.
