By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Close family and friends recently met at The Club for a luncheon to celebrate Janice Falkner’s 70th birthday.

A long table decorated with fresh flowers in blue vases overlooking Birmingham’s spectacular view was the festive setting for the special occasion.

The party was hosted by Falkner’s close friends: Peggy Bullard, Diane Ellis, Rachel Fowler, Gerie Kelley, Linda Major, Neville Peacock, Jan Smith and Laura Tatum.

Hand-painted invitations decorated with a budding red cherry branch symbolized the day that life is not over at 70.

The catchy invitation poem read: “Isn’t it grand! Isn’t it great! Seventy is a time to celebrate! For Janice Falkner, this is the date! Bring cards and fun we will create!”

Peg Hill was mistress of ceremonies as different women stood and told a funny memory, read a personalized poem or shared a heart-warming story.

Those who shared were: Ann Head, Phoebe Robinson, Rachel Fowler, Lisa Davis, Bath Glasgow, Esta Kamplain, Katie Robertson, Dolores Jones, Neville Peacock, Carol Hill, Dena Lang and Beverly Hall.

“We tried to have breakfast every morning that we could over the last 40 years,” said Fowler. “I remember the time we were sitting on my porch with our children playing. I gave them a box of Band-Aids and they covered a rocking chair with them while we talked. You just grab a moment whenever you can.”

“My son Graham recently just said that we owe our whole house to Janice Falkner,” said Davis, who used Falkner’s talented decorating skills in her home.

Glasgow shared her catchy poems, a take-off of the Serenity Prayer as well as her hysterical alphabet of aging: A is for arthritis, B bad back, C chest pains, D dental decay, E poor eyesight, F fissures and fluid retention, G gas and so on.

Robertson came from Mississippi and shared memories with their 10-year business The Golden Grasshopper located on Main Street.

“You are a blessing to our family,” said Aunt Dena, younger sister to Falkner’s mother. “You are my favorite niece and a blessing to me.”

Janice Falkner of Columbiana is a blessing to all who know her.