Guscio: Tarmac proposal leaves couple flying high

Charlie Wetmore is a friend to many of us in Bluffton. He served on Bluffton Town Council and was a big part of helping shape important decisions in our town. Charlie now makes his home in Savannah, but frequently visits Bluffton for his job as an executive with Epperson Heating and Air Conditioning Company. He stops by to visit and chat when he finds a free minute or two.

I was so thrilled when he came by the other day to share some very big news. Charlie attends the historic Christ Church in downtown Savannah where he met a beautiful lady named Susan Harrison a year or so ago. Susan is originally from Texas and moved to Savannah to work for Gulf Stream Aviation as their completion executive, and as such, travels around the world delivering their beautiful airplanes. While Susan was in Texas, she was employed by Mooney Aviation Corporation, a company that makes small, fast airplanes. She has loved flying and working in aviation her entire life.

Charlie and Susan were smitten with each other from the start. They both love travel, jazz, good food -- and each other. The next step for Charlie was to visit Susan's mother, Pat Harrison, to ask for her daughter's hand in marriage. Pat said that was wonderful and gave her blessing to the couple.

It was off to the jeweler to pick out a ring -- which is lovely by the way -- and plan the proposal.

Charlie has a friend -- Rod Davis -- who has just restored a vintage Mooney airplane. Susan' adores it, so the two men came up with a great surprise. The trio would fly down to Jekyll Island on a little jaunt to try out the plane's new engine, have lunch and then fly home. Charlie would have the ring aboard and propose to Susan on the tarmac at Jekyll Airport.

When the plane landed, Rod told the couple he had to check in with the controller at the airport. Charlie then dropped to one knee and popped the question.

Well.... I am happy to report Susan said "yes" amid tears of joy.

The trio happily had a leisurely lunch and flew back to Savannah on "Cloud Nine."

They make a very beautiful, handsome couple and I am very happy for them, as I am sure are all of their friends.

THE GOSPEL OF EDUCATION

Join the First Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Friday, Nov. 27 for the third annual "Oh Give Thanks" Gospel Celebration.

The annual event is sponsored by the Leon and Laura Bush Family in support of the Church's Scholarship Fund. Since 1983 First Zion's fund has provided monetary assistance to 55 high school seniors.

Some of the gospel sensations who will perform are Lisa McClendon, Vascola Stoney and Latrese Bush.

There is an admission charge but donations will be accepted.

For information call Laura Bush at 843-757-2638 or email lambush@hargray.com.

DRINKS FOR DOGS

Palmetto Animal League will host a Yappy Hour wine tasting from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2 at Tacaron. 6983 North Okatie Highway. Fine wines and appetizers will be served. Cost is $10 per person. Ten percent of wine sales benefit PAL.

To RSVP email Mary Lynn Peacher at martin.marylynn@gmail.com.

PURSUING PURSES

The Lowcountry Christian Women's Connection will host a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at the Hampton Hall Clubhouse.

The event will feature a "Purse Extravaganza" with a wide assortment of gently used purses for sale for $5 to $10.

If you would like to donate, bring them with you to the luncheon. The speaker will be Cherie Nettles, a Christian comedian, Bible teacher and writer.

Tickets are $25 and reservations must be made by Dec. 2.

For information call Carol at 843-705-7604.

FUN ON THE HALF SHELL

The Bluffton Historical Preservation Society will host an oyster roast from 5 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Bluffton Oyster Factory Park.

Tickets are $30 each and children under 12 are free. The event will be held rain or shine.

For more information call 843-757-6293.

CHRISTMAS FEAST

Volunteers are needed for the 13th annual Community Christmas Day Dinner.

The dinner is open to anyone and will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 25 at the First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head.

To help with the fun and share some Lowcountry cheer, call 843-304-1086.

FOR THE BIRDS

The annual "Christmas Bird Count" is on the horizon Dec. 19 for Okatie and Sun City residents.

Robert Rommel, president of the Hilton Head Island Audubon Society, a local wildlife photographer and author, will present "Christmas Birds Countdown" at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church's Fellowship Hall at 540 William Hilton Parkway. The presentation is free and open to the public. The bird count is an international event that provides critical data on bird populations.

For information visit www.hiltonheadaudubon.org. . Babbie Guscio is the social columnist for The Bluffton Packet. She can be reached at The Store on Calhoun Street.

This story was originally published November 24, 2015 at 12:51 PM with the headline "Guscio: Tarmac proposal leaves couple flying high."