On Jan. 23, friends and family of Joseph Harry Zuckerman gathered at Temple Kol Emeth in east Cobb to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Bar Mitzvah, translated as "Son of Commandments", is a time of ritual maturity when a son who has reached the age of 13 assumes moral responsibility, obligation and privileges of adult Jewish life.

At the centuries-old ceremony that is passed from parent to child, Joseph was granted the honor of reading from the Torah in Hebrew. Rabbi Steven Lebow presided over the service, assisted by Cantor Mark Perman and Cantorial Soloist Blake Singer.

A traditional Kiddush luncheon followed the service. Later that evening, the group moved to the 755 Club at Turner Field in Atlanta where Joseph's parents hosted a beautiful party that included dinner and dance.

Among those attending were: Dianne and Dwight Blackwood, JuLee and Rudy Childre, Bina and Bharat Desai, Jan and Bill Eikost, Dana and Bud Ferguson, Teresa and Blair Fisher, Karen and Paul Heroux, Pamela and Chip Irle, Janet and Mark Knautz, Joni and Jack LaHue, Dr. Holly and Bruce Martin, Christy and Dan Palladino, James Pittinger, Dr. Robin and Steve Reich, Lyric Resmondo, Jennifer and Matthew Smith, Wanda Stone, Kitty Drew and Terru Strecker, Suzanne and Cliff Waddington, Gina and Bill Wheeler, Angie and Marty Yabrow and Karlyn and Dr. Dave Zimmerman.

Joseph is the son of Simone and Dr. Alan Zuckerman and brother of Joshua Zuckerman of Marietta. He is the grandson of Irene Yabrow and Edwin Yabrow.

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Elroy Martin of Marietta celebrates his 90th birthday on Feb. 2. Elroy's sons, Ted Martin of Memphis, Tenn., and John Martin, a civilian employed in Iraq, hosted a birthday dinner party in his honor at the Vinings Inn on Jan. 30.

Attendees included Laurel and Cady Reisman of Memphis; Bob Freeman and Debbie Jones of Norcross; Danielle, Lauren and Dylan Martin; Ilene Baker; Debi and Bob Conner; and Pam and Keith Conner, all of Marietta.

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Flora Reid celebrated her 95th birthday Jan. 24 with her daughter Helen Beavers and son-in-law John Beavers hosting a luncheon celebration. Joining in the festivities were her grandsons and their families: Chuck and Delphia Beavers with Christy, Emily and James; Melani and Stuart Beavers of Highlands with Isaac and Ellie Cate; and Laurie and Tate Beavers with sons John Michael and Bradley.

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Fashion spotlight of the week: Looking absolutely amazing in the "it" color - purple silk cocktail suit - Irene Yabrow.

Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit @bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-7122.