Kent: Share stories of colorful Warner Robins residents at heritage meeting

Got a funny story to tell about someone or something in Warner Robins? Then you can be a speaker at the next Warner Robins Heritage Society meeting.

The Warner Robins Heritage Society will host its quarterly historical program on Jan. 25. The topic will be "Scoundrels, Rogues, Practical Jokers I have known in Warner Robins."

According to Art Howard, of the Warner Robins Heritage Society, the organization does historical programs about once a quarter.

Started in 2012, the Warner Robins Heritage Society's mission is to collect the history of the community.

This month's topic of "Scoundrels, Rogues, Practical Jokers I have known in Warner Robins" is intended to be lighthearted recollections of memorable characters that people have known in Warner Robins. Rather than having one speaker, attendees will be asked to share their memories.

The topic came about after a monthly meeting where members discuss their plans for the upcoming year.

"It really struck us that hearing the memories that people have would be really fun. When people tell stories and talk, it makes things really interesting," Howard said.

Howard emphasized that the memories were to be "lighthearted" -- not anything too serious or scandalous.

"For example, Alex Talley, one of our members, has a really fun story she is going to share about Barbara Shaheen, who was known for her fun spirit and wit," Howard said.

Other plans for the next year include interviewing and recording women who have memories of World War II.

"We are going to be interviewing them in groups and hear the stories of women that lived here during World War II. There is a lot to learn from them and a sense of urgency to get them to tell their stories," Howard said.

The April historical program will be on churches in Warner Robins.

Howard said that people interested in the early history of Warner Robins should visit the Nola Brantley and Centerville libraries and take advantage of the oral histories that have been collected and that are available there to listen to on computers.

The January meeting of the Warner Robins Heritage Society will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 25 at the Nola Brantley Library meeting room.