Courtesy photo Ruth Fuller, left, was among those attending a coffee given by Danielle Solley, right, at her home.

Solley welcomes friends at Christmas coffee

Wendy's word

What's in your basement? My guess is that visions of boxes piled to the ceiling as you pack up after the holidays come to mind, but if you've seen the new "Rocky" movie, you know exactly what I'm talking about.

The "basement," as Rocky describes it, is that desire and passion in your heart — a burning feeling that something in your life is incomplete or unfinished. Is there a dream in your life that needs fulfilling? Is there something you long to accomplish or a task you wish could be completed?

There is no better time to take that step forward than the New Year. What are you waiting for? What do you fear? Don't worry about what anyone may say or think about you. What you believe in and what you hope to achieve arestrictly up to you.

Best wishes as you make your dreams come true in 2007.

On that inspirational note, let's see what the chatter is around town . . .

Christmas coffee

Danielle Solley has been in the holiday spirit this month, opening her home for family and friends to gather for several Christmas celebrations. She had a Christmas coffee Dec. 15, saying, "It was a way to get some friends together that I just don't see very often."

Joining in the fun were Ruth Fuller, Lucinda Burchel, Sara Watkins, Bridget Montgomery and Clair Lee. Kale Dement and Charlotte Gregory stopped by following a morning round of tennis.

Guests enjoyed a spread of fresh strawberries with powdered sugar, homemade monkey bread, sausage and egg casserole, fruit skewers with strawberry cream cheese dip, assorted cheeses and candies, holiday fruit punch, spiced tea and coffee.

Solley's beautifully decorated Southwest Decatur home offered the perfect atmosphere to welcome friends.

Point of Light

On Dec. 19, former Miss Point Mallard Katie Boyd was named a Daily Point of Light. Boyd, recognized for her efforts in the fight against underage smoking, joins other volunteers nationwide who are working hard to make a difference in their local communities. This prestigious award is presented by Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network in Washington, D.C.

"Points of Light are the soul of America. They are ordinary people who reach beyond themselves to the lives of those in need, bringing hope and opportunity, friendship and care," said former President George Bush.

Through an original program called "Take 5," Boyd encourages young people to take five minutes and educate themselves on the dangers and consequences of underage smoking. Targeting fifth-grade students, she works with them through a variety of educational material, helping them see the effects of smoking. Students are then asked to write letters of encouragement to juniors and seniors in high school, asking them not to smoke. She describes this tactic as a "reversed mentoring program."

The Daily Point of Light Award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities.

It focuses on the goals for children and youth set by the Presidents' Summit for America's Future. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award. To nominate a volunteer, go to www.pointsoflight.org/awards/dpol/nominate.cfm.

Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who are helping to solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the foundation encourages people from all walks of life — businesses, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youths and older adults — to volunteer.

With Christmas behind us, we can reflect on the many happy times with family, friends and loved ones. Perhaps you had a gathering you would like to share. If it featured any of the great people who live in our community, it would make a great Chatterbox item. Let me know what's going on in your corner of the world. Call me at 350-5730 or send e-mail to ddchatterbox@yahoo.com.

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