Mouthwatering meals prepared by ... men?

Wendy’s word

I walked out back yesterday, taking in the cool breeze (finally!) and admiring the winter scenery. That’s when the oak tree caught my eye. I heard it blowing, but it wasn’t until I looked over that I realized it was still full of leaves. I watched, but even in the wind those leaves hung on with all their might.

The winter months can be tough sometimes. Whatever the cause, it seems this time of the year can be rough for many people.

I love that saying “When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” When we think we have reached our end, that’s what we have to do. Find what keeps you going. Like the oak tree, reach for the branch that provides your strength and grasp with all your might.

Calmer winds will be on the way soon. Keep that promise, and don’t let go.

Now let’s see what the “chatter” is for today ...

Men do cook

Men can be quite handy in the kitchen, and there is no better time to do a taste test than at the fourth annual Men Who Cook event. Sponsored by the Mental Health Association in Morgan County, this “fun”-raiser offers teams of community men a chance to prepare delicious, mouthwatering dishes for the public to sample. Plan to go by and grab a plate Jan. 27 at Colonial Mall in Decatur.

Advance tickets are available for $10 at the Mental Health Association office at 207 Commerce Circle S.W., at the information desk at Colonial Mall or from any board member. Tickets at the door will be $12 ($5 for children, ages 5-12). Children under 4 may eat free when accompanied by an adult ticketholder.

All proceeds from the event will support ongoing programs and services of the Mental Health Association.

If you would like to try your hand in the chef business, space is still available for teams. A team may consist of one to five men. Sponsorships are also available in the program booklet.

For more information, call Sue Brantley, 353-1160.

Beta Sigma Phi

The Alpha Alpha Decatur Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi was quite busy during the holiday season. The group began with decorating the doors of each resident at Country Cottage, an assisted living center. Holiday arrangements were made by Jan Abercrombie, Pat Tarpley and Ellen Andrew. The staff then treated Bess Stark, Donna Haley, Jan Schubert, Abercrombie and Andrew to delicious holiday dinner. Members spent time visiting with each resident, wishing each one a Merry Christmas.

The chapter later celebrated the holidays at the home of Mike and Jan Schubert. In attendance were Bess and Dean Stark, Pat and Ernie Tarpley, Ellen Andrew, Linda Burchfield and Joe Flanigan, Sue and Darrell Trammell, Jan and Larry Abercrombie, Cindy and George Nelson and Melvye and George Cooper. Co-hostesses were Tarpley and Starke.

Party-goers enjoyed hors d’oeuvres of shrimp cocktail, miniature quiches, vegetable tray, meatballs, miniature tomato pies and chocolate éclairs. This was topped off with champagne punch and coffee. After sampling all the dishes, the group played Dirty Santa, with Pat Tarpley leading the way in stealing gifts. The guests went home with good wishes, party favors and small Christmas gifts from the Schuberts.

‘Private Lives’ at Princess

Don’t forget to check out the L.A. Theatre Works touring production of “Private Lives,” starring Kathryn Meisle and Stephen Caffrey Thursday night at 7:30 at the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts. This show is part of the 2006-07 Professional Series.

“Private Lives” is one of Noel Coward’s most insightful and bittersweet comedies. Written in 1930, it tells the all-too-familiar tale of a couple who cannot live with or without each other.

This radio theater presentation stars Tony nominated stage and television actress Meisle, who has appeared in such shows as “NYPD Blue,” “Law & Order,” “CSI Miami,” “Oz” and “The Guardian;” well-known television character actor Caffrey, whom you may remember from “Chicago Hope,” “Diagnosis Murder,” “Alias,” “The Practice,” “Seinfeld,” “Judging Amy” and “Providence;” Al Espinosa, from the Old Globe Theatre to Broadway and TV’s “Law & Order SVU;” Kate Steele, who appeared in such shows as “Fraiser” and “Matchstick Men;” and Diane Adair, who appeared on “Happy Days” and “Babylon 5.”

Under the leadership of Producing Director Susan Albert Loewenberg, L.A. Theatre Works has been the foremost radio theater company in the United States for two decades.

Reserved tickets are available for $25 to $40 ($25 for students and teachers). All tickets are available at the Princess Theatre box office weekdays, by calling 340-1778 or online at princess
theatre.org.

‘Look Good, Feel Better’

The latest weapon in the fight against cancer is the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better” program. The weapon of choice is a makeup brush.

Are you a cosmetologist or skin care professional with a few hours to spare? The American Cancer Society is currently seeking cosmetologists in the Decatur area to serve as volunteers for this program that helps female cancer patients cope with appearance-related side effects from cancer treatment by teaching them beauty tips to enhance their looks and self-image.

A training session for new volunteers (open to all licensed cosmetologists and skin care professionals) is planned this month to help patients deal with the physical side effects of cancer treatment.

“Look Good, Feel Better” meets the fourth Monday of every other month at the Cancer Care Center of Decatur (on the Decatur General Hospital campus, Plaza II Building, 1107 14th Ave. S.E., Suite 200). The next session will be Jan. 22 from 10 a.m. to noon. There is no charge to attend.

For information on volunteering or registering, call Kara Neloms at 535-1084. That’s all for now. It’s been great “chattin’ ” with ya! Let me know what is going on in your little corner of the world. If it’s special to you and features any of the great people who live in our community, then it will make a great Chatterbox item. Just e-mail me at ddchatterbox@yahoo.com, or call me at 350-5730.

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