Courtesy photo Five generations of this family got together recently, with the attention focused on Briar Nolan Holt, who turns 1 this week. He is being held by his great-great-grandmother, Oralee Grissom of Courtland. Others are, clockwise, Burna Lee Cline of Courtland, his great-grandmother; LeeAnn Holt of Hartselle, his mother; and Amanda Dumas, also of Hartselle, his grandmother.

Firefighters to serve dinner at Red Hat fundraiser

Wendy’s word

One of the best weeks of the year, in my opinion, has come to completion. What in the world is so great about the middle of January? Well, two of my favorite shows premiered, with “24” on Sunday and Monday nights, followed by “American Idol” on Tuesday night.

Life pulls us in so many directions. We never seem to stop, with responsibilities facing us at every crossroad. Sometimes it’s just nice to have a “no brainer,” and these hit television shows fit the bill for me.

Taking on completely different themes, one is totally scripted, full of thrilling twists as each second ticks away. The other is reality television at its finest, looking at the emotional highs and lows of trying to sing and perform your way to the top.

Whatever it is that causes you to sit down for a few moments, take time today to enjoy. Perhaps, it’s another show, a book, some music or just a quiet time. Relax and enjoy your “no brainer.”

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

Red Hats for Red Cross

Red Hats across North Alabama are gearing up for the annual fundraising party on Feb. 1. This event that benefits the Morgan-Lawrence County Chapter of American Red Cross will be held at Calhoun College’s aerospace technology building beginning at 6:30 p.m.

In this night full of fun, dinner will be served by local firemen, with entertainment provided by Decatur humorist Randy Cross.

Tickets are available for $25 per person, and the public is invited to join in the fun. For additional information or to make your reservation today, call the Red Cross office at 353-4891 or 974-2000.

Country Cousins

Donna and Ray Weeks recently hosted a belated Christmas party for the Country Cousins at the Community Center in Fairview.

The Shadow Mountain Band, made up of Jack Crutchfield, Bonnie Cleghorn, Philip and Martha Creel, Tootsie Russell, Alfred Jones, David Lashley and the Weeks family, provided the afternoon entertainment.

Those attending included Billie Hutchinson, Zettie Atkinson, Johnnie McElroy, Zettie Wright, Edna and Bob White, Idalene Singleton, Edna Earle James, Vera Horsley, Lucille Roddam, Marilyn Allen, Mildred Johnson, Johnny Self and Hoyt and Dot Maples.

During the time together, cousins fellowshipped and celebrated the holidays but also remembered those who recently passed away: Ottie Lou Self, Emily Orr, Olene Wilbanks’ great-granddaughter; and Betty Carter, McElroy’s niece.

Who’s Who

The 2007 edition of Who’s Who of American Women includes Mary Ellen Miles of Decatur. The Department of Defense retiree, who lived all over the world during her 28-year career, now volunteers as a docent for Carnegie Visual Arts Center and provides clerical assistance to Decatur City Schools, Community Free Clinic and AARP.

She also is a dedicated member of Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform and the Southern Poverty Law Center’s Leadership Council. Her name appears on the Wall of Tolerance at the Civil Rights Memorial in Montgomery.

La Petit Salon

Partners with the La Petit Salon 840, Department of Alabama met recently in Hartselle with 15 present. New partner Lucille Craig was welcomed.

Chapeau Peggy Chapman led the business agenda, with the partners reading the poem, “In Flanders Field.” L’Aumonier Betty Hancock led prayers for the soldiers serving in Iraq.

Everyone was asked to donate toys and games for the children currently under the care of the hospital in Denver, which specializes in respiratory diseases, the mission that the group supports.

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. I look forward to hearing from you.

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