Courtesy photo Mary Ann McDougal, left, a fifth-grader at Chestnut Grove Elementary, and former Miss Point Mallard Katie Boyd during the recent Red Heart, Red Tie, Red Hot Night event.

Former Miss Point Mallard hosts ‘red hot’ heart event

Wendy’s word

February brings thoughts of love, friendship, romance, and of course, hearts. I trust you have a happy heart, but do you have a healthy one? Take care of yourself and watch for signs that may indicate a health issue such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure.

If you notice warning signs, take action before it’s too late. Contact your local physician, or for more information on heart disease, call your area office of the American Heart Association in Huntsville, 533-8500.

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

Red hot heart event

Focusing on a healthy heart is something Katie Boyd takes very seriously. This former Miss Point Mallard and first runner-up to Miss Alabama is far more than simply an honor student at The University of Alabama. Having just earned her position for the second year in a row as a member of USA Today’s All-Academic Team, Boyd has a commitment and dedication to bettering her life and the lives of others that go beyond the classroom.

On Feb. 9 in Birmingham, Boyd hosted the “Red Heart, Red Tie, Red Hot Night,” an event benefiting the American Heart Association. With a crowd of more than 300 at the Vestavia Hills Country Club, Boyd welcomed supporters from around the state, raising more than $3,000 for the organization. Jennifer Walker was there from Decatur, as was former Miss Point Mallard and Miss Alabama Shannon Camper, who provided the evening’s entertainment with such hits as “Dream in Color” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

Guests indulged in chocolate fondue and a beautiful spread of cakes, candies and cookies. An assortment of chocolate, strawberry and white milk was a highlight for the children in the crowd.

Boyd, who lost her grandmother to heart disease as a result of smoking, donates her time and efforts to educating others on the effects of smoking and heart disease. Her original anti-smoking program “Take 5 — Let’s Talk Heart to Heart” has reached more than 60,000 students throughout Alabama. For more information on Boyd’s program, which is available for presentation to local schools, classrooms and civic groups, visit her Web site www.thekatieboyd.com.

Heart health seminar

Parkway Medical Center will offer a free seminar, Women and Cardiovascular Disease — Signs, Symptoms and Prevention, Thursday at 6 p.m. and again in association with the Healthy Woman program Feb. 28 at noon.

Dr. Navdeep Mann will present the class and will be available for questions.

For more information, call Belinda Bullard, 301-3428, or Tina Weeks, 301-3370.

Musical luncheon

Friends of the Decatur Public Library invite you to a musical interlude with Peter Fletcher, nationally known classical guitarist who recently appeared at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Don’t miss this event on March 9 at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn.

For ticket information, call the Decatur Public Library, 353-2993.

AARP meeting

Morgan County Chapter 234 of AARP met recently with President Don Thomas leading the pledge and singing “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” Betty Cromeans offered the devotional.

Ray Holton and Thomas shared brief life histories.

Special guest Sara Alice Godwin was introduced by Norma Jean Melder and spoke on interesting historical events in Decatur, beginning with its birth in 1820. Helen Barnes took home the door prize just before John Cromeans reminded the LifeStyle members of their invitation to attend tour group meetings at Decatur General Hospital. He will provide more information on this and other trips at the upcoming meeting.

AARP will meet again Feb. 27 in the lower fellowship hall of Central United Methodist Church. A covered dish lunch will be served, as special guest Rep. Bill Dukes, D-Decatur, gives an update on the legislative session. He will be available to answer questions.

For more information, call Mae Garner at 306-1010.

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.

Email This Page