Daily photo by Gary Cosby Jr. Co-hostess Tami Reist is entertained by Randy Cross, a Southern humorist and professor at Calhoun Community College, during the Red Hat Society’s fundraiser for the American Red Cross.

Red Hats raise funds for Red Cross

Wendy’s word

My goodness! I continue to be amazed at the apparent power of “Wendy’s Word.” After two years of writing the column, I had no idea that it could stir such emotion. All I mentioned was a salesperson and a baseball cap, certainly not what I would consider to be controversial topics.

The latest unsolicited response included the following, and I quote, “Many people love to wear their baseball caps, and they have a right to do that. I personally detest baseball caps. I’ve never seen anyone, male or female, who looks good or even cute in one. To me they make everyone look stupid.” Wow, that was bold!

Just to be clear, the purpose of Wendy’s Word is a light-hearted attempt at sharing my personal perspective on life. That’s it, clear and simple. Maybe in my next column I will share my views on global warming. Can’t wait to see who comes out of the woodwork on that one!

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

Red Hats fundraiser

There was a fire in town. Not literally, but one would have thought so with the number of firemen all in one place. The mission: raising money for the American Red Cross.

Fire Mountain Restaurant opened its doors to the recent event, hosted by Beverly Crosswhite and Tami Reist. Dinner included baked chicken, green beans, creamed potatoes, salad, and a selection of key lime pie, lemon pie or red velvet cake was served for dessert. With more than 110 in attendance, more than $2,500 came in for the organization.

Servers included firemen from Priceville and Moulton, along with students from Calhoun Community College’s Phi Theta Kappa fraternity.

The festive decorations included red tablecloths adorned with centerpieces of glass vases with red carnations, purple or red feathers, red willows or an arrangement of hazmat helmets by NAFCO on a bed of purple netting.

A Red Hat scrapbook with pictures and memorabilia was open for guests to view, followed by a power point presentation of the Morgan-Lawrence County Chapter of the American Red Cross with photos and statistics for the 2006 year.

Providing the evening’s entertainment was Dr. Randy Cross, offering a taste of his unique Southern humor. Musician Jeff Whitlow performed, and is already lined up as the featured entertainment for next year’s event. Mark your calendars now for January 31, 2008.

For more information on the American Red Cross, call Crosswhite at 309-4280.

Women’s Chamber

Decatur Country Club will be the place to be noon Friday when the Women’s Chamber of Commerce meets. Members and guests will welcome speaker Paula Steigerwald, a former Chamber member, now representing the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Prepare to hear plans and updates on spring and summer events at the Botanical Gardens.

Heaton Chiropractic will serve as hostesses.

The luncheon is $11. Call Brenda Hartman at 351-6581 by Tuesday for reservations.

NAMI meeting

The National Alliance on Mental Illness met recently, with 40 members in attendance. President Marilyn Volonino opened with an introduction of guest speaker Dr. Merriwether Brown, child and adolescent psychiatrist, from the Albany Clinic of the Mental Health Center.

Brown discussed her methods of evaluation from observation, behavioral skills, social interaction and personal family situations. Her patient base ranges in age from four through the adolescent years.

A book sale will be Thursday and Friday at the Mental Health building, 1316 Somerville Road, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., with proceeds benefiting projects of the Mental Health Center and its clients.

Among those attending were Anita Thomas, social worker at North Alabama Regional Hospital; Belinda Lavender from Decatur West admissions office; Marie Hood, executive director of the Mental Health Center of North Alabama; and Jessica Chase of the probation system.

Speakers from the Morgan County Sheriff’s office will attend the next meeting March 27 at 7 p.m. at the Decatur Public Library.

For more information, call Brenda Tinger, 306-0898.

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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