Daily photo by Emily Saunders Wayne Wagnon, left, receives a state AARPaward for outstand-ing service from Don Thomas.

AARP member receives state award for his service

Wendy's word

Now that's a rock! I was out with the kids looking for treasures, as they would call it. In my mind we were simply digging through the mud in search of rocks and stones. Flat ones, round ones and ones covered in moss. You name it and, more than likely, it was in our sand bucket collection.

We were finding one after another, when we hit an obstacle — a pretty good size boulder. It was bigger than we imagined and, despite all three of us working on it, could not be moved. We kept trying to move it, but decided to find a different route. What a life lesson we found beneath that red, Alabama clay!

When life throws you an unexpected "rock," it's easy to toss in the towel and give up. However, there is also something to be said for pushing forward with all your might, even if it takes you on another course. After shifting gears, we found some of the best additions to our collection.

Now let's see what the "chatter" is for today ...

State AARP award

Morgan County Chapter 234 of AARP met recently with Don Thomas presiding. Norma Jean Melder introduced special guest Lisa D. Terry, resident services director at Country Cottage Assisted Living. Her program, "We're not getting any younger, but we can get better," focused on strategies for keeping the brain young.

Wayne Wagnon shared his efforts on behalf of a friend who uses a wheelchair to receive VA disability benefits. Following his presentation Wagnon received a plaque from the state of Alabama AARP for outstanding community service.

Opportunities for service in a hospital environment were shared by Tom Guyton. Seeking a program where he could stay connected with people, he worked with Shirley Reid and now volunteers at Decatur General Hospital.

John Cromeans shared additional information about Elder Hostel, Cavalier Tours, Decatur General Lifestyle and St. Paul's Primetimers trips. This was followed by a brief report from Ray Houlton, AARP volunteer team leader, on the district AARP meeting Feb. 15. The group discussed legislative issues, and recognized Chapter 234 as the overall best chapter in Alabama.

The chapter recognized new members Darrell and Sandra Phillips. Lee Towry, Geraldine Busby and Susan Scott received door prizes.

The next meeting is March 27 and will feature a speaker from the Crime Prevention Unit of the Decatur Police Department. Meetings are in the lower fellowship hall at Central United Methodist Church.

AARP information was submitted by Mae Garner.

Calling little 'chicks'

The Little Chick Beauty Walk, in conjunction with the Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival, will be April 14 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be in the Citizens Bank Children's Chicken Coop Area at the Moulton Lions Club Fairgrounds.

The pageant is open to girls in the state of Alabama ages 18 years and younger. Age groups will be 0-12 months, 13-23 months, 2-4 years, 5-7 years, 8-10 years, 11-13 years, 14-16 years, and 17-18 years. The winner in each division will receive a crown.

Other winners to be selected will be Most Photogenic, Best Smile and Most Beautiful. Each applicant will receive a trophy and four free tickets to the Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival.

"Pageants continue to open new doors and provide opportunities for young girls," Chairwoman Summer Kerby said. "Smaller pageants, such as the Little Chick Beauty Walk, provide the needed experience for mastering the larger ones."

Registration information,
entry fees and an application can be downloaded from
www.alabamachickenand
eggfestival.com or by calling Kerby at 476-1690. The entry deadline is April 4.

For general information on the festival, call the Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at 974-1658 or toll free at (800) 974-1658.

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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