Courtesy photo Dancer's Inc. performers Ali Carden, left front, and Anna Moses, with Crystal Deuel and Caroline Elliott, in back row, earned dance scholarships at the Co. Dance competition in Memphis.

Decatur dancers receive promising scholarships

Wendy’s word

One of my favorite actors is Denzel Washington. He is amazing onscreen, and the more I learn about him, the more I am inspired and encouraged that his heart, unlike many in Hollywood, is in the right place.

I was recently forwarded a story about the Washington family, children and all, visiting a military hospital. Upon learning of the countless facility needs, with no questions asked, Washington pulled out his checkbook and made an impressive donation. Unfortunately, this is not the kind of news we hear about when we turn on the television.

Then, during some recent movie previews, I saw a quote from Washington stating, “Acting is not everything. Children are everything.” It certainly appears to me that his perspective is in order. Making a difference for others and focusing on the generation ahead, unselfishly expecting nothing in return. Now, that’s the kind of Hollywood role models we need.

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

Dance scholarships

Dancers from Dancer’s Inc. recently returned from the Co. Dance competition in Memphis and earned more than a little practice.

Crystal Deuel and Caroline Elliott received senior scholarships, while Anna Moses and Ali Carden each earned junior dance scholarships. “Only 12 scholarships are awarded in each age group, so this is quite an accomplishment for these girls. There were approximately 140 dancers in each age division,” explained Jennifer Erickson, owner of Dancer’s Inc.

Deuel, a junior at Austin High School, also won a scholarship to audition for talent agents, possibly gaining professional representation.

“This could be for dance, modeling or acting work,” Erickson said. She was one of only three receiving this opportunity and will travel to Dallas in June for the audition.

Elliott is a junior at East Lawrence High School, Moses is a fifth-grader at Julian Harris Elementary and Carden is a fourth-grader at St. Ann’s Catholic School.

The Co. Dance organization has professional faculty currently working in the industry with names like Jennifer Lopez, Aaron Carter, Janet Jackson and Savion Glover. Scholarships could take dancers to such places as New York and Los Angeles.

“Many of these girls would love to pursue dance or choreography careers, so this is sure to open great doors of possibilities for them,” Erickson said.

Motorcycle run

With the warmer weather, it seems you see more and more of them around town — motorcycles, that is. If you are looking for a great chance to ride, you may want to check this out.

On April 14, WTAK 106.1 and John Carpenter Ford have teamed up to sponsor this year’s Motorcycle Chicken Run, in conjunction with the annual Chicken and Egg Festival in Moulton. Event organizers have announced a new and more scenic route for riders to travel. The ride will begin at John Carpenter Ford, 14591 Court St. in Moulton, and journey to Bankhead National Forest, travel to Double Springs, and end at the Alabama Chicken and Egg Festival in Moulton.

A few “poker” stops will be along the way, with the winning hand receiving $300, $200 for the second-best hand and $100 for the third-best hand.

“The typical motorcycle rider has changed over the years, and I am expecting all walks of life to participate in this event. Today’s riders are older, affluent professionals,” said Johnny Turner, chairman of the Motorcycle Chicken Run.

Pre-registering is recommended but not required. The deadline to pre-register is March 30. A registration form can be downloaded at www.al
abamachickenandeggfestival
.com. For information, call 974-1658 or toll free at (800) 974-1658.

Country Cousins

The most recent gathering of the Country Cousins welcomed 23 members and guests to the Community Center in Fairview. The luncheon was hosted by Evalene Orr.

The focus at the meeting was hospice, and the group welcomed special guests Jennifer Frasier and Kellie Britton, community education representatives from Life Care Hospice in Cullman. They spoke to the group about the services they provide for terminal patients and their families, addressing many questions from the group.

Those attending included Vera Horsley; Johnnie McElroy; Jimmie Quattlebaum; Lucille Roddam; Zettie Atkinson; Idalene Singleton; Donna Weeks; John and Lauren Quattlebaum; Zettie Wright; Edna Earle James; Johnny Self; Eloise and Mel Bryant; Ashley Swafford and baby Jalyn McClintock; and Hoyt and Dot Maples.

Prayers were requested for members Edna and Bob White, Mildred Johnson and Raney Vice.

Coming up later this month will be the 20th anniversary celebration of the Cousins. Members are looking forward to a special time of cake, balloons and special entertainment. The celebration will be hosted by Atkinson.

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