Courtesy photo Potential new members Dawn McAfee, left, Susie McEven and Charlotte Malone at a Decatur Charity League morning brunch.

Charity League elects officers, plans annual May luncheon

Wendy’s word

“Mama always said that miracles happen every day. Some people don’t think so, but they do!” These memorable words from the Academy Award-winning movie “Forrest Gump” remind us that we can always expect the unexpected. Whether it’s the rebirth of spring or kind actions from a stranger, something unbelievable is unfolding right before our eyes.

Another favorite blockbuster hit, “Bruce Almighty,” had this to say, and I agree wholeheartedly: “Don’t wait for the miracle, be the miracle.”

Let that be our challenge for the day.

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

Charity League

Decatur Charity League recently hosted a morning brunch at the home of Dana Bishop. Potential new members Charlotte Malone, Susie McEven and Dawn McAfee were present to learn more about the group.

Officer elections were held with new officers as follows: Leigh Atkins, president; Robin Koch, first vice president; Robin Lemmons and Dana Bishop, second vice presidents; Regina Blackburn, treasurer; Nita Woodson, recording secretary; and Suzie Hackett, recording secretary. Members serving six years obtaining associate status include Annette Clark, Neysa Johnson and Pam Lansdell. Other members present were Annette Clark, Leigh Atkins, Joann Malcolm, Marsha Hopper, Melinda Martin, Regina Blackburn, Patty Mooneyham, Shelley Sedlak and Nita Woodson.

The annual May luncheon will be May 14 at the Oden House in Hartselle. New members should arrive at 9 a.m. Lunch will begin at 11 a.m. Melinda Martin will deliver the message. Tiki Hubbard will install new officers. All associate Decatur Charity League members and anyone interested in joining are welcome. An RSVP is needed.

For more information, call Lemmons, 773-4791.

Child safety conference

The fifth annual Child Safety Conference is Thursday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Decatur Baptist Church.

The keynote speaker will be Beth Holloway Twitty, mother of Natalee Holloway, who disappeared in Aruba in 2005. Dr. Larry Little will lead a workshop titled “Children: Enrich their Lives ... Impact their Future.”

Investigator Kevin Turner from the Huntsville Police Department will lead a workshop on gangs. U.S. Postal Inspector Jeffrey Arney will lead a workshop on Internet safety.

Sheriff Jeffrey Dawsy from Citrus County, Fla., may speak about the Jessica Lunsford case, the 9-year-old who was abducted, sexually assaulted and murdered in February 2005. Dawsy was chief spokesman for the case and is currently testifying in the trial. His appearance is dependent on the trial.

Workshop moderators include Chief Kenneth Collier, Kelly Moates, Investigator Amy Crouch and Probate Judge Greg Cain.

The planning committee includes the Morgan County Substance Abuse Network, PACT, the Enrichment Center, Decatur General West, Riverside Counseling and Consulting, Decatur City Schools, the Volunteer Center, Decatur Youth Services, Morgan County Department of Human Services, Mental Health Association Rape Response Advocacy Program, Morgan County Children’s Policy Council, Morgan County Child Advocacy Center, Morgan County district attorney, Decatur Police Department, Morgan County Schools, Community Action/Foster Grandparents and the Mental Health Center of NCA.

This conference will be of interest to parents, educators, law enforcement officers, mental health professionals and others. For more information, call Sue Brantley at the Mental Health Association, 353-1160.

Junior League

Junior League of Morgan County will hold a new member dessert social and informational meeting April 23 at 7:30 p.m. on the third floor of the downtown AmSouth Bank Building. Learn more at a follow-up meeting April 30 at 7 p.m.

JLMC focuses on women, children and education, with a signature project of raising funds for the Delano Park Playground for All Children.

For more information, call Amy Jackson at 308-0981.

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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