Daily file photo by Jonathan Palmer From left, Kate Cole, event co-chairwoman; Jenny Roby, event co-chairwoman; Sue Ellen Penley, decorations co-chairwoman; Jess Putnam, event co-chairwoman; Charly Kusta, food and beverage co-chairwoman; and Jennie-Marie McMasters, invitations co-chairwoman, will don their hats Saturday for the third annual Kentucky Derby Party to benefit Hospice of the Valley.

Hats on at Derby
Party to benefit Hospice

Wendy’s word

When the going gets tough, do the tough give up? Absolutely not! When life throws us a bump in the road, we don’t just pack up and go home. We regroup, recharge, reignite, whatever it takes to refuel and keep going.

Conflict in life is truly inevitable, especially as groups with varied personalities and styles merge toward a common goal. So when a little storm comes through, the group can’t run different directions. Changes and adjustments may become necessary to stay on track, but when it’s all said and done, the conflict at hand can result in a blessing and a positive experience for all involved.

Don’t ever throw in the towel! You’ll miss the silver lining if you do.

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

Derby Party

Spectators will gather Saturday under the Twin Spires in Louisville, Ky., to experience the spectacle and pageantry of the most exciting two minutes in sports, while fans in Decatur join for the third annual Kentucky Derby Party. This festive event, sponsored by Hospice of the Valley, is at the home of Ken and Debbie Looney beginning at 4 p.m. and will feature all the makings of a true Derby party.

Pull out your favorite hats and Derby attire. Prizes will be awarded for the best dressed. The race starts at 5 p.m. Shuttles to the Looney home will run continuously from Burningtree Country Club.

Heading up this year’s event are Hospice Guild members Kate Klepper Cole, Jess Putnam and Jenny Roby, co-chairwomen; Charly Kusta and Kristin Burnett, food and beverage chairs; Sue Ellen Penley and Ashley Ashwander, decorations; Stephanie Gantt and Anna Higginbotham, gaming and auction chairs; Charlotte Gregory, reservations; and Jill Barran, special assignments.

Party food will feature a sampling of many Decatur restaurants, followed by unique prizes and auction items from local businesses. Big ticket items include furniture pieces and accessories, Decatur Country Club memberships, jewelry, dental services and photography. Judge and Jury will provide entertainment.

Chances to support your favorite horse will be available. All proceeds will benefit Hospice of the Valley, the only
nonprofit hospice in Morgan and Lawrence counties.

Tickets are $60 per person and are available at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Hospice of the Valley office at 350-5585.

Relay for Life

American Cancer Society’s signature event kicks off tonight, and you don’t want to miss it!

Relay for Life will begin at 7 p.m. in Morgan and Limestone counties. In Morgan County, come on out to Founders Park in Decatur or in Limestone County at Athens Sportsplex. Events will run throughout the night until 7 a.m. Saturday.

Relay is a unique event that offers everyone in the community an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer. The overnight event remembers those who have lost the fight against cancer and honors those who have survived.

For more information, call the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

Birding Festival

Children and adults are invited to the second annual North Alabama Birding Festival this weekend. The free expo is Saturday at Rhodes Ferry Park in Decatur from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature such attractions as bird house construction, seed distribution, landscaping ideas, falconry demonstrations and decoy carvings.

The three-day event features field trips across North Alabama, nationally known speakers, a canoe excursion, receptions and various workshops and activities designed for guests of all ages.

For more information, contact the Decatur-Morgan County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 350-2028 or (800) 239-7219 or visit their Web site at www.decaturcvb.org and click on the birding festival icon.

Strawberry Festival

Get ready to sink your teeth into the sweetest strawberries in North Alabama at the annual Antique and Strawberry Festival this weekend in Moulton.

The festival will be under the pine trees next to the former Classical Fruits on Alabama 157 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, rain or shine. Admission and parking is free.

In addition to the great food, there will be craft vendors, antique vendors, plants, children’s inflatables and more.

“We would like to invite everyone to come out and join the fun,” said Festival Organizer Natalie-Ann Dutton.

For more information on the festival or exhibits, call 974-5067.

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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