Daily photo by Emily Saunders Laura Howell, state chairwoman of lineage research for DAR, with B.J. Wascom, a recent transplant from Germany, and Wascom's daughter, Lynn Harris, a recent transplant from Hawaii, at a Daughters of the American Revolution brunch.

Tea honors Austin High retirees

Wendy’s word

The clear and beautiful seawater washed up on the shore, chilling our toes as we walked the coastline. Amazing shells in all shapes, sizes and colors were everywhere, placed exactly where the tide had left them. It was a calming, refreshing stroll with all the perfect ingredients a spring beach day could hold.

Then, without warning, the disappointment appeared — multiple cigarette butts, an empty bag of chips and a crushed can. Where had this trash and litter come from? I was just sick and disgusted.

Is there such little regard for our world? I realize many pieces of trash and debris may wash up from the ocean, from places far away, but are we not all one world?

Please do your part to pick up and not leave our beaches and our world a trashy, unattractive place. It doesn’t take much. If we all do our part we can make a difference.

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

Retirement tea

The faculty and staff of Austin High School will host a retirement tea Monday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the school’s library.

The five teachers being honored have a combined 105 years of service. They are Lena “Corky” Vann, Austin High in 1967 and from 1974-2007; Diane Hudson, Austin High from 2003-2007; Deborah Stewart, Austin High from 1997-2007; Helen Thompson, Austin High from 1969-1972 and 1985-2007; and Mary McKimmon, Austin High from 1991-2007.

“These women have been instrumental in the success of our school and our students,” said Susan Thompson, Austin High drama teacher. “We hate to see them go, but want to thank them for all that they have done over the years.”

The tea is open to anyone who would like to stop by and express a word of gratitude. For more information,
contact Thompson at susan
.thompson@dcs.edu or 552-3060, ext.251.

Teen Board

Colonial Mall-Decatur held the annual Teen Board tryouts May 5.

This group of students represents area high schools and acts as a teen advisory council to the mall.

Members will participate in fashion shows, store promotions, retail events and community service projects during the 2007-08 year.

New members include Katie Bush of Brewer High, Marquis Mooris of Austin High, Jessica Cannon of Priceville High, Elizabeth Petty of Decatur High, Britney Cobb of Hartselle High, Emily Quinn of Decatur Heritage, Paizley Coffee of Decatur Heritage, Morgan Sandoval of Austin High, Kyle Dusina of Hartselle High, Christa Scheler of Decatur High, Adrienne Giordano of Austin High, Hannah Smith of Lawrence County High, Shelton Godwin of Decatur High, Betsy Thompson of Speake High, Courtany Grammer of Hartselle High, Brittney Tyler of Speake High, Maggie Gray of Decatur High, Megan Warner of Decatur High, Amelia Koening of Decatur High, Haley Wenzler of Decatur High, Constance Moore of Decatur High and Leta Woller of Decatur High.

Returning seniors include Taylor Allen of Decatur High, Victoria Echols of East Lawrence High, Andrea Crayton of Austin High, Caroline Elliott of Lawrence County High, Crystal Deuel of Austin High, Hannah Hall of Decatur High, Danielle Dykes of Calvary Christian and Kathryn Henderson of Brewer High.

Daughters brunch

A recent brunch for the Stephens Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, was hosted by Margaret Ann Templeton, Joan Barksdale, Ann Martin and Liz Pilgrim at Decatur Country Club.

Guests dined on fresh fruit, egg casserole, grits, asparagus, fried chicken livers, sausage, bacon and coffee cake.

Guest speaker was Laura Howell, ASDAR state chairwoman of lineage research, from Anniston.

Additional reports and announcements were given by Ann Martin, Virginia Morton, Mary Shaw, Peggy Johnson and Alice Roberts.

Regent Jane Rowe recognized 50-year members Edna Harris, Peggy Miller and Roberts.

New members Betty Jean “B.J.” Wascom from Germany and daughter Lynn Harris from Hawaii were introduced, along with Louise Martin, Erin Alsop, Ann Eyster and Margaret Fite. Prospective members are Blythe Orr and Sherry McAlister.

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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