Daily photo by Gary Lloyd At a recent meeting of the Decatur Music Club, several members performed, including, from left, Barbara Pettey, Donna Turner, Loretta Bonner and Dick Tait. Bonner, accompanied by Turney on piano, sang “American Lullaby” by G. Rich and “O Lord Most Holy” by Bach. Pettey performed a Bach Allemande on viola. Tait sang songs from Gilbert and Sullivan’s “Patience” and “Sorcerer,” as well as songs such as “Jimmy O’Shay” and “The Lion’s Cage.” The meeting was held at the home of David and Gayle Metcalf.

Camp Hope can help children deal with grief

Wendy’s word

I can’t believe it’s been two years! This weekend marks my second anniversary as the Chatterbox columnist, and what a joy it has been. I have had the unique opportunity to meet and talk with individuals throughout the area. Many new friends have been made as I’ve watched reunions and special events become annual traditions we can all look forward to.

When I started with Chatterbox, my sincere desire was to make it something fresh and new. Most importantly, I wanted to insure it was a little tidbit in The Daily that readers would enjoy. Thanks for your continued support. The calls, notes and e-mails mean the world and are an inspiration to me.

May God’s blessings continue to shine on you and our great community. I look forward to chattin’ with you and sharing a small piece of what’s going on around town. Let me know what’s happening in your corner of the world.

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

Camp Hope

Children who have experienced a loss through death are invited to spend a day with others going through similar situations at Camp Hope. Sponsored by Hospice of the Valley, this one-day, free camp is June 26, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Point Mallard Park, old ice rink pavilion. Spots are available for anyone who has completed kindergarten through high school. Sessions also will be provided for adult caregivers.

This year’s theme, “Grief Explosion,” will feature activities for all ages, including teens. Each camper will be assigned a buddy — a special volunteer who will spend the day with him or her.

Volunteers are needed to be buddies to the campers. Buddies will help with arts, crafts and recreation, run errands and serve food. The camp also is seeking sponsors for T-shirts, lunch, craft supplies and snacks.

For more information, call Brenda Westbrook, children’s bereavement facilitator, at 350-5585.

Band party

Join in the fun Friday night at 6 p.m. when rock band Nobility, formerly Jetpack UK, performs at Decatur Public Library.

Featured in the children’s book “Inside a Rock Band,” the library-oriented program encourages reading and learning.

Sponsored by Friends of the Library, the concert is free to the public.

For more information, call the library at 353-2993.

Rising Star search is on

Miss Point Mallard Jessica Headley will arrive in Birmingham today along with contestants throughout the state to vie for Miss Alabama 2007. Preliminary competitions begin Wednesday night at Samford University with the new Miss Alabama crowned during Saturday night’s finals at Samford’s Wright Center.

If you have a little one who thinks about walking that same stage one day or dreams of holding the Miss Alabama title, you may want to check this out. Miss Point Mallard will hold the first Rising Star competition during the Spirit of America Festival on July 3 at T.C. Almon Recreation Center Point Mallard Park beginning at 4 p.m.

A rehearsal will be July 2 at 8 p.m. in the T.C. Almon Center. Contestants should wear an age-appropriate party dress or gown of their choice during the competition.

The Rising Star Pageant is open to girls in two divisions, ages 6-7 (must be 7 by the second week of June 2008) and ages 8-11 (must not be 12 before the second week of June 2008). Only 25 contestants will compete in each age division. A panel of three judges will evaluate contestants, and choose a winner, along with a first, second, third and fourth alternate in each division.

The contestant earning the most points from both groups will be named Miss Point Mallard’s Rising Star and will be mentored by the new Miss Point Mallard in the coming year. In the event the winner is not able to attend the Miss Alabama competition next June, the girl with the second highest point total will receive the honor.

Rising Star responsibilities include an appearance at the Miss Point Mallard competition on July 3 and 4. She must attend the Miss Alabama competition in June 2008, which includes a special luncheon and reception, a rehearsal with the Miss Alabama contestants, a picture in the state program book, a T-shirt, a crown necklace, an autographed photo of Miss Alabama, and on-stage introduction during the Miss Alabama competition. She also will crown next year’s Miss Point Mallard Rising Star winner on July 3.

Rising Stars tuition fee will be determined by the Miss Alabama Pageant and will be paid by the Miss Point Mallard Pageant. Parents of the winner of Miss Point Mallard Rising Star competition will be responsible for transportation to and from the Miss Alabama Competition and events at Samford University in Birmingham June 2008.

All contestants must complete a registration/consent form and pay a $50 entrance fee by June 28. Registration forms and checks, made payable to the Miss Point Mallard Pageant, should be mailed to Mickey Johnson, 127 Hazelcrest Road, Hazel Green, AL 35750. Entry fees are non-refundable.

For more additional information, call Johnson at 256-828-1240.

La Petit

La Petit Salon No. 840, Department of North Alabama 824, met recently at Southern Buffet in Athens.

Chapeau Peggy Chapman presided over the meeting, where plans for the upcoming year were distributed to each committee chairman.

A letter from Department Partnership Chairwoman Marie Adams informed the group that they have reached their quota for this year. Members decided to keep the same officers for 2007-08. The group also discussed next year’s budget.

The next meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. June 7 at Cabin Grill in Hartselle.

Hartselle Newcomers

The Hartselle Newcomers Club met recently to close out the year until August. During a tour of three local landmarks, Newcomers were welcomed by Bill and Judy Spain at the historic Pattillo home on Main Street, then visited the First Christian Church and the Oden House Bed and Breakfast, owned by Ann Hill and husband Ray.

Following the tour, members had lunch at the Oden Cottage while sharing plans for the summer. They also remembered a busy 2006-07 season, which included supporting the community through Hospice of the Valley, Holiday Hope Chest, Morgan County Meals on Wheels and the American Red Cross, thanks to a successful challenge from President Sue Kalber.

The 2007-08 club year will begin in August. New Hartselle residents arriving this summer can contact Sandy Johnson at 751-4540 for more information about the club.

That’s all for now. It’s been great “chattin” with ya! E-mail at ddchatterbox@yahoo.com or call me at 350-5730 with all of your great summer news. I look forward to hearing from you.

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