Daily photo by Jonathan Palmer Pilot Club of Decatur leaders Kay Chandler, left, and Jan Abercrombie, right, present their 2007 Distinguished Service Award to Decatur businessman and supporter Ray Solley.

Solley receives Pilot Club award

Wendy’s word

“Our coach tells us to stall the game,” a young player admitted during a recent ball game right here in Decatur. Stalling is an unsportsmanlike tactic when used in an attempt to purposefully run out the game clock.

I couldn’t believe my ears. What was this coach teaching these players, and why was the season not spent learning the skills of fielding and batting?

Unfortunately, there are people who will do whatever it takes to win, even if it means playing a bit unfairly.

I guess that’s the world we live in, but must we teach this to our children and young athletes?

It’s certainly not the life lesson I want mine learning.

Maybe this coach will reevaluate his techniques and take a good, hard look at why he’s out on the ball field before agreeing to coach again.

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

Solley gets award

The Pilot Club of Decatur recently awarded its Distinguished Service Award to Ray Solley of Solley Crane Services for his consistent and unwavering support of the Pilot Club of Decatur.

A Decatur businessman for more than 35 years, Solley was presented the award during the annual installation of officers program at Decatur Country Club, where members and guests dined on filet mignon.

Chartered in 1971, the Pilot Club is a service organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community through such service projects as “Project Lifesaver,” an innovative program aiding those with Alzheimer’s disease and other brain-related disorders such as Downs Syndrome and Autism, and their families.

Pilot Club members also focus on their “Brainminders Program,” which helps save children’s lives through preventive education on all kinds of topics, such as swimming and diving safety to prevent brain injuries.

The club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Decatur Country Club and welcomes all who are interested in community service. For information, call Cathy Ann Evans at 566-6972.

Sweet 16 celebration

An S.O.S. went out to friends of Grace Oaks.

No, she wasn’t in distress. This call stood for “Some One’s Sixteen.”

Hosted by her parents, Mitzi and Brent Oaks, sister Lilly and brother J.D., the Sweet 16 festivities included a cookout, followed by volleyball and homemade ice cream.

Joining in the celebration were Jordan Doran; Emily Zeigler; Jordan Spinks; Chelsey Keenum; Rachel Heflin; Lauren Gibson; Olivia Coffey; Justin Sims; Natasha Thompson; Lauren Smith; Sharon Culp; Steven and Amanda Sutton with children Skylar and Sidney; Linda and Mike Heflin; Brandon and Lindsay Oaks; Brian and Tammy Oaks; Will and Emily Sims; and grandparents Janette and Mac Sims and Carolyn and Jerrell Oaks.

Singing on the square

Looking for something to do tonight? Check out the Anna Brooke concert at 7:30 p.m. on the square in Athens.

For more information, visit Brooke’s websites at www.myspace.com/annabrookemusic or www..digitalrodeo.com
/annabrooke .

Convention
in Birmingham

Members of the Decatur Alpha Alpha chapter of Beta Sigma Phi recently traveled to Birmingham for the Alabama state convention.

Those attending included Ellen Andrew, Melvye Cooper, Sue Trammell, Jan Abercrombie, Jan Schubert, Bess Stark, Marica Jones, and Linda Burchfield, along with her guest, Shirley Crownsberry from Winter Haven, Fla.

Friday night’s “Grease”-themed dinner welcomed everyone dressed in their best ’50s attire.

You guessed it!

“Pink Ladies” took over the room, while enjoying an evening of dining and dancing to oldies but goodies.

Saturday’s lunch was at the Whistle Stop Café, known as the location where Birmingham native Fannie Flagg was honored by her long-time friend Norma Warren.

The local chapter earned a third-place award for best service project, which was chaired by Abercrombie, and second place for best social of the year, hosted by Stark and Schubert.

Saturday night was a formal black and white dinner and dance with a “Welcome to the Oscars” theme. Comedian Mickey Dean provided the entertainment.

Festivities ended on Sunday morning following breakfast and the announcement that next year’s state convention would be aboard the cruise ship Holiday.

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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