Courtesy photo Camp Hope campers work with a volunteer to form an explosion, a chance for them to visualize how grief can explode if not released. “Grief Explosion” was the theme of this year’s camp.

Camp Hope helps children cope with grief

Wendy’s word

The tree just wouldn’t budge. An enormous piece of equipment pushed against it, but the roots grabbed tight on the soil.

Our summer afternoon took a turn as we noticed the efforts to move the tree. My 7-year-old had to stop and watch. “Why isn’t it moving, Mom,” he wanted to know, as the machine bucket continued to fight with the trunk. “They are going to have to dig up the roots and undo the foundation,” I replied.

When life pushes at our soul and the world’s pressures seem to attack our “trunk,” whether we topple over is dependent on our root system. What are you grounded in today? Are your roots intertwined in a good soil where you can plant a stronghold? Make sure you hold on to the important things when the bulldozer of life comes your way.

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

Camp Hope

More than 40 campers gathered at Point Mallard’s Pavilion for this year’s Camp Hope. Sponsored by Hospice of the Valley, Camp Hope is a day camp for children, kindergarten through grade 12, who have experienced a loss through death.

Centered around this year’s theme “Grief Explosion,” science teacher Jennifer Murphree created explosions with the campers, demonstrating how bottled up grief can explode if not released.

Every camper had an adult buddy to spend the day with and enjoy activities including arts and crafts, games, relay races, water games, basketball and a trip to the Strike Zone batting cages. Campers were encouraged to demonstrate a release of their feelings by writing on rocks before throwing them into the river.

With more than 75 volunteers, those dedicating their time were Jonathan Adams, Beth Allison, Leslie Anderson, Hill Belew, Sherry Bowling, Teresa Brannon, Liz Brown, Marsha Burchfield, Gerita Campbell, Lynn Chambers, John Clemons, Ann Copeland, Bonnie Cunningham, Sandra Dotson, Carl Dunlap, Brad Eades, Cindy Eades, Nikki Ethridge, Jan Fincher, Joseph Frank, Cheryl Glaze, Nancy Hardin, Susan Harney, Connie Holcomb, Joanna Holcomb, Shirley Holliday, Wayne Holliday, Joan Hudson, Tim Hughes, Sheryl Hunter, Carole Janorschke, Janet Jenkins, Janet Jenson, Sandra Locke-Godbey, Carol Lott, Jill McEntire, Karen McKelvey, Connie Merrell, Tricia Mitchell, Jennifer Murphree, Louis Namie, Sue Nelson, Mike Nix, Susan Oliver, Nancy Pyron, Kevin Radford, Jerry Ridling, JC Rogers, Sandra Sandlin, Cathy Smalley, Drew Smalley, Leo Spain, Pete Stromquist, Chad Summerford, LeeAnn Templeton, Barbara Thompson, Susan Tom, Jennie Townson, Fran Warner, Jessie Wilmoth, Robert Wilmoth and Darlene Wuesthoff.

The day concluded with a memorial service and balloon release.

For more information on Camp Hope, contact Kristi Watts at kwatts@hospiceofthevalley.net.

AHS Class of ’87

It’s been 20 years for those who graduated in 1987. I can even claim that one myself, but this one’s for graduates of Austin High School.

Mark your calendars for the upcoming reunion weekend, Oct. 26 and 27. Friday afternoon will be a time of tailgating fun at Delano Park prior to Austin’s football game. Graduates will enjoy a continental breakfast and school tour Saturday morning, complete with inflatables for the children. The night will culminate with a class party at Decatur Country Club.

Reunion organizers want to get the word out now in hopes of hearing from “lost” classmates. If you or someone you know was a member of Austin’s Class of ’87, register at www.87ahsreunion.com. You may also mail your registration to 87 AHS Reunion, 2307 Galahad Drive, Decatur, AL 35603

As this time of fun and fellowship draws near, look for updates.

Great Granddaughters

The Real Great Granddaughters and the Real Great-Great Granddaughters Clubs of the Joe Wheeler Chapter 291 UDC, met recently at Curry’s Restaurant in Decatur.

Kay McCarley and Kathy Jones headed things up, with members Kathy Jones, Glendora James, Ginger Reeves, Nell Canada, Linda Edwards, Kay McCarley, Clara Sandy, Betty Dupuy and Judy Blackwell attending.

Members voted to participate in the Morgan County Can-A-Thon and the Salvation Army Angel Tree again this year. Members decided to donate $25 each to the Nathan Bedford Forrest Home restoration project.

A $50 check was presented to Tom Strain, commander of the Captain Thomas H. Hobbs Camp of Athens, by James, president of the Joe Wheeler 291 UDC.

Trinity School reunion

Trinity School is planning a reunion for all former students and teachers Aug. 4 from 5-9 p.m. at United Methodist Church in Trinity. For more info, call Barbara Dooley at 355-6237 or Jerry McCaghren at 355-0796.

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.

Email This Page