Courtesy photos Sisters Shierra Sharpley and Shamia Hawkins after a run on the water slide at a Celebrate America cookout with Country Cottage and Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Celebrate America cookout a success

Wendy’s word

July is quickly coming to a close, as another school year approaches. Where has the time gone? It does seem to fly by, but when you stop and look back, you realize that quite a bit has gone on.

I want to know what you’ve been up to this summer. Have you traveled? Welcomed out-of-town guests? Gathered with family and friends at the beach or at the lake? Stayed at home and enjoyed supper clubs or other social functions?

Chatterbox wants to share your fun times. Take a minute today to send me an e-mail or call in the exciting moments you’ve enjoyed this summer. Remember, if it’s special to you and features any of the great people in our community, it will make a perfect Chatterbox item. I look forward to hearing from you.

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

Celebration cookout

Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteers Gaylon and Susan Dodson with Spenser Sharpley, center, at the Celebrate America cookout.

Country Cottage and members of Big Brothers Big Sisters joined together recently for a Celebrate America cookout.

With more than 80 in attendance, organizers say the day, which included Country Cottage residents, staff members and more than 30 children, parents and volunteers from Big Brothers Big Sisters, was a huge success. Everyone enjoyed grilled hot dogs and hamburgers provided by Big Brother Big Sisters, and Little Debbie snack cakes for dessert.

A blow-up water slide made for some refreshing entertainment on a hot summer day, along with sidewalk chalk for drawing and decorating.

“It was a beautiful day for a cookout and the residents enjoyed having the children there to spend time with them,” said Lisa Terry, managing director of Country Cottage. “We will continue to work with Big Brothers Big Sisters as much as we can and hope to collaborate together for many more exciting events like this one.”

Gala XXIII

It will be here before we know it! Committee chairs for Decatur General Hospital’s Foundation Gala XXIII met recently to begin plans for the annual evening spectacular.

“It takes a full year of planning for the volunteers to put together the black tie tent event, which usually welcomes more than 700 attendees,” said Kay South, co-chair for this year’s event. The Gala will be Dec. 14 at the Decatur Country Club.

Penny Haddock graciously hosted the meeting in her Southeast Decatur home, with several delicious appetizers, including seared tuna with pineapple salsa, Grande Marnier fruit compote and miniature BLT’s.

A beautiful arrangement by Kathy Gray Clay of Willis-Gray Floral Designs adorned the table, giving everyone a glimpse of what’s in store at this year’s Gala.

This year’s committee chairs are Mary Margaret Beggs and South, co-chairs; Jessilyn Reeves and Amy Shelley, auction; Carey Sutton, closing; Stacy Layton and Belinda Villarreal, decorations; Susan Bedsole, facility; Ann Copeland and Jennifer McCain, finishing touches; Janet South, hostess; Hilary Blakely and Susan Conner, invitations; Kendal Moores, menu; Kathy Littrell, music; Alicia Nails, parking; Anne Marshall, program; Louise Brown, publicity; Charlotte Gregory, reservations; and Libby Neill, table assignments.

Mark your calendars today, and look for more exciting details as the event draws near.

Roberts family reunion

Members of the Roberts family gathered recently for a reunion at the Callie Cabin.
Donna Freeman hosted the event, and the highlight of the day was celebrating Orval Roberts’ 79th birthday.

Those attending were Roberts and wife Imogene; children Donna Freeman and husband Larry; and Ronald and Janice Roberts; grandchildren Shannon and Retia Freeman; Mitch and Kristina Rollins; Jason and Amber Freeman; Kelly Tuck; and Amanda Hitt and Greg Osborn; and great-grandchildren Dylan, Jeremiah and Chelsea Hitt; Elaine and Allison Freeman; Haley and Heath Freeman; Jackson Rollins; and Kaitlin Tuck.

Everyone enjoyed a day of fellowship and delicious food.

Country Cousins

Fairview Community Center opened the doors recently to the Country Cousins, welcoming 15 members. Billy Hutchison hosted the event.

Out-of-town guests Willene Hamby, Georgia Brooks, Travis Brooks, Ashley Brooks, Angela Brooks and Leola Brooks were welcomed from Michigan. They are relatives of the late Leola Davis Landman, sister of current member Johnnie McElroy.

Edna White was also welcomed, along with husband Bob and granddaughter Brooke Alexander.

Others attending were Evalene Orr, Zettie Atkinson, Inez Borden, Idalene Singleton, Eleanor Garrison, Lucille Roddam, Vera Horsley, Johnny Self, Donna Weeks, Edna Earle James, and Hoyt and Dot Maples. The Mapleses will host the next gathering.

La Petit Salon

Members of the La Petit Salon 840, Alabama 824, met recently at the Cabin Grille in Hartselle with 15 members present. Chapeau Peggy Chapman opened the meeting, followed by a brief business session.

A letter from the Jewish Hospital Medical Center in Denver was shared, thanking the group for the bags of toys and games shared with the children. The group supports children suffering from respiratory disease.

The group will get together again in July for a time of social fun and business updates.

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. 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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