Daily photo by Brennen Smith The Duke family celebrates Doris Duke’s 80th birthday with a party in Delano Park on Friday and a surprise dedication of a park bench in her name. Seated, from left, are Jeanne Payne, Doris Duke and Susan Chenault. Behind them are David Duke and Emily Payton.

Woman celebrates 80 with party, park bench

Wendy’s word

Is dog really man’s best friend? I say yes. What other creature on Earth loves so unconditionally and forgives and forgets the way a dog does?

In 1994, my husband and I adopted our first “child” from the Humane Society in Columbia, S.C. A beautiful retriever, Lab mix, her name is Morgan. She has been a friend and companion for the past 13 years.

Health issues have set in, and we are beginning to realize her sweet life has entered the senior years, so when traveling for several days at a time it becomes necessary to find a sitter. Without question, we consider it a blessing to have found the truest, dog-loving friends in the world.

A big shout of “thanks” goes to Bruce and Susie Thompson, along with children Matthew and Margaret, for always opening their home to our beloved canine.

In light of stories about our local dog “Lucky,” and with the recent news about Michael Vick’s alleged dogfighting charges, my heart breaks to think of the conditions some animals live in.

If resources and circumstances (and my husband) would allow, I would open a rescue mission for animals. My family did adopt another “love bug” named Macy from Animal Friends almost two years ago.

My deepest appreciation goes out to the Thompson family for all the love, treats, sleepovers, baths, walks and care you have shared with Morgan.

A birthday bench

The Duke family always celebrates birthdays together, so Doris Barton Duke of Decatur figured her children would take her to dinner somewhere Friday for her 80th birthday.

She was surprised when they headed for Delano Park. There, under the pergola, she found an elegant Southern setting amidst the roses and hydrangeas. Tables were covered with white linen cloths with overlays in her favorite color: pink.

Places were set with china, silver and crystal, and several low silver urns held arrangements of pink roses, white gardenias and ivy.

She sat down for dinner with her four children and their spouses and families: David and Karen Duke, Susan and Marty Chenault, Jeanne and Gary Payne and Emily and Wally Payton, all of Decatur. She has six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Payne said they decided to have The Casual Gourmet cater “Southern little lady food,” such as chicken-broccoli-cheese casserole, green beans, squash casserole, potato salad, heavenly carrots, rolls and fruit tea.

Just beyond the arbor, Duke’s two birthday cakes waited: one chocolate and one coconut.

But there was one more surprise. Because she lives near Delano Park and has always loved going there, her children gave her a bench in the park. A plaque with an inscription and her name will be attached.

She and her husband, the late Twigg Duke, used to walk around the park.

“We grew up in the park, too, taking swimming lessons in the Blue Haven pool that used to be there and playing tennis there,” recalled Payne.

Others who would like to honor a loved one with a park donation can contact Nell Standridge, Barbara Kelly or Sally Smartt, who were honored at July 4 Spirit of America festivities for their restoration efforts at Delano Park.

Parade of Homes

Plan now to see what’s new in home building and decorating.

The children will be back in school, so set aside some time for yourself Aug. 18-19 and Aug. 25-26 from 1 to 5 p.m.

The Greater Morgan County Builders Association Showcase and Parade of Homes will have 25 new homes open in Decatur, Hartselle, Priceville and Triniity for this free event.

Two homes on Mountain Cove Drive at Trinity will be furnished to show visitors the latest in design, decorating and energy-efficient ideas.

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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