Courtesy photo Kaitlyn Perry on her first trip to the Mempis Zoo with parents John and Kelly.

Summer trip to zoo, 13th birthday and 'Seussical'

Wendy’s word

August is here, heat and all. With this new month also comes the beginning of a school year, new friends, new classes and a new season of life.

Because I have a child going into the sixth grade, I have been listening for months about the nervousness and anxiety that friends are experiencing about new middle-schoolers. Likewise, I am sure there are countless parents preparing one to enter high school or leave for college. Don’t fret regardless of the situation.

Word of advice — children will feed off our emotions more than we realize. Make this a happy and exciting time for them. Yes, it’s a transition, but that’s life. Talk it up, build it up, hoping and praying you have properly prepared them for this chapter in their sweet lives. You’ll be surprised how ready they are, so work together and the transition is sure to be a happy one for everyone involved.

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

Memphis trip

John and Kelly Perry don’t know what it means to sit still.

Travelers at heart, on any given weekend they are burning up the highway to Nashville, Birmingham and an occasional run to Destin, Fla.

With 6-month-old daughter Kaitlyn in tow, their most recent adventure was to Memphis, featuring a stop at the Memphis Zoo.

“We had a great day and just love getting away,” Kelly said. “Kaitlyn’s first word will definitely be ‘Go!’ ”

Happy 13th

What better way to finish out the summer than with a birthday celebration! That’s exactly what Drew Hodge did with a recent swimming party at the home of Reggie and Traci Gladish.

Those attending included Andrew Sasser, Matthew Sasser, Phillip Sasser, William Sasser, Tillman Hurst, Zach Ellsworth, Anna McWhorter, Grayson Gladish, Hannah Gladish, Hope Gladish, Garrett Gladish, Treavor Parrish, Tyler Parrish, Heather Sasser, Phonda Parrish, Chris Hurst, Ben Hodge, Katie Lin Hodge and Jeff and Sonya Hodge.

Birthday gifts were a roaring hit with a model Corvette, a Corvette tin sign, several Corvette books and iTunes gift cards.

‘Seussical, the Musical’

Backstage Theatre Company will present “Seussical, the Musical,” Friday night at 7:30 at the Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts. You can also see the show Saturday at 7:30 and Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Featuring a cast of local talent, the story brings several Dr. Seuss favorites together into one entertaining show. See Horton the Elephant who is trying to save the planet of Who, until his quest is soon hampered by Mayzie who persuades him to sit on her egg until it hatches. You’ll also hear from Gertrude McFuzz, who wants the elephant’s affection, and some menacing monkeys known as the Wickersham Brothers. With many favorite Dr. Seuss characters, this fun-filled adventure, directed by Darren Butler, is suitable for the entire family.

Tickets are $11, with $1 going to the restoration fund of the Princess.

Advance tickets may be purchased at the Princess Theatre box office, 340-1778, which will open an hour before the show for ticket sales and will-call pickup.

Tickets are also available at Studio One, 308-2300.

Nursing home pageant

Ms. Decatur Health and Rehab Jerita Hughes will compete Tuesday for the title of “Ms. Alabama Nursing Home 2007” at The Winfrey Hotel in Birmingham. She is one of 10 final contestants out of 57 who competed in the state.

Hughes, 53, has been preparing for the pageant, and her daughter’s friend is making a dress for her to wear.

“She’s very excited,”said the center’s activities director, Dawn Abbott.

“If she wins, she wants to show people that being in a nursing home is not the end of life,”Abbott said.

The winner of the pageant will travel and speak at different nursing homes in the state.

ABWA

The American Business Women’s Association will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Decatur’s Marriott Courtyard. With a fresh start to the group, newly elected President Sandra Rost reports a membership increase from nine to more than 30.

“The group is working hard to increase membership and award more scholarships to deserving young women who need assistance to attend college. Everyone is invited to join and help this worthy cause,” Rost said.

Other new officers for this year are Diane Scanland, president-elect; Winnie Tepper, vice president; Susan Garener, secretary; and Pat Graydon, treasurer.

Organizers promise a fun and educational time with Tammy Eddy of Tammy Eddy Antiques and Interiors on Bank Street, along with Susan Tucker, home decor consultant, presenting “Color your Personality.” The program will focus on colors, how they represent your personality and what is appropriate for your home decor. Come hear great decorating tips and much more, including table decorations and door prizes.

The meeting cost is $15, which includes dinner. Make your reservations early by calling Rost at 353-9546 or 565-2523.

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.

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