Courtesy photo Miss Point Mallard 2007 Katie Boyd, right, and Mary Ann McDougal at her 11th birthday celebration, “Cheeseburger in Paradise.”

5 local children compete at talent show in Orlando

Wendy’s word

A child’s insight never ceases to amaze me, and it touches my heart in a special way. As the 30th anniversary of Elvis’ death was remembered Thursday, pictures of the rock ’n’ roll legend made their way across the television screen.

“Was that really Elvis?” my 11-year-old asked. “Yes, it was,” I replied. Then, the question I knew would come came. “How did he die?” “Well, you know,” I began, trying to figure out how I could explain this one, “a lot of people believe he’s not really gone. Others think he took way too much medicine and then just went to sleep and didn’t wake up.”

I wasn’t sure what kind of response that would generate, but without skipping a beat she said, “Well, one thing’s for sure. God and Elvis know what happened!” You know, bless her heart, she’s exactly right, and to think of the years and the people who have pondered this very mystery.

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

Modeling/talent competition

Decatur was represented well at the 25th annual Millie Lewis Acting, Modeling and Talent Competition at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, with five local students attending.

Competition categories for the more than 1,000 contestants participating included runway, photography, scene study, improvisation, spokes modeling, monologues, family runway, television commercial, swimsuit, vocal performance and dance.

Brooke Higdon, a 15-year-old Decatur High School student, placed second overall in the country singing division, as well as scoring high enough to perform in the convention’s talent show for top dancers and top vocalists.

Higdon also received promising callback auditions/interviews from Sweetheart Records in Connecticut and Vienna, Austria, Universal/Brentwood Music-Nashville, Telsey & Co. NYC, Atlantic & Lava Records NYC, and ASCAP Nashville.

Bryn Higdon, an eighth-grade student at Oak Park Middle School, interviewed with Don Buchwald NYC, More Zap Productions LA, Hot Shot Kids and Elite Kids, both of Atlanta, while Drew Hales, a fifth-grade student at Chestnut Grove Elementary School, received callbacks from FFT NYC, Generation TV NYC, Carolina Talent, Kim Dawson Dallas and Discover LA. His sister, Morgan Hales, also a student at Chestnut Grove, interviewed with FFT of NYC.

Rayna Cahill, a seventh-grade student at Priceville Junior High School, received a spirit award and interviewed with Acuity in Atlanta, Herman & Lipson Casting and Barry Shapiro NYC.

All local students are members of the Donna Groff Modeling and Talent Agency in Memphis.

Also attending the seven-day convention were parents Michael and Robin Higdon, Braxton Higdon and Jessica Hales, along with Zoe and Justin Hales, all of Decatur, and Michelle Cahill of Priceville, with friend Diane Sanderson.

Seminars and workshops focused on topics such as “Polish your performance,” “How to have a happy, healthy, successful modeling and acting career,” “The three P’s of acting,” “Working in musical theater,” “Nutrition and weight control,” and “Auditioning and networking: NY vs. LA,” all presented by more than 80 agents and directors from Los Angeles to New York, and Tokyo to Milan, as well as Carey Lewis Arban, director and founder of the organization.

Cheeseburgers in paradise

For the 11th birthday of my daughter, Mary Ann McDougal, the famous Jimmy Buffet song “Cheeseburger in Paradise” came to life. A tropical-themed paradise welcomed guests to a poolside party Aug. 11 at our Southwest Decatur home.

More than 30 family and friends gathered to share birthday wishes, and of course, cheeseburgers. A birthday cake resembling —what else? — a cheeseburger was also on the dessert menu.

Along with dad Tom McDougal, those attending included Katherine Blakely, Prestley Bramlett, Kristen Buchanan, Landon Eddy, Kate Gilchrist, Ashley Harris, Taylor Joy, Caroline Lilly, Christopher McDougal, Emmy McDougal, Madden McDougal, Peyton Miller, Audra Reeves, Katherine Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Alyson Terry, Amber Wynn and Rachael Whitten.

Special guest Katie Boyd, Miss Point Mallard 2007, dropped by for a surprise birthday visit, along with other out-of-town guests from Birmingham and Montgomery.

Volleyball anyone?

Sponsored by the Alabama National Guard, the first annual Stars and Spikes Beach Volleyball Tournament is coming to Point Mallard on Sept. 1.

Twelve teams of four will vie for bragging rights, trophies and other great prizes. There is no entry fee to participate, but only the first 12 teams of men, women or coeds will compete.

Entry forms are available at www.pointmallardpark.com, click on the special events link or call 341-4903. All entries will receive a free T-shirt.

Nucor fights cancer

Employees with Nucor Steel Decatur LLC took part in the Aug. 9 Research Day at the American Cancer Society’s Birmingham office, featuring a tour of the Joe Lee Griffin Hope Lodge where patients and families can stay free of charge during treatments.

Another highlight was the chance to talk with American Cancer Society-funded researcher Michael A. Miller, Ph.D., of The University of Alabama at Birmingham, one of five researchers funded in Alabama. Miller’s research focuses on how genes control cell division.

Nucor representatives participating were David Cowart, Kristi McBrayer, Angie Morris, Rich Wallin, Megan Smith and Karen Woldahl.

Nucor Steel Decatur LLC is a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society, becoming the state’s first purple team in the state this year for raising $60,325 for the annual Relay for Life. Relay for Life, the American Cancer Society’s signature fundraising event, is an overnight event that remembers those who have lost the fight against cancer and honors those who have survived.

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.

Free home tour today

See what’s new in home building and decorating this weekend. The Greater Morgan County Builders Association Showcase and Parade of Homes will have 25 new homes open in Decatur, Hartselle, Priceville and Trinity. The free event is Sunday and Aug. 25-26 from 1 to 5 p.m. Call 350-4594 for more information.

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