Courtesy photo Annie Self recently celebrated her 90th birthday.

90 is a celebratory age for Annie Self

Wendy’s word

A note to the little lady. My sister took it from the gentleman and simply smiled.

During their lunch, my 2-year-old niece had been distracted by the man in the booth behind them. She spent most of her time waving, smiling and trying, as most children do, to get the stranger’s attention. He never responded.

Before leaving, my sister was getting a drink refill when the man walked up and presented her a note, scribbled down on the french fry packet. It simply said, “I cannot speak and cannot hear. Tell your little lady that is why I couldn’t talk to her.” With that, the stranger departed.

Tears filled my eyes when I heard that story. We just never know the struggles of those around us. May we open our hearts today and not miss the “notes” from a stranger.

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

Happy 90th

Sept. 5 was a special day for Janice Putnam’s family. Her mom, Annie Gay Self, celebrated her 90th birthday.

She was born in 1917 in Lawrence County and was the wife of the late I.E. Self, former postmaster of Decatur.

A family gathering made for the perfect party atmosphere, thanks to children Peggy McLemore of Athens, Jack Self of Decatur and Putnam, also of Decatur. Her 13 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren were also present.

What a blessing to celebrate 90 years! Happy birthday!

ABWA

The American Business Women’s Association will meet Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott.

Ann LaChance has scheduled an educational program with speaker Bob Jacques from Hartselle, who will discuss the history of the space program. A silent auction is planned, with funds going toward the scholarships to deserving young women in the community planning to attend college.

The annual scholarship fundraiser will run October through Dec. 1.

A $1 donation will also qualify you to win a $250 Visa gift card or one of several other items. Winners will be drawn at the Dec. 13 meeting. You do not have to be present to win. Watch for more details on ticket availability.

For more information on the drawing, call Diane Scanland at 566-9268.

Monthly meetings and dinner are $15. To reserve your spot, call Sandra Rost at 353-9546.

NAMI

The National Alliance on Mental Illness met recently with 29 members present.

Marilyn Volonino introduced Counselors for Quest, the Mental Health Center’s substance abuse center, Jim Hickman and Cherie Lytal.

The Quest Recovery Center provides comprehensive outpatient substance abuse treatment and prevention services to persons in Lawrence, Limestone and Morgan counties. The center’s goal is to help substance abusers and their families establish a satisfying life without alcohol and drugs.

NAMI’s upcoming fundraiser, Southern Nights and Broadway Lights, is set for Sept. 21 at Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts. Also on the agenda is the annual Mental Health Center workshop at North Alabama Regional Hospital on Oct. 4.

Among those present at the meeting were Lisa Coleman, clinical director of the Mental Health Center; Scott Kincaid, program director of the Mental Health Center; Linda Pierce, case manager of the Mental Health Center; and Alton Downs, pastor of the Burningtree Community Church.

The next meeting will be Sept. 24 with Cecilia Graham, director of social work at North Alabama Regional Hospital, speaking on treatment of the mentally ill in a residential setting.

For more information, call Brenda Tinger at 306-0898.

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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