Daily photo by Jonathan Palmer Amy Davis, far left, and Allison Burnthall socialize at the Gala Kickoff Party, while Kathy Clay, center, talks with Susan Watson, far right, and Ann Thompson.

Local author’s tale to be in ‘Chicken Soup’

Wendy’s word

We ran in the store the other day, and I had made it clear to my son that we were not buying anything. Of course, he immediately saw a “goodie” he had to have, so he inconspicuously placed it in the buggy.

Noticing what he had done, I reiterated, “I don’t think we are getting anything tonight. We just need to check on one small thing.” Just as serious as can be, he replied, “I thought you might consider your child.”

Do we consider our children? Not when it comes to “surprises,” but do we think of how the decisions we make and the things we do affect their innocent little lives. They watch every move we make and every word we say, whether we believe that or not.

Word of advice, walk the talk, and live a life you would want your child to consider worthy of copying.

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

‘Chicken Soup’

Everyone has heard of “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” perhaps some of you have even enjoyed a serving, so to speak, of these varied collections of motivational stories. The latest edition, “Chicken Soup for the Soul in Menopause,” will feature local author Kathy Lynn Reed’s “A Slice of Life,” a wise tale from her grandmother on coping with the changes life throws at us.

Originally from Huntsville, Reed lived in Decatur seven years and has published other stories including “Her Story —Things I Learned in my Bathtub,” “Classic Christmas,” “Letters to My Mother,” and “Bylines Calendar for Writers 2007.”

A former teacher, Reed became a writer and says she loves to speak to others through her stories. She looks forward to another feature in the April release of “Cup of Comfort for Single Mothers.”

Gala Kickoff Party

Members of the Decatur General Foundation Guild gathered recently to kick off Gala XXIII, which is set for Dec. 14 at Decatur Country Club. Jill Barran opened her historic home on Sherman Street to host the event.

Gala co-chairwomen Kay South and Mary Margaret Beggs and committees unveiled details for the evening — from the honorees and band to the new chef handling the menu. Guild members also enjoyed viewing examples of the evening’s proposed floral arrangements, which were complemented by silver containers. The containers also are for sale, with pickup the morning after the Gala.

Attendees also included Louise Brown, Carol Sartain, Tina Hahn, Lisa Gilmore, Karen Duke, Billie Ward Davis, Hilda Borie, Joan Barksdale, Sue Milner, Jo Ann Malcolm, Jo Ann Hyde, Susan Watson, Tricia Mitchell, Linda Livingston, Belinda Villarreal, Dana Bishop, Anne Davenport, Jami Buckner, Ann Thompson, Willa Dockery, Barbara Mullins, Amy Shelley, Renee Wenzler, Nancy Hagood, Alicia Nails, Jerri Ellis, Anne Marshall, Allison Burnthall, Susan Conner, Margaret Fite, Beth Burden, Cindy Jackson, Judy Brown, Gail Baggs, Barbara Kelly, Janet South, Suzanne Woller, Jordan Matthews, Carroll Lane Parsons, Jennie Marie McMasters, Kate Noble Purvis, Kate Cole, Charly Kusta, Pat Patterson, Jennifer Jackson, Liz Brown, Kathy Clay, Amy Davis, Hilary Blakely, Jean Ann Anderson, Rosellen Jones, Gena Tolleson, Renee’ Rush, Cathy D. Wahl, Beth Walker, Ann Copeland, Nancy Curl, Madge Hayes, Shelley Webster, Kathryn Roberts, Katherine Peters, Michelle Riehl, Jana Satterfield, Robin Limbaugh, Mary Pettey, Carol Bolding, Kelley Hayes, Jacqueline Holdbrooks, Meg Curry, Mandy Backe, Laurie Davis and Patsy McCaghren.

Since 1985 the Guild has contributed more than a million dollars for hospital projects and scholarships. This year’s event is to benefit the Oncology Center and fund hospital employee scholarships.

This year’s honorees are Dr. Lionel Naylor and Ray Norris. If you are interested in receiving an invitation to this event, contact the Decatur General Foundation office at 341-2187. The containers for the floral arrangements are on display at Willis Gray Gallery on Second Avenue in downtown Decatur.

Halbrooks honored at baby shower

Dana Halbrooks was the center of attention at a recent baby shower hosted by the Anesthesia and Surgery Departments of Decatur General Hospital.

Those in attendance were Janice Harris, Lavon Halbrooks, Charlotte Hollaway, Emily Collins, Hollie Terry, Treesa McGuire, Barbara Frost, Cindy Owens, Stephanie Nichols, Anne Wiley, Nancy Mitchell, Denni Clark, Angelia Limberios and daughter Grayce, Pam Wilson, Emma Strockbine, Connie McCall, Jill Aldridge, Diane Sandlin, Juanita Johnson, Janet Carroll, Cindy Yates, Amanda Jackson, Kristi Terrell, Regina Painter, Lori Plemons and daughter Hannah, Marian Lofgren, Lisa Herren and daughter Callie, and Genia Corum.

Held at the historic Dancy Polk House, hostesses prepared a delicious array of food and made sure there were many useful gifts for the baby.

Pledges

Sorority rush is complete at a few more colleges, and here are new pledge lists. At Birmingham-Southern University, Mary Elaine Williamson of Decatur went Alpha Omicron Pi, while Mary Catherine McAnnally, Kathryn Pearce and Betsy Qualls, all from Decatur, pledged Chi Omega.

At The University of North Alabama Ali Dubach and Jackson Knox, both from Decatur, selected Alpha Gamma Delta; Skylar Hiatt of Decatur went Phi Mu; and Emily Payne of Decatur pledged Zeta Tau Alpha.

Samford University is where Kathryn Matherly and Sarah Hodges, both of Decatur, chose Phi Mu, while Brittany Pearman of Decatur pledged Kappa Delta at the University of South Alabama.

Women’s Connection

It’s a “Blue Ribbon Bonanza!” Not sure what that is? Come check it out Friday at Women’s Connection. Here’s a hint ... bake some, make some and buy some.

Benefiting Stonecroft Village Missionaries is — you guessed it — a silent auction beginning at 10:30 a.m., followed by a live auction at 11.

After a lunch at Decatur Country Club, special guest Marie Carroll from Knoxville will share her motivational message “Are You ready for change? — Moving 8 times in 13 years!”

Join other ladies in the community for a time of fun and fellowship, with no obligations, dues or membership fees.

For questions, call Clarice Kessinger at 301-9196. The lunch cost is $13. For reservations and complimentary nursery care, contact Nancy Fortune at 340-0113 or nbfortune@mindspring.com or Maxine Hall at 773-4978 or Hornet@ieee.org.

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.

Class reunion

Lawrence County High School’s Class of ’72 will celebrate its 35th reunion Saturday at the home of Danny and Loretta Gillespie, 16174 Court St., in Moulton. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m. The cost is $15 per person. A highlight will be looking at old photographs, so send your pictures and payment to Barbara Watson, 3188 County Road 221, Moulton, AL, 35650 as soon as possible. Monday is the deadline. Photos will be returned at the reunion. Please bring lawn chairs, but leave your alcoholic beverages at home. For more information, call Watson at 974-1363.

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