Fall stew brings neighbors together

Wendy's word

Pumpkins, mums and candy abound, fall's blessings are abundant and all around. Every corner offers another view of the season's goodness. Neighbors and friends across town have pulled out the leaf garlands, set out the jack-o'-lanterns and bought beautiful flowers.

I love the scenery that fall brings. It is goodness to the eyes. It takes an extra effort to decorate, so I want to say a word of thanks to everyone who has taken the time to say "Happy Fall."

Know that my days are happier, as I am sure others will agree, when we drive by and see the splashes of colors donning your homes. From the oranges and yellows to the burgundy and purples, may your days burst forth with colorful blessings today.

Now let's see what the "chatter" is for today ...

Chapel Hill neighbors gather at fall stew

Fall was in the air Saturday night with chicken stew and roasted marshmallows on the menu. Neighbors on Chapel Hill Road gathered for the annual neighborhood stew at the home/barn of Tom and Wendy McDougal.

"This has been a tradition for almost 30 years," said Linda Grissom, president of the Chapel Hill neighborhood association, "and although we have changed locations over the years, we hope to continue it for years to come."

Those catching up with old friends and new neighbors were Carl Grissom; Elizabeth Carter; Cecil and Robin Henderson; Ralph and Susie Burns; Shep and Bonnie Shepherd; Greg and Jesslyn Reeves with children Audra and Colby; Frank and Carol Harris with daughter Ashley; Jackie Higdon; Bobby and Jennifer Carter with children Madison and Drew; Hannah Cameron; Mary Ann and Madden McDougal; and out-of-town guests Mallory Lee from Tuscaloosa and Dale and Mary Neuendorf from Birmingham.

Other yummy treats included homemade cornbread, hot dogs, chips, dip varieties, hot apple cider, carrot cake, cupcakes, brownies and cookies.

A hay ride and bonfire topped off the evening.

Charity horse show

The Alabama Charity Championship Horse Show is at the Celebration Arena in Priceville through Saturday. Admission is free.

With past shows raising in excess of $300,000, proceeds from this year's event will benefit the Junior League of Morgan County.

Show hours are nightly at 6:30 p.m., with a Junior League-sponsored silent auction tonight at 6. Other highlights this evening include a band, inflatables and some good ol' barbecue.

Additional shows are at 10 a.m. Friday and 9 a.m. Saturday. In addition to the competition, vendors will have displays set up selling horse-related items ranging from oil paintings to clothing items.

Fairly Traded Goods Fair

Looking for something to do Saturday? Why not get a jump-start on some unique and memorable holiday gifts? Whether you are weekend bargain shopper or looking for a worthy cause to support, check out the Fairly Traded Goods Fair on Saturday at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 10 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

The fair features beautiful items from many Third World countries. Shop and enjoy coffee and refreshments until 2:30 p.m.

The sale is a fundraiser for Chapter Q of PEO, with funds providing scholarships and loans to college women.

For questions, call Mary Lou Rose at Morgan Price, 306-0910.

Wildlife art show

Some of America's premier wildlife artists and photographers will convene this weekend for the 26th annual Southern Wildlife Festival at Calhoun Community College.

The exposition and sale of wildlife and nature-related original sculptures, original paintings, photographs, jewelry and apparel will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Carlton B. Kelley Gymnasium.

Artwork categories on display include waterfowl, upland game birds, wildlife and birds of prey.

Ribbons and prizes are awarded for amateur and professional photography entries and best of show. Other ribbons are awarded for entries in the carving and painting categories.

Public showings, sales, seminars and live demonstrations will be conducted Saturday and Sunday.

Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for senior citizens and $2 for students. Children under 6 are free. Admission is good for both days.

Rated as one of the top shows in the U.S., the Southern Wildlife Festival averages more than 100 artists, carvers, exhibitors and vendors from 20 states.

For more information, visit the festival's Web site at www.sowildfest.com.

Banning portrays Sparks at Pilot Club

The Pilot Club of Decatur had a visitor recently. "Miss" Pearl Sparks, author of the Code of Ethics, came to speak. It was actually Pilot Club member Lorraine Banning, but the message was still an important one. Pilot International adopted the code in 1926.

Fondly remembered throughout Pilot Club, Sparks was a charter member of the Pilot Club of Florence, as well as its second president. Also a member in Florence, Banning was a district governor and has created a warm and charming portrayal of this vital, important woman.

Chartered in 1971, the Pilot Club is a service organization dedicated to improving the quality of life in our community through such service projects as Project Lifesaver, an innovative program aiding those with Alzheimer's disease and other brain-related disorders, as well as their families.

The club meets the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Decatur Country Club and welcomes all who are interested in community service.

For information, call Cathy Ann Evans at 566-6972.

Grace's Closet

A recent article mentioned Grace's Closet in Moulton, but the founder's names were wrong.

This consignment business that also offers princess-style parties and carriage rides was founded by Maurice and Gena Terry, along with Janet "Grace" Rogers and other nieces and nephews.

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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