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Most folks around here know Larry Amerson for his skills enforcing the law. What most people don't realize, though, is that for the last couple of months, Calhoun County's sheriff of almost 15 years has been honing another skill — his Foxtrot, to be specific.

Sheriff Amerson and 14 other local celebrities will boogie down on Oct. 25 for "Dancing With Our Stars," a charity fundraiser hosted by Anniston Morning Rotary Club. Following the same lines as the popular TV show, each local "star" was paired with an experienced dancer, who taught them their moves.

"Since I started at ground zero, I'm certainly showing improvement," Amerson said. "I have a good partner and she and her husband both have worked hard teaching me the steps. I think this is a great cause."

The money raised by the competition goes to four children's charities: Family Linc's HIPPY program, Concern for Children, Pre-School Friends and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Most of these programs work with children before they get to kindergarten to help give them the skills they will need for success in school, said Annie Brunson, chairperson for Anniston Morning Rotary Club.

"If children aren't reading by fourth grade, their chances of getting lost in the system and in life is much higher," Brunson said. "If we take the time to support these charities now, our community will be a better place in the future."

To vote, go to www.annistonmorningrotary.org and follow the links for "Dancing With Our Stars" or send a check to P.O. Box 1861, Anniston, AL 36202. Be sure to note the star for which you are voting. Each vote costs $1, and the dancers with the most votes win the "Audience Choice Awards." As of Oct. 12, Eula Tatman, vice president of the Community Foundation of Calhoun County, was leading Judge Alice Martin by 120 votes.

As for the night of the competition itself, be prepared for "lots of laughs and fun," said Brunson. "We're encouraging the audience to cheer, hoot and holler."

And while Sheriff Amerson's dancing skills have yet to be determined — his rehearsal video doesn't reveal too much either way — he's not overly concerned with winning.

"My job is to not embarrass my partner and to do the best I can," he said. "We hope our routine will at least be entertaining."

Dancing With Our Stars

What: Charity dance competition featuring local celebrities
When: Saturday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Where: Anniston High School auditorium
How much: $20, $12 for students, $60 for VIP (includes hors d'eouvres at Classic on Noble)
Contact: Vote online at www.annistonmorningrotary.org