United Way’s Young Leaders Society of Calhoun County celebrated its first year recently at its annual meeting at the Anniston Country Club. The organization, whose mission is to promote and encourage the spirit of philanthropy and volunteerism among young professionals in Calhoun County, was formed in September 2010 with a membership goal of 35.

The group now has almost 90 members (including yours truly).

Young Leaders Society (YLS) members have taken their mission to heart, heading up and partnering on projects such as a children’s Christmas party for Family Links; screenings of Waiting for Superman, a documentary about education; United Way’s Day of Action; the Red Cross Summer Reunion Blood Drive; delivering parenting kits to local hospitals; and other assorted community service projects.

There are plenty of familiar faces in YLS — in fact, if you had the pleasure of attending “Dancing With Our Stars,” you saw four of them: Derek Conrad Brown, Anna-Marie Moorer, Amado Ortiz and Audrey Tinkey. Most YLS members are also very active in other local service organizations.

The annual meeting of YLS was a great chance for members to mix, mingle and discuss accomplishments and the upcoming year. United Way Executive Director Curtis Simpson welcomed members and guests. YLS President Misty K. Skinner presented the YLS Community Impact Award to Josh McCullars and Sayaka Katoh for their outstanding commitment to community service.

YLS member Amie Hinton reflected on her experience with the organization, describing the benefits of volunteerism and the new friends she’s made as a result of joining YLS.

Shannon Jenkins, United Way’s YLS staff liaison (also known as YLS’ “nerve center,” providing guidance, sweat equity and whatever is needed to help the group accomplish its goals) reviewed highlights from the first year, and recognized officers for 2010-11: Misty K. Skinner, president; Brandon Glover, vice president and membership chair; Brooke McCulley, special events chair; Annette Maddox, community service chair; Sherlyn McWhorter, secretary; Derek Conrad Brown, social media chair; and Corey McWhorter, treasurer.

The 2011-12 officers include the above, with a couple of changes: Katy Van Meter, special events chair, and Brooke McCulley, membership chair.

“The Eve” — a YLS signature event — is slated for Dec. 31 at Hilton Garden Inn. All indications point to the fact that it will be THE place to spend your New Year’s Eve. Watch for details in an upcoming Small Talk.

YLS is currently recruiting new members between the ages of 21-45.

In addition to being able to really make a positive impact on our community, members enjoy exclusive monthly after-hours events, business and social networking, and leadership development and growth.

For more information, visit uweca.org/yls or call 256-236-8229.

To share your news with Small Talk, contact Annette Maddox at starsmalltalk@yahoo.com.

Save the Date

As you are filling the pages of your 2012 calendar, make sure you reserve April 27 for the Anniston Museum’s “Every Home Deserves a Garden,” a luncheon gala featuring Vince Dooley, former Auburn coach and athletic director of the University of Georgia, and his wife, Barbara.

Now retired, Dooley has become quite involved in gardening, and has written Vince Dooley’s Garden: A Horticultural Journey of a Football Coach.

The event will be an informative, enjoyable fundraiser for the museum’s Botanical Garden.