Turn off the CSI reruns on your TV and stop holding your breath! The 2012 annual wine-tasting dinner hosted by the board of directors of Children’s Services Inc. is scheduled for Jan. 28.

The event benefits our community’s Parris Home for Children. The fun begins at Classic on Noble at 6 p.m.

Chairpersons for this year’s dinner are the dynamic duo of Cindy Prather and Mandi King. They are keeping the menu and the wine selections a closely guarded secret, but the previous 16 years of this event have given us more than enough clues to know that it will be fabulous.

In addition to a wonderful array of wines for sampling and purchasing, this year’s event will feature both a live auction and a silent auction. For the silent auction, board member Scott Skinner has applied his renowned forensic talents to locate a wide variety of unusual treasures and pleasures.

Board members Pam Fite and Cheryl Potts promise not to fight over any brightly colored dishes this year, but board president Ted Heathcock has his doubts about their ability to keep that promise. If necessary, board vice president Justin Lord will serve as a referee.

As auctioneer for the live auction, Col. Greg Potts will once again need the help of all attendees to solve the mystery of who will make the winning bid for the now-infamous large bottle of red wine, which will be making its fifth annual appearance.Or is it the sixth appearance?

And what size is that bottle anyway?

Nobody can remember these details for sure, and though we might hesitate to actually open that bottle, individuals and corporate tables will be certain to put their pride on the line in the annual bidding war.

A fabulous weeklong condo vacation in Colorado will also be up for bids, as well as a weeklong condo vacation in Orange Beach.

In case being a snow bunny or a beach bum isn’t your first choice, a weeklong vacation in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee has been added to this year’s lineup.

And did I mention that a mountain bike will be among the other items for the auction?

For those who may prefer to stay right at home, a landscaping package will be available to help you spruce up your yard this spring.

While the menu remains in the “need-to-know” file, I can assure you it will feature some spectacular – almost criminally good – dishes. I’ve been briefed that the suspense will be well worth it.

Do you need any more clues to know that you will not want to miss the intriguing evening in store? Tickets can be purchased by calling the CSI Office (256-236-3434), Cindy Prather (256-330-3425), Mandi King (256-235-2553) or any of the other CSI board members: Pam Fite, Scott Skinner, Kara Silvers, Ted Heathcock, Justin Lord, Brigette Miller, Karen Silvers, Hank Smith, Terry Phillis, Jill Pike, John Fuller, Ron Allen or yours truly, Annette Maddox.

Tickets are $75 per person, $150 per couple or $1,000 for a corporate table for eight. Seating is limited, so please call soon.

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

Save the Date

Bowl for Kids’ Sake will be Feb. 17-18 at the Anniston Bowling Center. All money raised will support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Alabama. Round up your team and call 256-241-3525 for more info.