If ev’rybody had an ocean ... across the U-S-A

Then ev’rybody’d be surfin’, like Californ-I-A.

You’d see ‘em wearin’ their baggies. Huarachi sandals, too.

A bushy bushy blonde hairdo. Surfin’ U.S.A.

On Saturday, Aug. 11, the Ladies Guild of Sacred Heart Catholic Church will transform the Anniston Country Club into a balmy island paradise with the first-ever BEACH PARTY! 

Event Chair Yvonne Boothe has amassed an impressive collection of beach balls, rafts, flip-flops and sunglasses to create the perfect vacation experience. She and her design team, including Janet Reese and Bonita Moreau, are hard at work plotting and planning their decorating schemes.

“From the looks of it, I think we’re going to fall somewhere between Baywatch and Gilligan,” she laughs. But Ann Morgan and Mandi King are making sure this coastal diversion offers more than coconut milk and banana cream pie. The ticket price includes a Country Club buffet dinner and an open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks and ... wait for it ... wait for it ... signature margaritas! You can stop looking for that lost shaker of salt now.

The Guild’s Vice President, Carol Speciale, says this Beach Party will be a fun way to raise money for a future Parish Life Center at the church in Golden Springs. “But no bathing suits, please,” she laughs. “The attire for this event is casual, but not THAT casual.”

“Think beach bum instead,” suggests Guild Secretary Ellen Comfort, “Casual and laid back.”

DJ Calvin will be on hand, teaming up with local CAST actor and emcee Jon Garlick to keep the dance floor busy. They’ll be playing the biggest hits covering the past six decades — everything from the Beach Boys to Cyndi Lauper to Carly Rae “Call Me Maybe” Jepsen. 

And what kind of beach party would it be without some fun and games? Like volleyball, for instance. Tanya Sexton and hubby, Chad, have put the finishing touches on a shabby-chic island version. There’ll also be a few contests for prizes — dancing, hula hooping and, of course, the how-low-can-you-go limbo.

For those who want to go home with a souvenir, Guild President Donna Barton and Treasurer Eleanor Henderson are busy organizing a silent auction filled with all kinds of goodies for every budget. Some of those items include overnight hotel outings, autographed footballs, terra cotta pottery, jewelry from Couch’s and even a very special luau dinner for six donated by Classic on Noble — plus lots more. 

And where would any fundraiser be without generous underwriters to get things going? Those come in the form of Tim and Tracie Kerper, Beverly Roberts, Bonnie and Lloyd Cory, Mike and Jane Kline, Sandy and Brett Rothwell and the Little Variety Store in Weaver, owned by Cathy and Randy Little.

Tickets are $35 per person and are on sale now at Evans Flower Shop (in the alley behind Peerless in downtown Anniston) or at Golden Springs Pharmacy. Tickets will not be sold at the door, but prepaid tickets can be held at the door. Call Yvonne Boothe at 256-236-2589 for more information or visit www.annistonevents.com. 

Surf’s up, dude!

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

Save the Date

Baby, it’s hot outside … but in just a few short months, the steamy days of summer will be behind us, and it will be time for the annual Empty Stocking Gala (Nov. 2 at the Anniston City Meeting Center). Proceeds from this event provide Christmas gifts for area children in foster care, and it’s a fun way to kick off the holiday season. Ticket info will be available in an upcoming Small Talk.