The Hayes Carriage House in Heflin provided a delightful setting for the Major General Patrick R. Cleburne UDC Chapter's meeting on Tuesday, July 21. The group's once-a-year planning session has become a traditional summer event to discuss the upcoming September through May projects and activities.

Red and white balloons, to reflect the UDC colors, were posted at the entrance by Carolyn Skinner of Heflin. Once the ladies turned onto the winding drive, they enjoyed the secluded and peaceful atmosphere. And the interior of the Hayes Carriage House was equally as beautiful, furnished in antiques for visitors to enjoy. Chapter photographer Denise Dodd captured many scenes with her camera.

Wanda Hayes Mosley was on hand to help welcome UDC Chapter members from Cleburne, Calhoun, Randolph, Talladega and Etowah counties. Chapter president Pat Killian of Anniston called the meeting to order and presided over the business session.

The newest chapter members were especially welcomed and presented with their United Daughters of the Confederacy membership certificates. New member Kathy Clay was able to attend and receive her certificate while on summer break from her teaching job in Talladega County. Scarlett O'Steen of Anniston and Linda Read of Jacksonville were also on hand to receive their new member certificates. Three other new members were announced: Lynn McComb and her daughter Katie McComb from Oxford and Lela Locklin from Talladega. These latest new additions total 27 new members in this UDC chapter during 2008-2009.

Martha Wilkinson was also in attendance at this summer session while on vacation from teaching at Faith Christian School in Golden Springs. She shared information about the chapter's newest recipient of a UDC scholarship, Morgan Walker, Ranburne High's 2009 salutatorian, who will attend the University of Alabama this fall. This chapter currently sponsors six other students who receive UDC scholarships to attend Alabama, Auburn and Jacksonville State.

Vice President Wen Scherer gave a report on insignia purchased by the chapter members. Lynda Lowery unveiled a prototype for a special insignia, denoting the chapter's name and featuring a representation of Patrick Cleburne's blue flag. Members were excited about this new and unique pin.

Once all of the business and planning were accomplished, the group enjoyed a delicious covered-dish luncheon. Anniston residents Mildred Arrington, Linda Crow, Frances Surrett, Emmie O'Haver and Carolyn Hoots provided an array of salads and desserts. Adding more to the taste-tempting fare were Willene Huddleston, Heflin; Doris Shears, Lincoln; Lou Walker, Talladega; Jennifer Lewis, Lineville; and Ann Norton and Mary Simpson, Oxford.

The ladies from Gadsden (Glenda Williams, Marie Rich and Dana Maxwell) brought a complement of assorted breads, and Dana's mother, Ruth Farmer, was a visitor from Tuscaloosa. The hands-down favorite beverage of the summer day was southern lemonade provided by Randolph County members Wyoleen Sikes, Pat Harrington, Janice Eason and Wilmas Gosdin.

Following the leisurely and unhurried lunch, everyone drove back through the winding, wooded driveway and headed home with memories of an enjoyable day with fellow UDC chapter members.