You can't mention "things to do in Anniston in November" without thinking of, talking about or hearing the words "Empty Stocking Gala." This year's benefit — the 21st annual — promises to live up to its reputation as a sparkling seasonal "must do," and its traditional Christmas theme should get everyone in the holiday spirit.

Once again, the venue for this year's gala — slated for 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 — will be the Anniston City Meeting Center. The ticket price remains unchanged at $125 per couple.

Tickets include a dinner buffet (which includes shrimp, Texas caviar, salad, grilled chicken, pork loin, pasta Alfredo, desserts and much more) provided by David Mashburn's Classic on Noble, plus, as always, an open bar.

Entertainment-wise, you can't get a better bang for your buck than Vince Vance and the Valiants (www.vincevance.biz) — the self-proclaimed "world's best party band" and wildly popular at previous Empty Stocking Galas.

All proceeds from the gala will provide Christmas gifts for foster children in Calhoun and Cleburne counties who are in the custody of the Department of Human Resources. Thanks to the generous support of our communities, the Empty Stocking board is also able to provide help at other times during the year, with things like prom dresses and class rings.

This year, the board will be implementing a trust that will provide an annual scholarship for a foster child.

Talk about a win-win situation: a fun evening out for you, and more children experiencing the magic of Christmas. Can't you just imagine the excitement of Empty Stocking board members, children's wish lists in hand, as they load cart after cart with dolls, games and toys, thinking all the while how thrilled the children will be on Christmas morning?

None of this would be possible without those who contribute to Empty Stocking's cause year after year.

This year, Empty Stocking welcomed new board members Tracy and Bobby Foster of Jacksonville; other members include Lisa and Mike Askew, Brenda and Joe Bynum, Toni and Art Hathorn, Sherlyn and Corey McWhorter, Edith and Paul Trammell (all of Oxford), Anniston's Florence and Bryan Cuneo, Donna and Mac Gannon, Julie and Jeff Hansek, Betty and Robert Jackson, Donna and Tony Klabnik, Linda McLaughlin, Kenny Steppe, and Misty and Chuck Ward, plus Heflin's Jennifer and Steve Swafford.

Empty Stocking board members remain saddened by the loss of one of their longtime, dedicated members, George McLaughlin, who passed away unexpectedly last summer.

This year's gala will honor him and his devotion to the children.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call Kenny Steppe at 832-5399 or visit the Web site, www.emptystocking.net.

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

Save the date

Make plans now to attend Anniston Rotary Club's annual Bids for Kids on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 6 -10 p.m. at the Anniston City Meeting Center. Cocktails and a gourmet dinner by Classic on Noble will be followed by a live and silent auction to benefit children in need in Calhoun County, in Alabama, and around the world. Tickets are $50. Contact 435-9931 or www.annistonrotary.org.