Wendy’s word

“Wax on, wax off ...” My son could not figure out why Mr. Miyagi was requiring these tasks of Daniel in the ’80s hit “The Karate Kid.”

“I thought this was a karate movie. Why is this guy making him clean cars, sand floors and paint fences?” “Just keep watching,” my husband and I promised, “and you will understand in a minute.” And he did.

Daniel was ready to train for the area karate tournament, and the menial chores seemed completely irrelevant to the goal ahead. However, as all who have seen the movie know, he was preparing the entire time, exercising his muscles and perfecting his karate moves.

Life is no different. A purpose exists for everything. Even when we don’t see it, the sometimes trivial course our path takes is preparing us for tomorrow, making us stronger and ready to face the challenges before us. You are clay, being molded every day into a beautiful piece of pottery.

Now let’s see what the “chatter” is ...

Hartselle Newcomers

Hartselle Newcomers Club kicked off the new year with a January meeting at The Depot. Co-presidents Ruth Carlin and Sandy Johnson welcomed everyone.

Hartselle High graduate and guest speaker Jason Stephenson of Stephenson Chiropractic and Wellness Center PC spoke on “How to Stay Young the First 100 years.” Stephenson is director of the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of Business Networking International of Hartselle and a member of the Alabama State Chiropractic Association. He is married to Kimberly R. Stephenson, who is also a chiropractor.

He talked about spinal disorders, which are the most common cause of functional disability in people older than 50. Today is the day for prevention, not tomorrow. Some of the services offered are spinal adjustments, extremity adjustments, X-rays, rehab exercises, muscle stimulating unit, water massage table, detoxifying foot bath, nutritional supplements, custom-made arch supports and infrared sauna technology.

A second guest speaker, Sharon Fisher from the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, spoke on radon awareness, explaining that radon is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is a radioactive decay product of uranium. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. Because January is National Radon Action Month, the hope is to raise awareness about the issue. Homeowners can have their houses tested. Test kits are available for $5 at the county extension office in Hartselle or through the Radon in Alabama Web site, www.aces.edu
/radon. For more info, call 773-2549.

Member Jean Jenkins gave the blessing before a meal from Homestyle Barbeque. Jason Stephenson provided dessert. Jo Ann Stephenson won the door prize, which was donated by Tangles Salon.

Member Michelle Duryea makes home visits to newcomers to the area. If you would like a visit, call 773-3203. Free gifts and information from local businesses will be provided without any obligations on your part.

The next meeting will be 10:30 a.m. on Feb. 14 at the old F.E. Burleson School building at 300 College St. The program will be provided by Wachovia Bank/Historical Society. Child care will be provided by First United Methodist Church. For more info, call Carlin at 773-8802 or Johnson at 751-4540.

That’s all for now. It’s been great “chattin” with ya!

What’s going on in your corner of the world? If it’s special to you and features any of the great people who live in our community, then it will make a great Chatterbox item. Contact me at ddchatterbox@yahoo.com or 350-5730. I look forward to hearing from you.