If you want to witness a showdown between local doctors and lawyers, the Donoho High Gymnasium is the place to be Thursday, April 5, at 5:30 p.m. as they settle the score ON the court, not in it. The annual Lawyers vs. Doctors basketball game promises straight-up, post-up action, probably some fouls, and good, clean family fun as local hotshots showcase their skills in a benefit for YMCA’s Strong Kids Program.

All proceeds from the event (hosted by the RMC Foundation) will support YMCA programs such as Y Camps, Afterschool, Preschool, swim lessons and youth sports to help strengthen kids and families, and to make our community a safer and better place to live.

The RMC Foundation is a nonprofit volunteer organization that works to support RMC, its patients, employees, and the community served by RMC in Calhoun, Cleburne, Clay, Talladega and Randolph counties.

Charging the court for the Doctors team (headed up by coach Buddy Vandervoort) are George Crawford, Edward Wills, Brian Green, Bo Mansell, Grant Stone, James Daniel, Andrew Christie, David McCormack, Raul Magadia, Mike Kline, Davisson Edmond, Terry Phillis, Ayman Ghani, Jeff Collins, Dennis Bonner, Neil Christen and Rohit Patel.

Double-dribbling legal eagles on the Lawyers team are James Seal, Will Clay, Drew Senter, Tim Mitchell, James Sims, Taylor Stewart, Bud Turner, Chad Hanson, Bill Broome, Teddy Copland, Randy Brooks, Mike LaPlante, Jerry Sills and Shawn Quinlan. Coach Jake Mathews expects another slam dunk repeat of last year’s victory, although the Doctors beg to differ.

“Last year, the Lawyers took the trophy; this year, the Doctors want it and are determined to get it,” says Raul Magadia, M.D., infectious disease specialist.

The teams will, of course, have cheerleaders courtside. Bridgett Magourick will head up the cheerleaders for the Doctors, and Aundrea Snyder will lead the supporters for the Lawyers.

The halftime event – “Hoop for a Hundred” – will be an opportunity to win $100; details will be announced at the game.

Volunteers helping with the event include Chuck Haworth, Rodney Clarke, Hank Derusha, Mark Cova, Sara Johnson, Wendy Watson, Charlotte Ayers, Diane Hawkins, Tim Jones, Mary Ann Crow, Judy Gould, Art Gould, Bill Brandow, Miles Higginbotham, George Dudchocko, Jennifer Heston, Debra Holmes, Sandra Harper, Margaret Pope, Kathy Phillips, Nicole Meads, Lucy Whatley, BeBe Freeman, Edith Trammell, Lisa Jenkins, Tom Mueller and Jeff Leonard. Vickie Simmons, executive director of the RMC Foundation, invites everyone to come to the game, enjoy delicious food from Chick-Fil-A, laugh out loud, have a chance to win door prizes, and, most importantly, help send our community’s kids to attend faith-based camps that teach values and respect, provide nutritious meals, nurturing, and a safe, happy haven.

Tickets ($5) are available in advance at the RMC business office and the YMCA, or at the door. Children 6 and under will be admitted free.

If you cannot attend, but wish to offer support, you may send your check (payable to RMC Foundation) to P.O. Box 2208, Anniston, AL, 36206. For more information, call 256-235-5147.

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

Save the Date:

The Terrapin Tri-County Adventure Race (Saturday, April 28) will offer three to six hours of challenging trail running, creek paddling and biking, and the route encompasses three of northeast Alabama's premiere outdoor recreational areas located within the tri-county area of Calhoun, Cleburne and Cherokee: the Chief Ladiga Biking Trail, the Pinhoti National Recreational Hiking Trail, and the Terrapin Creek Canoe Trail. Contact Fred Couch (256-591-0437) for information.