The Tri Delta Alumnae Chapter of Calhoun/Talladega celebrated over the holidays to congratulate those girls who not only pledged Delta Delta Delta, but others who joined the ranks of many national fraternities this past fall. On Dec. 17, Susan Cook's home on Hillyer High, all decked out in holiday spirit, was the gathering spot for a Mother /Daughter Christmas Tea where the rooms were filled with chatter and excitement as the girls and their mothers visited, sharing many old and new college stories.

Traveling home from Auburn University to attend the tea were Frances Barber of Talladega, who pledged Alpha Omicron Pi; Megan McCrary, from Alpine, who pledged Alpha Xi Delta; and Alison Norby, who pledged Kappa Delta. The fact that Alison pledged Kappa Delta was extra special, as her sister, Paige (a senior at Auburn) is also a member of the Kappa Deltas.

Home for the holidays from the University of Alabama to also enjoy the Christmas cheer were Caroline Collins, who pledged Chi Omega, Leah Edwards, from Wedowee, who pledged Zeta Tau Alpha, and Elizabeth Overton, from Talladega, who pledged Alpha Chi Omega. The host alums especially enjoyed welcoming Emily Chalk and Caitlin Fockele, both of whom pledged Tri Delta. Now Caitlin and her mother, Cathy, share another bond, as Cathy was a Tri Delt at the University of Kentucky.

Susan Cook was happy to have her daughter, Kathryn (who recently joined the alumnae ranks of Delta Delta Delta) home for the special gathering. Other mothers and daughters (who share the Tri Delta bonds) helping to host the panhellenic event were Lynn Sims of Talladega and her daughters, Powell and Blair. Powell was glad to have the Christmas holidays for relaxation as she was the new member educator for Tri Delta at the University of Alabama — a mammoth task with 76 new freshman pledges!

Everyone had a wonderful time, but did miss many of their friends who had scheduling conflicts or were not yet home for the holidays. Missing the fun from Auburn University were Jesse Baldwin of Oxford, Alpha Delta Pi; Cameron McMillan of Talladega, Alpha Gamma Delta, and Gilda Osborn, Gamma Phi Beta. Maggie Morgan pledged Delta Gamma at the University of Mississippi; CJ Benton pledged Phi Mu at Samford University in Birmingham, and Cavin Urquhart pledged Alpha Chi Omega at Birmingham Southern College.

The girls are excited about the upcoming year, sure to be packed with studies and all the memory-making activities Greek life has to offer.

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

Save the date

Attention, blushing brides! Don't miss the Northeast Alabama Bridal Show, slated for Sunday, Jan. 31, 12:30-5 p.m. at the Anniston City Meeting Center. A wedding wonderland of vendors and caterers, sample foods and expert advice, door prizes galore, plus an exhibit of vintage wedding dresses make up this annual spectacular. Brides will be admitted free of charge; admission for everyone else is only $5. Visit www.spiritofanniston.org for more info.