By Michele Gerlach
Andalusia Star News

Tickets for Andalusia’s Homecoming Gala, slated for Sat., Nov. 13, are now available.

Committee chair person Benny Jo Sasser said the “first class event” will feature “fabulous decorations,” a motivational speaker and local entertainment.

Mary-Ann Rabren Johnson, owner of Mary-Ann’s in Andalusia, is decorating the Kiwanis Center.

The event begins with a reception at 6 p.m. Local civic groups are invited to have displays about their organizations set up for review.

The seated dinner, catered by C.J.’s Grille, begins at 7 p.m.

Andalusia natives Alexa Jones and Charlie Thompson are both part of the program.

Jones, a former Miss Alabama and the second runner up to Miss America in 2006, will serve as emcee. Now a Birmingham resident, she is the anchor of CBS 42’s morning show, Wake Up Alabama, and also serves as the health reporter for CBS 42 News.

Thompson flew helicopter gunships in Vietnam and later the CH-54, Skycrane, for several years as a member of the Alabama National Guard. He has a bachelor of aviation management from Auburn University and has held positions ranging from ramp agent suitcase slinger to director of flight operations to CEO of his own aircraft charter broker company. He now works as a motivational speaker.

Dress is “Sunday to sequins.”

Tickets, which are $30 each, are available at city hall and from the chamber, as well as from the following representatives of civic organizations:

• Jennifer Parker of Coterie Club;
• Billy Joe Stallworth of Lions Club;
• Tom Albritton of Rotary;
• Harry Hinson of Kiwanis;
• William Blocker of Civitan;
• Ashley Eiland of Junior Woman’s Club;
• Dawn Smith of Junior League;
• Jeanie Metzger of Cynosure;
• Jewel Curry of Inter se;
• Ethel Robinson of Oleander Club;
• Ann McGowan of Pilot Club;
• Tera Jones of Luncheon Pilot Club.