By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

The Novella Club of Columbiana is sponsoring its Annual Celebration of Life Dinner, Monday, May 9, at the First Baptist Church of Columbiana at 6:30 p.m.

Novella, a member of the Alabama Federation of Women’s Clubs, has honored cancer survivors and their families and friends with a beautiful, free dinner for the last 10 years.

Delicious, home-cooked food, understanding fellowship and fabulous entertainment are the hallmarks of this annual feast. The dinner is in conjunction with the South Shelby Relay of Life for the American Cancer Society.

Peggy Wood and Marcia Murrah are the chairs of this event, which is highly anticipated by cancer survivors and their loved ones.

They are assisted by their devoted club members: President Jo Ann Holcombe, Denise Houston, Lisa Sallas, Bonnie Atchison, Amanda Randolph, Gloria Beasley, Sallie Lawshe, Rene Wilder, Janice Key and Heidee Vansant.

Cancer affects so many in our community.

This dinner is something people look forward to attend each year to see their fellow survivors and discuss their progress and disease with those who truly understand the walk their lives have taken.

This year’s entertainment is a special dual treat. Atchison’s son, noted singer Michael Mason, will entertain with his musical skills. His talented wife Judy will give an inspirational talk.

Mike recently entertained at the Old Shelby County Courthouse at the Shelby County 193rd Birthday Celebration honoring Gov. Robert Bentley.

Judy is a CPA and student at the Beeson Divinity School at Samford University.

The Novella Club supports this dinner and other community philanthropic deeds through their annual fundraisers: the Antique, Arts and Craft Show; sales of the Novella Club Cookbook found locally at Davis Drug; and their new project — sales of custom blankets decorated with historic sites of Columbiana, which can also be used as a tapestry.

Novella also supports education with an annual scholarship to a Shelby County High School senior, a scholarship to the Miss Shelby County Pageant and numerous donations to local schools.

Anyone whose life has been touched with cancer is welcomed and encouraged to come to the survivor dinner.

For dinner reservations or information on blanket sales, call Peggy Wood at 669-9073.

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by email at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.