Carole and Dave Reardon, who own Shillings on the Square, followed the playbook for the perfect party. On Super Bowl Sunday, they hosted not only a Super Bowl party for their best customers, but combined it with an overdue Christmas party for their hardworking employees.

"We can't shut down during the holidays," said Carole. But they managed to close Shillings for a private gathering downstairs last Sunday evening.

Among the partygoers: Steve Berryman, B.J. and Wyndell Black, Steven Durfee, Chef Trey Hastings, Chef Johnny Lindley, Debbie Denson and Frank Meaders, Alan Phagan, Sharon and Andrew Poole, Stephanie Poole, Tony Powell, Jordan Romine, Mary Ansley and James Southerland, Laurie and Foster Yancey, and Blaine Zydbel.

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In October 2009, we reported about Michelle Patterson and her two sons who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the terminal form of the disease. The Patterson family needs a handicapped accessible van because both boys, Malik, 13, and Derek, 16, both taller than 6 feet, are confined to wheelchairs. It is impossible for Michelle to transport the two boys and her other two children in her existing car. Since we reported in 2009, Derek now requires spinal surgery on June 4.

The surgery means the situation is even more desperate than before for this family. In this tough economy, through the help of the Lions Club, commitments of $6,000 toward the $40,000 have been raised.

Awtrey Middle School where Malik attends has joined fundraising efforts. After watching Darius Goes West about another young man with Duchene's Muscular Dystrophy, the Life Skills/MOID teacher, Ms. Rhona Hammond, and her students have been collecting change to contribute to the purchase of the van and now the entire school has gotten involved.

On Feb. 10, the awesome AMS students announced that they raised more than $1,100 for the Patterson van!

If you would like to help, donate by check to: Kennesaw-Acworth Lions Club, P.O. Box 748, Acworth, GA, 30101.

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Fashion spotlight of the week: In jeans and hot pink (the ultimate girly girl color) down vest, always a lady - Shirley McKinney.

Sally Litchfield is a longtime Marietta resident. She formerly practiced law in Marietta and now stays home to raise her two children. Send Sally news at sallylit @bellsouth.net. Call Sally at (770) 425-7122.