The Birmingham age-herald., 1910-01-23
YESTERDAY IN SoClETY-PLANS
 FOR BAL MASQUE-DlNNER AT
 COUNTRY CLUB-THE SOCIAL
 CALENDAR - PERSONAL MEN, TON AND BRIEF BITS OF NEWS.
By MYRTLE MILES.

There have been many conjectures as to the selection of a chairman for the patronesses of the charity ball this year. This post, as everyone knows, is one of much honor while at the same time filled with responsibility So that while it is one of the highest tributes that may be conferred by society. the women who un- dertakes the chairmanship assumes great task.
 Now that the announcement Is made by the District Managers association, a company of prominent matrons, that their choice has fallen upon Mrs. Will liam H. Kettig, the success of the ball is assured. Much is expected of the woman who follows in the footsteps of two such leaders as the patronesses have already had-Nfrs. Henry B. Gray and Mrs. T. G. Bush-who made the ball Hast year and the one preceding 1t both alike brilliantly successful.
 Mrs. Kettig is one of the loveiiest women in society. Her tact and her executive ability make her erninently it. ted to succeed Mrs. Gray and Mrs. Bush. Her name stands not only for exclusive ness and the best that Birmingham so- .ciety means. but 1t means something even more distinctive and enviable. Her friends recognize in her talent for entertaining that is possessed by few. The art displayed in her Inequalities has become @ byword, and all who know of Mrs. Kettiz have learned of her won derfui skill in decorating. From time to time she gathers about her a few friends at one of her chaming little en- tertainments-she rarely give a large party-and each Is revelation as to the originality and taste which she pos- sesses, for Mrs. Kettig studies the har- inony of effects in the arrangement of her home and It's cuisine just as she plans her exquisite gowns.
 With such 8 woman at the head of the committee to arrange for the charity ball 1t will be one of the most beautiful affairs ever given in Birmingham and her high social position assures its exclusive ness as well. Assisting Mrs. Kettig there will be several scores of patronesses in- cluding the most influential matrons in society.
 The charity ball is to the spring season of Birmingham society what the Thanks giving reception at the Southern club is to the winter season, each opening the season after a period of quietude and following an extended rest, is entered into with all enthusiasm. The ball room scene Is enchanting. Swaying to the ca- dence of the music matrons and maids Eowned in the newest triumphs Of the eouturiere's art, are looking their love Hest, and society men enter gladly into the pleasure of the occasion as well for the novelty and the beauty of it all One of the incentives to the enjoyment of the ball, however. is the knowledge of the charitable cause back of It. There Is probably no charity to which the people of our city respond more readily than the one supported by the proceeds from the charity ball. Caring for the sick among the slums of city-that is what it means. It supports district nursing in Birmingham and, as many lives are made comfortable and happy each year through this noble work. growing out of the charity ball, the choice of the one who is to plan and direct Its every de- tail is of supreme importance. All society will learn of the associations choice of a leader this year with keenest pleasure for with Mrs. Kettig as chairman and the large experience gained through two tri- umphs such as were the results of Mrs Grays efforts and those of Mrs. Bush, it is expected that the ball will this year eclipse all other social events of the year.
 When asked of the work which is being accomplished by the District Nurses as- sociation, a young matron who is one of the most earnest of Its number, said. ''If you really wish to reach the very heart of the work talk with Ms Foroe- man, our nurse. We simply are her as- sistants, helping her in the very best way that we can; finding cases for her to minister to; paying bills incurred in her mission of alleviating suffering, and persuading her not to work too hard For