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MAN — When START gathered for their February 21 meeting, St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated — of course, early.

The meeting was called to order by START president Frank Thompson followed by an opening prayer given by Rev. Randy Sites. Thompson introduced guests Billy and Robin Jeffrey from Sanford, N.C., and Lisa Clark and Brittany Lusk. Martha Sparks and Debbie Rolen from The Logan Banner came to the meeting prior to adjournment.

START’s decorating team, Gretchen Donahue, JoAnne Hensley, Donna Thibault, and Judy Sites, did a terrific job decorating the fellowship hall. The tables were draped with green table cloths and yellow placemats. Green colored vases with colorful balloons as flowers with shamrock strings intertwined among the balloons were used as centerpieces. Hanging on a wall was a large cutout of a black kettle with gold cutout coins at the end of a rainbow fashioned from multi-colored plastic table cloths. A leprechaun decorated the registration table. A shamrock shaped cookie with green icing was placed at each table setting.

The buffet tables reflected tasty foods ranging from corned beef and cabbage to pickled eggs to decadent desserts to a delicious punch provided by Lou Arnold. As usual START’s confectioner Zettie Brown decorated her cake with a St. Pat’s theme and also made green Jello shamrocks.

After lunch, the February birthday celebrants were recognized. The celebrants included Dorothy Albright, Dorothy Altizer, Lou Arnold, James Daniels, Dotty Doczi, Wanda Grimmette, Alice Harrison, Elmer Jeffrey, Garnet Triplett and Jean Wintz.

As the celebrants had their group picture taken, the audience sang the “Happy Birthday” song accompanied by Alice Harrison at the piano.

Afterwards, Thompson made a special presentation of the first Bill and Emma Mitchell Memorial Award to Shirley Brown. The engraved plague denoted Brown’s involvement in various community activities and for serving as START’s resident photographer for the past ten years.

During the business session, Harrison, START treasurer, presented the treasury report. Then, Thompson announced that an open house will be conducted on April 5, 2013, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Buffalo Creek Memorial Library in recognition of the Library’s 40th anniversary.

At the March 21 meeting, Laura Hinchman will be recognized as START’s oldest active member. Also, Robert and Dixie Frazier will be presenting a musical program.

Prior to closing, a drawing for door prizes was conducted and a group picture was made.

The 44 members and guests signing the registration book were Arthur and Barbara Brunty, Gertie Moore, Peggy Mosley, Gretchen Donahue, Brittany Lusk, Lisa Clark, Laura Hinchman, Mayor Jim Blevins, Patricia Doczi, Shirley and Zettie Brown, Rev. Randy and Judy Sites, Betty Gentry, Maxine Justice, Robert and Dixie Frazier, Robert Perry, Mae Osborne, Bill and Donna McNeely, Pebble Vance, Paul and Donna Thibault, Angeline Bassham, Alice Harrison, Alice Ramiscal, Dr. Rallos, Junior and Lounice Jeffrey, Billy and Robin Jeffrey, Dorothy Altizer, Terry Cline, JoAnne Hensley, Barbara Spears, Norma Jean Nelson, Jane Grimmette, Merlin and Delores Spears, Lessie Bailey and Frank and Elaine Thompson.

The next meeting will be held at noon Thursday, March 21, in the fellowship hall of Bruce McDonald Memorial United Methodist Church. Everyone is welcome to attend. At this meeting, Easter will be celebrated.