MAN — START members and guests gathered at noon Thursday, April 28, for their regular monthly meeting.

Although, the meeting was held four days after Easter, an Easter theme was used in decorating. The tables were covered with various colored table cloths — pink, yellow, green and purple and napkins featured an Easter motif. An Easter basket with colored eggs was used as a centerpiece on each table.

Prior to opening the meeting with prayer, Frank Thompson, START president, introduced the guests who included Patty Doczi, Susan Green, Pat O’Brian and Willa Zornes. After introductions, Rev. David Thompson gave the prayer of thanksgiving.

After socializing and having a delicious meal, members celebrating April birthdays were recognized. They were Bryan Baker, Shirley Brown, Peggy Heatherman, Donna McNeely, Lee Noel and Bernie Queen. The group sang “Happy Birthday” accompanied by Alice Harrison at the piano while the birthday celebrants had their picture taken.

Then Queen was inducted into START’s 90th Birthday Hall of Fame. Currently, seven members have been honored with induction into the Hall of Fame. Queen was presented a framed certificate of his induction and a birthday cake. Members that have been honored were Mary Lawrence, Bill Mitchell, Bern Amburgey, Helen Heatherman, Marie Cook and Laura Hinchman.

Pat O’Brien, START’s resident artist, presented an outstanding musical program by singing hymns appropriate to Easter. He ended his program by singing two songs made famous by The Platters.

During business session, members voted to make a donation to Pat O’Brien Ministries. He works relentlessly in trying to win souls for Christ and to bring joy to those that are confined. Alice Harrison, treasurer, presented the treasury report for March. Thompson told the members that the long-awaited-for Picture History Book of Triadelphia District should be available by the middle of May.

Before adjournment, a drawing for door prizes was held. Door prizes were won by Arthur Brunty, Barbara Brunty, Rev. David Thompson, Angie Bassham, Peggy Mosley, Willa Zornes, Donna McNeely and Mae Osborne. Thanks to Susan Green, daughter of Shirley and Zettie Brown, who made and donated several beaded necklaces and bracelets to give as door prizes.

The 51 members and guests signing the attendance register were JoAnne Hensley, Ella Cook, Elmer and Lounice Jeffrey, Jane Grimmette, Lou Arnold, Lessie Bailey, Norma Jean Nelson, Geraldine Bunch, Anna Vance, Jim Blevins, David Walls, Jean Wintz, Alice Harrison, Merlin and Delores Spears, Wanda Grimmette, Garnet Triplett, Pebble Vance, Mae Osborne, Barbara Spears, Bill and Donna McNeely, Helen Nelson, Bernie Queen, Cheryl Merritt, Bertha Allen, Angie Bassham, Pauline Jeffrey, Willa Zornes, Arthur and Barbara Brunty, Elizabeth Tackett, Maxine Justice, Patty Stowers, David Thompson, Paul and Donna Thibault, Tom Sheehy, Shirley and Zettie Brown, Susan Green, Gertie Moore, Patricia Doczi, George and Dotty Doczi, Mike and Gretchen Donahue, Pat O’Brien, and Frank and Elaine Thompson.

START’s next scheduled meeting will be at noon Thursday, May 26, in the fellowship hall of Bruce McDonald United Methodist Church.

"The doors are always opened to anyone that would like to attend," said Thompson. "Hope to see you there!"