The August 25, 2011 START meeting began with Frank Thompson, president, welcoming the guests: Bob Betker, Edward Hensley and Judy Walls Harmon. A special welcome was extended to START members James Daniels and Bill Mitchell. Then Rev. Randy Sites gave the opening prayer.

START decorators performed their magic by using a fantasy theme, “Alice in Wonderland”. Blue, pink, yellow, purple and green placemats with pink napkins were used at each place setting.

Small flower pots with a glass teapot sitting on top with miniature spoons dangling were used as center pieces. Also, adorning the tables were small white bags with a lace edge surrounded by pearl beads. The bulletin board at the foot of the stairway was entitled “The Mad Hatters” with pictures of some START members with appropriate hats attached.

Following a delicious lunch, Pat O’Brien serenaded the group with songs from the “Golden Oldies” era.

Afterwards the members celebrating their August birthdays were recognized. They were Angeline Bassham, Jerry Garrett, Kathryn Gent, Lounice Jeffrey, Maxine Justice, Bill McNeely, Bill Mitchell (94), Barbara Spears, Donna Thibault, and Pebble Vance. While their picture was taken, the group sang the “Happy Birthday” song accompanied by Alice Harrison at the piano.

During the business session, Alice Harrison presented the treasurer’s report. Also, the group voted to purchase a marker to be placed in the walking trail at the Justin McCoy Memorial Park.

Prior to the close of the meeting, door prizes were awarded to Angeline Bassham, James Daniels and Arthur Brunty.

The 43 members and guests signing the attendance book were: Lou Arnold, Dr. Rallos, Bill and Donna McNeely, Ella Cook, Barbara Spears, Merlin and Delores Spears, Geraldine Brunch, Elmer and Lounice Jeffrey, Norma Jean Nelson, Mae Osborne, Jane Grimmette, Helen W. Nelson, Jim Blevins, Maxine Justice, Betty Gentry, Alice Harrison, Randy and Judy Sites, Gertie Moore, Robert Perry, Angeline Bassham, Robert Betker, Anna R. Vance, Bernie Queen, Donna Thibault, Paul Thibault, Elizabeth Tackett, James Daniels, Jean Wintz, Bill and Emma Mitchell, Mike and Gretchen Donahue, Pebble Vance, Edward Hensley, Judy Walls Harmon, Pat O’Brien, and Frank and Elaine Thompson.

START’S annual picnic will be held at noon on Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Greenbranch Freewill Baptist Church.