MAN — When the members of START gathered for their October monthly meeting, they surprisingly got to listen to Pat O’Brien as he gave his farewell performance prior to the family’s move to North Carolina.

Geraldine Bunch, START vice-president presided over the meeting due to Frank Thompson’s recovery from heart surgery.

The fellowship hall at Bruce McDonald United Methodist Church was decorated using a fall theme. The decorations included scarecrows, pumpkins, leaves, and amber votive lights. The tables were decorated with brown tablecloths, fall napkins, orange placemats and arrangements of fall flowers.

A prayer of thanks was prayed prior to everyone enjoying a delicious meal.

The START members celebrating an October birthday were Geraldine Bunch, Helen Nelson, Merlin Spears and Anna Ruth Vance. Members celebrating but not in attendance were Bern Amburgey, a member of START’s 90th Birthday Hall of Fame, Patty Amburgey, JoAnn Browning, Diane Donahue, and Patty Stowers. As a tradition, the members sang the “Happy Birthday” song accompanied by Alice Harrison at the piano.

Some time ago, START considered Pat O’Brien as their resident artist. Over the years, he has been so cooperative to perform at a START meeting when invited. During his performance, he sang “Today is a Wonderful Day”, “What a Wonderful World”, “Let’s Take it Nice and Easy”, “Unforgettable” and “When the Twilight is Gone”. As he sang numbers made famous by Frank Sinatra, and Nat King Cole, he sang Tony Bennett’s “It’s Impossible”. He concluded his program by singing “Thanks to Calvary” — he commented this is why he can do what he does; such as his ministry, his love for his community, and his prison ministry. Rev. Randy Sites thanked Pat for all he means to us.

During the business session, Alice Harrison, START treasurer, gave the monthly treasurer’s report. Then plans were made for START’s Thanksgiving meeting which will be held Thursday, November 15. The dinner will be a typical Thanksgiving dinner.

The members and guests signing the guest list were Gertie Moore, JoAnne Hensley, Pat O’Brien, Elmer and Lounice Jeffrey, Lou Arnold, Lessie Bailey, Garnet Triplett, Geraldine Bunch, Merlin and Delores Spears, Winsel and Grace Elliott, Alice Harrison, Bill and Donna McNeely, Man Mayor Jim Blevins, Tommy Crosby, Mae Osborne, David Walls, Helen Nelson, Norma Jean Nelson, Shirley and Zettie Brown, Maxine Justice, William T. Coyer, Robert Perry, Pebble Vance, Pauline Jeffrey, Anna Ruth Vance, Dotty Doczi, Patricia Doczi, Rev. Randy and Judy Sites, Sherry Frye, Barbara Spears, Arthur and Barbara Brunty, Elizabeth Tackett, Gretchen Donahue, Jean Wintz and Alice Ramiscol.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Bunch emphasized that the next meeting will be at noon Thursday, November 15, in the Fellowship Hall of Bruce McDonald United Methodist Church and to bring a dish that will go with turkey and ham.