MAN — Seniors Taking Active Roles Today (START) met Thursday, July 22, in the Fellowship Hall of Bruce McDonald United Methodist Church for their July meeting.

Emma Mitchell and her protégés did a wonderful job in decorating the fellowship hall to reflect the Fourth of July. Tables were decorated with red placemats, blue napkins with stripes and stars, and the centerpieces were red, blue and silver mobiles.

The meeting was called to order by Frank Thompson, president, followed with prayer by Bill McNeely.

After everyone having enjoyed a most delicious buffet, it was time to give recognition to the members celebrating their July birthdays. This included Joan Clark, Billie Noel, Robert Perry, Nancy Garrett and Frank Thompson. Nancy and Frank were the only two birthday celebrants in attendance. As tradition, Shirley Brown took a picture while the group sang the “Happy Birthday” song accompanied by Alice Harrison at the piano.

Roger Muncy, the guest speaker, was not able to attend. In lieu of, Frank brought a copy of the Charleston Gazette, dated May 1, 1988, which included an article about Uncle Sam’s Loans based on Sandy Wells interview with Roger. She quoted Roger as saying, “I try to speak to every person who comes in this store. . . These people are my friends. . . " This philosophy is still true today.

During the business session, Alice Harrison, treasurer, gave the treasury report. It was announced that construction of the children’s room at the Buffalo Creek Memorial Library should begin sometime in August. As most of the “Friends of the Library” are also START members, the group voted to pay for the food for the children’s party at the end of the summer reading program going on at the Library.

Prior to adjournment, there was a drawing for door prizes. Winners were Ella Cook, Alice Harrison, Helen Nelson and Elizabeth Tackett.

The 42 members signing the attendance register were Lessie Bailey, Elmer and Lounice Jeffrey, Norma J. Nelson, Pebble Vance, Jean Wintz, Lou Arnold, Bill and Donna McNeely, Paul and Donna Thibault, Ella Cook, Jane Grimmette, Elizabeth Tackett, Helen W. Nelson, Garnet Triplett, Emma Mitchell, Rebecca Dantes, Angeline Bassham, Lenora Moss, Jerry and Nance Garrett, Dr. Rallos, Merlin and Delores Spears, Alice Harrison, Bernie Queen, Geraldine Bunch, Shirley and Zettie Brown, Barbara Spears, Arthur and Barbara Brunty, Gretchen Donahue, Tom Sheehy, Laura Hinchman, Bryan Baker, Winsel and Grace Elliott, Betty Gentry, and Frank and Elaine Thompson.

START’s next meeting will begin at noon, Thurday, August 26, in the fellowship hall of Bruce McDonald United Methodist Church.

"START meetings use an “open door” policy," said Thompson, "Please come and enjoy good food, good fellowship and lots of laughter."