Allegiance

Watching news coverage of Americans reacting to the death of Osama bin Laden reminded me of our common response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. Our common bond of being Americans united us — then in grief, now in victory. I am so very proud of our volunteer military who work 24-7 to protect us. Viewing the crowds breaking into spontaneous cheers of U.S.A. or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance was a welcome sight; particularly young adults cheering for our homeland. But, I’m curious, where have all these “fans” been hiding?

The Jan. 27 AARP meeting was opened by Don Rose, who welcomed five new members. The Pledge of Allegiance was given by the members and Wilma Ballard said the prayer for the food, and for the sick. “Happy Birthday” was sung to those having birthdays in January. The meal was served to 42 members and guests. Colista Ledford gave a report on Martin Luther King Jr. Gladys Hammonds reported on game night, which is held the first Tuesday of the month.

AARP met March 26 at the Generations Center at 6 p.m. The meeting was conducted by president Paul Blackwell. Don Rose led the Pledge of Allegiance. Wilma Ballard led the group in prayer before the potluck dinner. Forty-two members and guests were present. Rose read a story by Joseph Rupsis, "Calm on the Pacific Ocean. " Birthdays were celebrated by Jim Crowell, June Curtis and Joseph Rupsis. Two new members were present, Mary Lisle and Jeanette Star. Visitors present were Arline and Clair Hunter, Valerie Hunt and Jerry Ferguson.

AARP Chapter 632 met at the Generations Center April 28. Don Rose opened the meeting by introducing the tax preparers and guests. Bill Burton led the Pledge of Allegiance and Wilma Ballard led the prayer for the food, which was served to 52 members and guests. Kenny Speakes was introduced and entertained with hymns and some of his own renditions, such as “Victory in Jesus,” “Man From Galilee,” “He’s Alive,” and more. Colista Ledford presented roses to the tax preparers in appreciation for their work.

Local AARP Chapter 632 met March 28 at the Generations Center. New President Colista Ledford opened the meeting, Don Rose led the Pledge of Allegiance and Frank Vermillion gave the devotion. Ellie Johnston celebrated her birthday in March, and the group celebrated the 17th wedding anniversary of Elizabeth and James Gay. Rose informed the chapter the bill on land line phones was defeated, and members expressed concerns with the consumer price index. Ledford asked the chapter to pray for sick members.

The AARP Chapter 632 met Thursday, Dec. 6, at the Generations Center. Don Rose, president, presided. Bill Burton led the Pledge of Allegiance and gave the blessing. Bobbye Woodruff and Joyce Barnes celebrate birthdays in December. The members enjoyed a delicious potluck dinner, which included ham that was cooked by Don and Janet Rose. The president announced that a total of $825 was being donated to the following charities: $75, Hurricane Sandy relief/American Red Cross; $300, Generations Center; $75, Operation Happiness; $75, Clark County Community Services; $50, AARP Foundation; $75, Clark County Homeless Coalition; $75, Rapha Ministries; $100, Betty Ballard.

The AARP meeting was held at the Generations Center Oct. 28 with president Don Rose presiding. Larry Bosco led the Pledge of Allegiance and Jim Crowell gave the invocation. A potluck meal was served to 49 members and guests. “Happy Birthday” was sung to those having birthdays. There were three guests and one new member. The first game night was held Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Due to the auction, there was no business meeting. The next meeting will be held Dec. 9 and will be the Christmas meeting and officer installation.

AARP Chapter 632 met Sept. 28 at the Generations Center. Don Rose, president, conducted the meeting. Bobbye Woodruff led the Pledge of Allegiance. Wilma Ballard led the group in prayer and gave thanks for the food. Rose introduced Kathy Murphy, an AARP advocate in Frankfort. She talked about the two main issues of the 2012 sessions in January. AARP will ask for an increase in funding for programs for seniors. Funding is still the same level as it was in 1991. The yearly auction was at the Oct. 27 meeting.

The AARP Chapter 632 met Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011, at the Generations Center. Don Rose, president, presided. Bill Burton led the Pledge of Allegiance and Betty Ballard gave the blessing. The president announced that a total of $1,050 was donated to the following charities: - The Generation Center $300 - Community Services $200 - Homeless Coalition $200 - Rapha Ministries $100 - AARP Foundation $100 - Operation Happiness $200 Members were encouraged to conact congressional representatives to express their opposition to cuts made to programs for the elderly.

Have you ever wondered how much history is in Danville? Every section of town has its own history. I have been in this area the most of 48 years and it amazes me how much we know about the community that we call Danville. Since I am a native of southern Illinois, I have learned much through visiting the various historical places here and what I have read in books, such as "Looking Back" and the Forkland and Gravel Switch histories, just to name a few. Recently, I was sitting in front of the courthouse and saw two couples walking and observing their surroundings.