Wayne Porter of the Mississippi State University Extension Office provided pruning tips at the May 26, 2008, meeting of the Suqualena Community Development Club.

Introduced by Lloyd Hutcherson, Porter’s discussion was accompanied by a slide presentation. He advised members on when to prune trees and shrubs, as well as which fertilizer to use. Porter recommended placing an empty tuna fish can in the yard when watering plants. When the can is full, plants have enough water for the week, he said. A question-and-answer session followed Porter’s presentation.

The meeting was called to order by Ken Turner, president, who welcomed everyone and thanked them for coming out on Memorial Day.

Johnny Trest led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. Pat Smith presented a devotional using Psalm 23 as scripture.

Smith also talked about early war hero Richard Parker, who flew 101 missions and was shot down seven times. Parker said he felt the Lord had been with him each time. Smith said Parker was very much like David, who was cast into the lions den because of his faith in God.

During the business session, Harriett Touchstone read the minutes from the last meeting and JoAnn Kimbrell presented a financial report.

Kimbrell also shared with the group her experience at a Keep Mississippi Beautiful luncheon she and Diann Howse attended in Jackson. She showed a plaque Suqualena CDC received and noted that the club was the only Lauderdale County recipient of the honor.

Kimbrell, Howse and Jeane Jones were to attend the local Keep Americia Beautiful luncheon to receive a grant the club was awarded.

Kimbrell also talked about her and Howse’s participation in the Memorial Day service at the new Veterans Service Building. She requested that the club purchase a memorial brick to help pay expenses of the new facility. Members voted unanimously to purchase one of the $50 bricks In memory of Suqualena veterans.

Janet Trest of Lamar School brought in 35 gallons of Pop Tops that her art students collected this year. The items will be taken to Ross Collins for cancer patients.

It was announced that 12 meals were delivered to the sick and shut-ins during May.

The clubs annual family picnic will be held in June. A silent auction also will be held during the event and members were encouraged to bring items.

Refreshments were served by Kim Denton, Margie Castle, Dolly Turner and Diann Howse. Shirley Hutcherson won the door prize.



• Report submitted by Norma Cooksey.