Suqualena Community Development Club has been very busy for the last few months. 

    First, members Al Kimbrell won Man of the Year and JoAnn Kimbrell Secretary of the Year for 2014 at the Community Development Clubs Awards. Then, a Valentine’s Day Luncheon for members of the community who are over 80. Roy Dabbs, pastor of Oak Grove Baptist Church, entertained with funny stories. Becky Fulton, Shirley Hutcherson, Janet Reeves, JoAnn Kimbrell, Joane Mackey, Julie Lynch and Cathy Carpenter served gourmet food.

    Then, there was Sponsors Night, which had 73 attending. Paul Bird, minister of music at Macedonia, entertained with songs; he was accompanied by Annette Palmer on piano.

    Easter featured 25 children finding about 300 Easter eggs. Each child received a prize.  JoAnn  Kimbrell read the Easter story. Light refreshments were served.

    During the club’s April meeting, Cindy Rutledge of “Damsels in Defense” presented facts about defense mostly for women and what weapons can be used for defense.

    In May, Kent Turner spoke to the club about the history of Suqualena and Lauderdale County. He told members about Sherman marching from Vicksburg through Decatur, Suqualena, into Meridian. Then Sherman returned to Vicksburg the same way. A historical marker on Suqualena Road tells the story about Sherman’s march.

    Turner also discussed the stage coach route that ran from Decatur to Gainesville, Ala. Suqualena in Choctaw means “poor hog.” Turner and his wife, Doll,y have a museum in Bogue Flower (Filah) hill.

    Richard Grant, an independent teacher of English as a second language in foreign countries told the club about his travels. He teaches college professors so that they might have a chance at a better paying job.

    Yard of the Month honors went to Muriel Phillips in May and Joane and Danny Mackey in June. 

    The club donated money to a family that lost everything in a fire and to Richard Grant for his expenses. The club has an ongoing project of collecting box tops and soup labels for West Lauderdale School. The club also takes papers to Seal-Laird  and Collinsville veterinary clinics.

    Members will prepare “Tote Bags” for Foster Care Children. The club also has an ongoing fundraising project selling RADA Cutlery.