As with tradition in May, the Lauderdale Council of Homemaker Volunteers honored city and county representatives at the organization’s scheduled meeting.

Attending were: Lauderdale County Supervisor Wayman Newell, District 2; interim District 3 Justice Court Judge Paul E. Earley II; Whitney Hodges, Lauderdale County Tax Collector’s office; Lauderdale County Tax Assessor James Rainey; Mike Myers, constable; Lauderdale County Supervisor Josh Todd, District 3; Charlie Smith, county attorney; Lauderdale County Supervisor Jonathan Wells, District 1, and wife, Jan; Lauderdale County Sheriff Billy Sollie; Lauderdale County Chief Deputy Ward Calhoun; Lauderdale County Supervisor Kyle Rutledge, District 5; Mississippi House Speaker Pro Tem Greg Snowden; and Lauderdale County Election Commissioner Awana Simmons.

Council secretary Robin Doerner led the Pledge of Allegiance then launched into her devotional reading, a declaration by James M. Fillmore titled “I Am Your Flag.”

I Am Your Flag

I have been kicked, trampled, burned, and shot full of holes. 

I have fought battles but I prefer the untroubled air of a world at peace.

I am your flag.  I represent the Freedom of Humanity and I shall fly high,

Thundering in silence for the whole world to hear.

My gentle rustling in the breeze sounds out the warning to all who would bury me forever,

That below stands a population dedicated to liberty.

For those who have perished for my right of freedom of flight,

Those who will die, and indeed, for those who would live

I stand as a symbol of freedom loving people.

I have been carried into battle in far away lands,

Always in the cause of freedom. 

I am blood-stained, torn, and many times wearied and saddened by the thousands

Who have paid the supreme sacrifice.

Do not let it all be for nothing.

Tell me the brave have all died for a worthwhile cause

Be proud of what I represent and display me for all to see.

Whether you call me “OLD GLORY,” “STAR SPANGLED BANNER” or “STARS AND STRIPES,” 

I shall fly forever as a symbol of your freedom, as I did for your ancestors, and as I shall for your heirs.

I am YOUR flag.

Council president Judy Harwell shared with the honorees and members the mission of the homemakers and some of the accomplishments for the year.

“Ever since our homemaker club program has been in existence, the mission has been to improve the quality of life for our families and our communities,” Harrell said. “In many ways, our volunteer work goes hand in hand with your legislative work. We have found out many times over, that when people work together on a common goal, the impact is greater. Thank you, again, for the work you do.

Currently, there are three active homemaker clubs and mailbox members in Lauderdale County with a membership of 88 homemakers. Each club provides members the opportunity to improve their homes, families and community life through educational programs, as well as the opportunity to volunteer in the community to make a difference individually and as a club. 

“We assist in strengthening, developing, coordinating and extending youth and adult educational programs offered by the county extension office,” Harrell said. “Homemaker volunteers also help many others and are involved in all types of activities.”

These include:

• Assists the Mississippi Welcome Center during Hospitality Month and Mississippi Homemaker Volunteers Week by serving as hosts and providing refreshments to travelers who stop at the center.

• Works regularly with convalescent homes by visiting and providing needed supplies on a regular basis.

• Contributes supplies to the Veterans Pantry in Highland Park and Cans for Kids.

• Provides financial assistance and supplies to Care Lodge, LOVE’s Kitchen, Hope Village for Children, Feed by Faith and East Mississippi State Hospital.

• Awards a scholarship annually to a young person entering their freshman year of college.

• Sponsors the annual Arts and Crafts Show and Sale held at Tommy Dulaney Center the first weekend in November. The 2017 show and sale marked the 31st anniversary of the annual event.

• Submitted by Cathy Clearman, reporter.