Staff Reports
NEW ELM — The Jolly Elders of New Elm Community met for its first meeting of the new year on Jan. 2, in the social hall of New Elm Baptist Church. Iris Eigenrauch, president, welcomed members and visitors, thanking the group for its past year of meetings and help.
Andy Burnham brought the devotion using a scripture text from Matthew with reference to blessings. He spoke regarding the making of New Year’s resolutions and how it seemed that many people do not keep them. Following the devotion, Betty Burnham led in prayer for the group and the sick of the community.
A report was given that Betty Striplin, a charter member and very active member of the Jolly Elders, had moved to a nursing home the week prior to the meeting. Since the meeting, she had died and the group agreed that she would be greatly missed.
The group elected new officers for the coming year. They were Iris Eigenrauch, president; Jane Freeman, vice president; Rita Lewis, treasurer; Betty Burnham, secretary/reporter; Cleo Lane, historian; and the publicity committee would include Rita Lewis, Lynette Croy, Iris Eigenrauch and Cleo Lane.
Those who volunteered to host a monthly meeting this coming year were Robbie Lewis, Jane Freeman, Carolyn Voyles, Ruth Pyle, Paul Voyles, Ben Odom, Lynette Croy and Iris Eigenrauch.
After the business meeting, the group had a traditional New Year’s meal and a birthday cake made by Robbie Green. The blessing on the meal was given by Burnette Jordan. Following the meal, the members celebrated everyone’s birthday with a “Chinese auction” and sang “Happy Birthday” to each member as they opened their birthday gift.
Those attending were Rita Lewis, Buddy Holloway, Buddy and Lynette Croy, Burnette Jordan, Clovis Jackson, Paul and Carolyn Voyles, Betty Burnham, Cleo Lane, Iris Eigenrauch, Jane Freeman, Ruth Pyle, Robbie Green, Ben and Shirley Odom and Andy Burnham.
Anyone 55 years or older, in the New Elm community, can meet with the Jolly Elders the first Saturday of each month.
