The Richland Seniors held their monthly meeting on Aug. 2. The opening of meeting proceeded with the taking of attendance, recitation of the Lord’s Prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.

Alice Briley, activities coordinator, quickly turned the meeting into a surprise celebration to honor one of their own, President MarLou Reid. The Richland Township pulled together to recognize MarLou Reid’s tireless dedication of 20 years serving as president and founder of the Seniors Club. Mrs. Reid was instrumental in the conception and growth of many community projects in the Richland Township. Mrs. Reid formed the Community Garden Club with several members, which focused on the beautification of common areas in town. Mrs. Reid was crucial to the development and establishment of the Aurora Richland Township Seniors Club 20 years ago. She saw a need to engage the seniors of the community in a organization. She set about organizing a club that would allow seniors to gather together for fellowship, engaging activities and field trips. Mrs. Reid reached out to former Mayor Joe Hooker to obtain the Aurora Community Center as a meeting venue.

The seniors initially began meeting in the Aurora Community Center. Many events, seminars and celebrations were held in the Community Center under the guidance of MarLou Reid. The seniors were slowly outgrowing the community center and reached out to business owner, Curtis Potter, for assistance in securing a building to call their own. A former bank was suggested for the new residence of the Seniors Club. Upon viewing the building, the realization of hard work was necessary to bring the vision of the facility as the Seniors Club. MarLou Reid tackled the building as she did every challenge — head on. Her vision, and the assistance of other talented members, is evident in the structure that was once a shell of a former bank and now a gleaming example of the passion MarLou has for her community. Many community members were present and acknowledged MarLou for her dedication to the community. Reverend Robert Cayton, former Beaufort County Commissioner, began the accolades of MarLou by reminiscing the process of procuring the building. He also acknowledged Jim Chrisman, former Beaufort County finance manager, assisted in planning the use of the building.

Brad Lee, Mayor Pro Tem, presented a proclamation from the Aurora Town Commissioners for Mrs. Reid’s effort and success of the Richland Seniors. A plaque was also presented which will be hung in the Richland Senior Building acknowledging her dedication and commitment as founder and president of Aurora Richland Township Seniors Club.

Many members also spoke appreciatively of all she has done for the community and what the Seniors Club means to them: Hugh Donahue, Dorothy and James Parker, Sandi and Ken Lilley, Linda Daniels, all publicly acknowledged MarLou’s influential contribution to the success of the Seniors Club.

Members and guest were invited to share in the lunch provided. The 50/50 raffle winner was Lou Hollowell, who donated her winnings back to the club. Ken Lilly blessed the food.