Eureka Civic and Social Club celebrates Founder’s Day

The Eureka Civic and Social Club recently celebrated its 68th annual Founder’s Day program via a conference call because of the Covid pandemic.

“The Eureka Civic and Social Club has lived up to its motto, ‘Lifting As We Climb.’” said Eureka member Shirley Taylor. “Even through the pandemic we have persevered and continued our efforts of providing support to each other and the community.

“Through our charitable donations to various organizations, we provided a $600 scholarship for five Forrest City High School seniors and sent sentiments to club members who lost loved ones,” Taylor said. “The Eureka sisters are determined to be steadfast in carrying out its mission.”

Wilma Johnson served as the mistress of ceremony for the Founder’s Day program. Jennette Lanos provided prayer and Debra Shaw read scripture from 2 Chronicles 2:14. Club members sang in unison, “This Little Light of Mine.”

Mrs. Johnson introduced the dynamic speaker of the day,

Mrs. Vivian Ryan.

Ryan is the principal of the ABC School at Lincoln in Forrest City and a long-time member of the Eureka Club. She used the club’s motto, “Lifting As We Climb,” for her topic. Using an acrostic of the words lift and climb, Ryan reminded the club sisters of the importance of love, trust, commitment, loyalty, integrity, mentoring and believing.

“She reminded us that love is the highest goal to achieve in our Christian life,” said Taylor. “She also challenged us by asking what kind of legacy are we leaving for the youth of Forrest City. Mrs. Ryan ended her speech by reading a poem that reminded us that it is nice to have monetary wealth, but it is more important to have the wealth of friends and love.”

Sandra Wright read a list of potential officers for the Eureka

Club. Upon acceptance and majority vote, the upcoming officers will be sworn in to serve for the next two years. Information will be publicized at a later date.

Eva Pickett, Arlene Freeman, Marria Brooks and Sandra Wright served as committee members to choose the Woman of the Year. Pickett announced the award for the year, and all women of the Eureka Civic and Social Club were awarded the prestigious honor of Woman of the Year.

Shirley Taylor provided a vote of thanks to all who participated.

Evelyn Turner, president, announced the passing of the last founding member of the club, Gussie F. Young Cannon.

Mrs. Turner thanked everyone for his or her service and reminded us all to be safe during this time.