The ladies of the Berlin Sunshine Club met Aug. 17, at the Berlin Community Center. President Patty Martin called the meeting to order. Following prayer requests, Gail Wood provided devotion. Ann Bishop led the group in prayer.

An Italian dinner was prepared by club members and served by Ann Bishop and Jill Bishop Hollis. June Butts provided table decorations.

Guest speaker, detective/investigator, Mark Persall of the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office provided the program. Detective Persall, a veteran with many years’ experience in law enforcement, spoke on safety challenges women might encounter in our community and while traveling. He identified the unique situations women might encounter, how to avoid personal attacks, theft, scams, and self defense in general. He also encouraged enrolling in the various learning programs offered by Cullman County such as the Citizens Academy. This program shows how the Sheriff’s office is operated and the commitment to protection of its citizens. Mr. Persall spoke on the availability of firearm training and how to protect personal property. The program topic was initiated by Patty Martin.

Joan Walker, club treasurer, gave the financial report. Gail Wood, secretary, read the minutes from July’s meeting.

The club’s business discussion included the yard and bake sales for Sept. 30, at the Berlin Community Center. Members were reminded to bring and solicit donations of good quality household items for this event.

Jill Hollis reported that a plan is in place for a flag ceremony at the November Club meeting including replacement of the worn American flag and stand on display inside the community center. A community-wide Thanksgiving dinner will also be held.

The club voted at the previous July to find a vendor to maintain the two previous flower beds in front of the Berlin Community Center. Patty Martin announced a vendor who offered to supply maintenance, and the the club voted approval on the offer. Improvements included are the filling in of the flower beds with river rock, then provide weed control and eliminate flowering plants.

There were 17 members present, which also included Jo Schaffer, Joan Walker, Tootie Sanford, Doris Walker, Peggy Hardman, Jill Hollis, Susie Smith, Regina Johnson, Becky Burks, Becky Cook, Rena Watson, Marilyn Bolte, June Butts, Joyce Rodgers.

Susie Smith’s sister, Shirley Dunnavant of Montgomery, was the only visitor. The meeting was adjourned just before 9 p.m.

The next meeting is at 7 p.m. Sept. 14, dutch treat at a local restaurant, to be announced.

Guests are welcome to attend any Sunshine Club meeting. For more information on the club or its events, contact President Patty Martin at 256-708-9437 or any club member. You do not have to be a Berlin Community resident to join. Women of all ages are welcome to join the club.