The Dillon County Council For The Aging held a meeting on May 15.
Present were Heyward Thompson, Mary Wilkes, Judy Sanderson, Jeanette Freitas, Joni Spivey, Bobby McLean, Katie Paul, and Betsy Finklea.
Excused were Dorothy Bethea, Elda M. McCutchan, Isaiah Collington, and Cindy Causey.
The guest speaker was Cliff McBride
Special singing was presented by Mrs. Caryn Proctor.
Director Joni Spivey opened the meeting welcoming everyone and the guests.
Joni asked Bobby McLean to open with prayer.
Joni recognized Council on Aging board members with a gift of their dedicated service to the Council on Aging this past year.
Heyward Thompson, nominating committee of board, spoke with all board members and they all agreed to accept the position to serve on the COA for year 2014-2015 – excluding Ms. McCutcheon – all COA members approved.
Joni introduced Cliff McBride, guest speaker, from South Carolina Legal Services.
Cliff McBride spoke about what legal problems can SCLS handle:
-Education – school discipline / special education services
-Employment – Wage claims / working conditions / wrongful termination
-Housing – Foreclosures / Federal subsidized housing
-Family – Divorce for physical cruelty /visitation / adoption
-Consumer – Loans / bankruptcy / credit disputes
-Public Benefits – SSI / SNAP / TANF / Medicaid / Social security
-Probate – Wills / Living Wills / Power of attorney / Guardianship
Cliff Mc Bride if anyone needed assistance – a web address is www.sclegal.org or call 1-888-346-5592for more information – most of the services are for 60 and older.  He spoke about a program for assistance with foreclosures / behind on mortgage payments.
Joni thanked Mrs. Proctor and Mr. McBride for being a part of our annual meeting – in recognition with a gift.
Joni recognized volunteers for the Council on Aging with a certificate and a gift are: Blanche Alford, Millia Alford, Betty Anderson, Katie Mae Bethea, Daisy Bullock, Mary Carmichael, Annie Grice, Ezzie Moultrie,  Edith   Inman, Roger Luce, Annie B McCall, Eugene McLellan, Jessi Scarver, Barbara Sellers, and Caryn Proctor.
Joni had a “special’ recognition in honor of a Council on Aging board member for thirty-eight (38) years – Mr. Heyward Thompson.  Mr. Heyward Thompson was honored with a plague in thanks for many years and wonderful service he has given the COA. Joni thanked everyone for coming and accepting position for the coming year to serve on the COA board – also thanks goes to the Seniors for participating in the COA’s program.
Jeanette handed out Financial reports for everyone look over and if they any questions  to please contact her.
Bobby McLean blessed the food and lunch was served.