by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Another year of Meninak came to a close Monday as members of the civic organization met for the last time of the year for a holiday-themed event featuring performances by two Douglas Anderson School of the Arts groups.
For President Harrison Conyers, it was his last meeting as head of the organization before the Jan. 12 installation of 2009 president, Bunky Johnson.
“It (2008) was a good year with some incredible successes,” said Conyers. “We continued to help the youth in our community like never before and had the largest number of new members maybe ever.”
There were many more highs than lows, said Conyers, who said he was proud to continue the tradition of Meninak presidents (his grandfather was a president) as well as the numbers of scholarships the organization was able to provide students.
His biggest challenge was a personal timing issue.
“My wife gave birth to twins a week before I took office,” he said while laughing. “There were a lot of long nights.”
There was no keynote speaker, as Conyers and over 100 Meninak members and their guests celebrated the year’s finale by taking in performances by the Douglas Anderson Jazz Ensemble and vocal jazz ensemble, the Silhouettes.
Members also used the holiday event as a time for giving, as many brought unwrapped toys to benefit the children of the Salvation Army.
“The last meeting, it’s always a great time,” said Conyers. “The students (of Douglas Anderson) always give a remarkable performance and members continue to give during the holiday season.”
There was one bit of business during the meeting, as Edward Waters College President Claudette Williams was introduced as the newest member.
Though Conyers will no longer be president, he doesn’t plan on going anywhere.
“Sure I’ll miss it,” he said, “but I plan on being around here for the next 50 years.”
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