Staff Writer

It's been two years since a group of men from the Jonesville area decided they wanted to get together, pass their blessings on and make a difference in the lives of others.

Now, Men of Action want to thank those who have assisted them in their mission.

On May 3 they will have a Men of Action and Community Recognition Gala at Veterans Park. Social hour will be from 7-8 p.m. Dinner will be served and dancing will continue until 1 a.m. Tickets are $40 for singles and $70 per couple.

“We will recognize donors and contributors over the past two years and we will recognize the ‘Man of the Year,' said Randy Smith, a Dollar General Distribution Center supervisor and retired Marine who serves as president of the group.

Longtime Union County High School teacher Cleveland Jackson will be guest speaker. The group also plans to present a scholarship to the Howard University ROTC program to a deserving young man, Smith said.

The band Just Friends, which features Kenneth Oglesby, will perform. The five-course meal will include soup and salad, prime rib or chicken cordon bleu, bread and dessert.

The group, concerned that some young men in the area aren't graduating from high school, aren't going to college and are not in the work force, formed in 2005 in attempt to make a difference. Their motto is, “Building strong minds, hearts, and souls ... transforming boys to men ... building men of action.”

Each of them has accomplished something with his life and he wants to mentor others and keep them from wasting what God has given them.

Their activities have included a motivational basketball clinic and educational trips for young men.

They will have a fund-raiser on March 29 on Main Street, Jonesville, across from The Cafe. They will sell hot dogs, fish and hash from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

The group will host a “Men of Action Idol Talent Show” on April 12 beginning at 5 p.m. at Jonesville Elementary School.

Anyone interested in purchasing tickets for the gala may call Smith at 884-5134; Vice President Floyd Allen at 441-3084; or Chaplain Ernest Moore at 426-1884.