THE HISTORY OF MOUNT AIRY SOCIAL CLUB
It was in 2001 when the idea was born by Chris Wisner which he shared with Ms. The idea was transformed into a community organization that will be of help to friends and neighbors, especially at the time most Liberians had to send money back home during the Christmas season. It would be a reservoir to save money for rainy days and a pool where friend contribu
ted into to help friends. In 2008, Mount Airy was registered with the state of Minnesota as a non-for-profit organization. It provide for a poll where members voluntarily contribute money to help each in times of need. At the end of the year, the money is shared according to what was contributed. The aim and objectives of this association are: To bring together Liberians and other residents of Minnesota for the purpose of improving socioeconomic growth and development. Socially stimulate and promote unity and understanding amongst ourselves. Those present at the first meeting were Cecilia Harmon, Benoni Tarr Grimes, Cooper Wahlo, Abel Zarzar, Francis Joshua, David Joshua, Zitie Dwuye, Christ Wisner, and others. At that meeting, the name of the organization was decided as the "Mount Airy Social Club." The Name is based on the street on which the first meeting was held (128 Mount Airy Street in Saint Paul, Minnesota). We decided to hold elections for the leadership of the organization. Following that exercise, Mr. Abel Zarzar emerged as the first President of the Mount Airy Social Club. Other officers elected were David Joshua, Vice President; Cecilia Hodge-Harmon, Financial Secretary; and Cooper Wahlo, Treasurer Zitie Dwuye Chaplain. The issue of written law for such an organization came up. It was decided that Mr. Benoni Tarr Grimes took on to draft a constitution and was named chairman of the constitution committee. Within two months the constitution was ready and was adapted by the body. This leadership team served from 2001 – 2004. In 2005 Zitie Dwuye was elected and served until 2006. Abel Zarzar was elected in 2006 and won re-election in 2007. Under the current administration of Abel Zarzar, the organization was registered with the state of Minnesota as a non-for-profit organization and a bank account was opened in the name of Mt. Airy Social Club. The committee to regsiter Mount Airy Social Club with the state of Minnesota was chaired by Mr. Benoni Tarr Grimes. In 2007 Mount Airy Social Club constituted a social committee to manage and organize all social activities of the organization. Roland Harmon was named as chairman and under his administration Mt. Airy celebrated publicly its 7th anniversary. At the same time a quarterly social get-together called "De-stress" was adopted. De-stress is a way of managing the stress from the job and other pressing activities. Following the registration of the organization with the state of Minnesota as a non-for-profit organization, the Constitution and account were amended to reflect status of the organization. Also a board of directors was put into place and the first members of the board elected to run the affairs of the organization were Benoni Tarr Grimes (Chairman), Helena Horace, Patrick Morris, Richard Foday and Cooper Wahlo. In 2009 Gertrude Freeman was elected to replace Mr. Foday whose busy schedule at the time could not allow him to function as a board member. Mount Airy is a social club which member contribute to a pool that assist any of its members when they are need. At the end of every year whatever a member contributed is returned to him or her. The hallmark of this organization has been accountability. The mission of this club is to stimulate social activities and promote peace and understanding amongst Liberians and other residents of Minnesota and providing a means for economic and social security and to unite ourselves as a progressive people.Membership of this association shall be opened to adult Liberians and other residents of the state of Minnesota and other states, once said individual is recommended by any of the current members.
