Clubs celebrate newly elected officials

Following the social hour, the HCRC president welcomed and congratulated all of the elected officials. The Rev. Harold Payne, pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Gulfport, gave the invocation. HCRC Chairman George Birdrow said the Pledge of Allegiance, and vocalist Lyn Rouse of Jackson County sang “God Bless America.” Frank Genzer introduced the head table and Jean Box, HCRW president, introduced all municipal officials present.

In attendance: mayors Rusty Quave of D’Iberville, Brent Warr of Gulfport, Billy Skellie of Long Beach, Billy McDonald of Pass Christian; Biloxi councilmen Michael Fitzpatrick and Tom Wall; Gulfport councilmen Jackie Smith, Brian Carriere, Neil Resh, and councilwoman Barbara Nalley; Long Beach aldermen Richard Notter, Richard Burton and Mark Lishen and alderman-at-large Allen Holder; Pass Christian aldermen Louis Rizzardi and Donald Moore, and alderman-at-large Leo “Chipper” McDermott.

Mississippi Republican Party Chairman Jim Herring introduced the evening’s keynote speaker, Gov. Haley Barbour, who congratulated the group and shared Republican officials’ goals in the next four years. A congratulatory letter from Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck, along with regrets explaining her absence, also was read.

Special guests attending and speaking to the group included Herring, State Auditor Phil Bryant, State Treasurer Tate Reeves, Southern District Public Service Commissioner Michael Callahan and Commissioner of Agriculture Lester Spell.

Frank Genzer recognized and thanked the sponsors of the event and Genendal Fratantuono, HCRW chaplain, gave the benediction. Rouse closed the event with “The Mississippi Song.”