Rotary Report
Special Meeting – Wife’s Christmas Luncheon By Byron Ward and Sid Riley
This week’s meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club was held at the Methodist Church Wesley Center, and featured a full service lunch and tremendous entertainment. As everyone ate they were treated to background music provided by two outstanding, world class musicians.
After lunch was finished, the musical program began. Renowned pianist Anita Pizza and reed instrument maestro Bob Snyder played a variety of Christmas music injected with wonderful jazz for over an hour to an appreciative audience of over 80 members and their special mates.
"We were blessed to be entertained by musicians of this caliber at our function. We were in the presence of unique talent", remarked Mayor Jim Wise after the event. For a sample of the music of Bob Snyder you can visit www. bobsnydersmusic.com
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Rotary Report- Dec. 11, 2008
Meeting at Jim’s Buffet and Grill, Wednesday, December 03, 2008
By Byron Ward and Sid Riley
The program this week was sponsored by President-Elect, Jim Hart. Since this meeting featured presentation of a $4,000 check to Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, the program was presented by Habitat Executive Director, Leslie Fuqua and current Habitat President, David Melvin. They provide an overview of the activities of our local Habitat organization.
This check was presented by Eddie Hopkins, Rotary President to the Habitat officers. This check brings the total paid by the local Rotary Club to Habitat to $36,000. The club made a $40,000 commitment to Habitat for their house number 37 in 2005.
During their presentation, Melvin and Fuqua explained that the local Habitat group has built a total of forty-two houses since the organization was formed in 1989. The average house is 1,200 sq. ft., is built of brick with metal roofing and has an average cost of $66,000 and an appraised value of around $115,000. The cost is lower due to the use of volunteer labor and other donated materials used in the construction.
Of the forty two houses sold to qualified families, only three have resulted in default. One is currently in foreclosure, and the other two were deeded back to Habitat and one was resold to another family. The organization has accumulated a net equity value of over $1,000,000.
The two Habitat Thrift Stores, Marianna and Malone, produce revenues of approximately $52,000 per year for the program, and the annual Habitat Auction generated approximately $24,000 this year.
At the current time two houses are empty and are available to qualified applicants. If you feel you know someone who might qualify, contact Leslie Fuqua at 850-482-2187.
The club gave special recognition to visiting guest "Ike" Elchenlaub, the new warden at Marianna FCI. James Wise won this week’s football pool.
By Byron Ward and Sid Riley
The program this week was sponsored by President-Elect, Jim Hart. Since this meeting featured presentation of a $4,000 check to Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, the program was presented by Habitat Executive Director, Leslie Fuqua and current Habitat President, David Melvin. They provide an overview of the activities of our local Habitat organization.
This check was presented by Eddie Hopkins, Rotary President to the Habitat officers. This check brings the total paid by the local Rotary Club to Habitat to $36,000. The club made a $40,000 commitment to Habitat for their house number 37 in 2005.
During their presentation, Melvin and Fuqua explained that the local Habitat group has built a total of forty-two houses since the organization was formed in 1989. The average house is 1,200 sq. ft., is built of brick with metal roofing and has an average cost of $66,000 and an appraised value of around $115,000. The cost is lower due to the use of volunteer labor and other donated materials used in the construction.
Of the forty two houses sold to qualified families, only three have resulted in default. One is currently in foreclosure, and the other two were deeded back to Habitat and one was resold to another family. The organization has accumulated a net equity value of over $1,000,000.
The two Habitat Thrift Stores, Marianna and Malone, produce revenues of approximately $52,000 per year for the program, and the annual Habitat Auction generated approximately $24,000 this year.
At the current time two houses are empty and are available to qualified applicants. If you feel you know someone who might qualify, contact Leslie Fuqua at 850-482-2187.
The club gave special recognition to visiting guest "Ike" Elchenlaub, the new warden at Marianna FCI. James Wise won this week’s football pool.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Dec. 4, 2008
Rotary Report By Byron Ward and Sid Riley
November 26, 2008 meeting at Jim’s Buffet This week an informative two part program was introduced by Judge Bill Wright. The first portion of the program was presented by Jan Shadburn, who described the duties of the Court Administrator for the 14th circuit. He stated that the 14th judiciary circuit covers six counties, and involves providing administrative scheduling and support to twenty judges.
The administrative staff includes five law clerks and six court reporters, and a total staff of 85 to 90 people. Six people work in the Jackson County Court House that are part of this staff. He stated that when he first began his new duties he was amazed at the volume of work that had to be accomplished to support this amount of judicial activity. "The proficiency and dedication of this staff is amazing", he stated. He also described how technological innovations have aided in accomplishing the needed tasks.
With the state of the art video networking systems we have in use, a judge can now do first appearances from his office, with the suspects being on camera at the county jail. This greatly reduces costs and time requirements since the accused no longer has to be transported to the court house for appearance in a formal court room sitting.
The second half of the program was presented by Sherry Johnson, with the Jackson County School Board administration. She is responsible for the new truancy program within the school system, and the coordination with the court system through the Jackson County Truancy Court.
She described in detail how the system is designed, why it was needed, and the results it is creating. Judge Wright described how two students and one parent in our area have already been jailed due to the actions of this court and the new system. For more information see the story titled "School Time or Jail Time – Your Choice".
David Carrel won the football pool this week.
November 26, 2008 meeting at Jim’s Buffet This week an informative two part program was introduced by Judge Bill Wright. The first portion of the program was presented by Jan Shadburn, who described the duties of the Court Administrator for the 14th circuit. He stated that the 14th judiciary circuit covers six counties, and involves providing administrative scheduling and support to twenty judges.
The administrative staff includes five law clerks and six court reporters, and a total staff of 85 to 90 people. Six people work in the Jackson County Court House that are part of this staff. He stated that when he first began his new duties he was amazed at the volume of work that had to be accomplished to support this amount of judicial activity. "The proficiency and dedication of this staff is amazing", he stated. He also described how technological innovations have aided in accomplishing the needed tasks.
With the state of the art video networking systems we have in use, a judge can now do first appearances from his office, with the suspects being on camera at the county jail. This greatly reduces costs and time requirements since the accused no longer has to be transported to the court house for appearance in a formal court room sitting.
The second half of the program was presented by Sherry Johnson, with the Jackson County School Board administration. She is responsible for the new truancy program within the school system, and the coordination with the court system through the Jackson County Truancy Court.
She described in detail how the system is designed, why it was needed, and the results it is creating. Judge Wright described how two students and one parent in our area have already been jailed due to the actions of this court and the new system. For more information see the story titled "School Time or Jail Time – Your Choice".
David Carrel won the football pool this week.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Rotary Report
November 12, 2008 meeting at Jim’s Buffet
By Sid Riley and Byron Ward, Club Public Relations
At this week’s Marianna Rotary Club meeting the program chairman was Bill Hopkins, who introduced his speaker, Bob Calvert of Calvert’s Consulting, of Alford. Mr. Calvert is also the associate pastor at the First Methodist Church in Marianna.
Calvert and his wife moved to Marianna from Atlanta in 2004, and settled in Alford. He is still active in his consulting work as well as his church work. His consulting specialty is in helping new bank start-up programs, as well as holding bank start-up projects. He has consulted and assisted on the beginnings of 88 banks, including the start up of First Capital here in Marianna. He has a long list of activities, industrial awards, and certifications, along with having taught banking for fifteen years.
Calvert spoke on the current economy, the banking dilemma, bailout approaches, the new holding bank approval for American Express, and other current problems in the banking community.
President Eddie Hopkins expressed the club’s appreciation to all members who worked on the Oyster Roast, and the success of the event. Also, an update was given on the successful performance of the Chipola Brain Bowl Team, which the club has financially supported.
By Sid Riley and Byron Ward, Club Public Relations
At this week’s Marianna Rotary Club meeting the program chairman was Bill Hopkins, who introduced his speaker, Bob Calvert of Calvert’s Consulting, of Alford. Mr. Calvert is also the associate pastor at the First Methodist Church in Marianna.
Calvert and his wife moved to Marianna from Atlanta in 2004, and settled in Alford. He is still active in his consulting work as well as his church work. His consulting specialty is in helping new bank start-up programs, as well as holding bank start-up projects. He has consulted and assisted on the beginnings of 88 banks, including the start up of First Capital here in Marianna. He has a long list of activities, industrial awards, and certifications, along with having taught banking for fifteen years.
Calvert spoke on the current economy, the banking dilemma, bailout approaches, the new holding bank approval for American Express, and other current problems in the banking community.
President Eddie Hopkins expressed the club’s appreciation to all members who worked on the Oyster Roast, and the success of the event. Also, an update was given on the successful performance of the Chipola Brain Bowl Team, which the club has financially supported.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Rotary Report-11/13/08
Another Year…Another Great Oyster Roast
By Byron Ward and Sid Riley
A big majority of the men in Marianna assembled at the Reddock Farm picnic area on Thursday evening for the annual Rotary Oyster Roast. As usual the seafood dinner was great, the Apalachicola oysters were good and salty, the companionship was warm and friendly, and a grand time was had by all.
By Byron Ward and Sid Riley
A big majority of the men in Marianna assembled at the Reddock Farm picnic area on Thursday evening for the annual Rotary Oyster Roast. As usual the seafood dinner was great, the Apalachicola oysters were good and salty, the companionship was warm and friendly, and a grand time was had by all.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Rotary Report 10/9/08
Marianna Rotary Club Activities, October 1 Meeting
By Sid Riley & Byron Ward, Club Media Representative
At the regular Wednesday, October 1, 2008 meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill in Marianna, this week’s program was introduced by club member John Y. Roberts. The program was a travelogue slide presentation by Matt Fuqua of a mountain climbing expedition he endured in the Rockies this summer. Fuqua was accompanied on this life threatening expedition by fellow Rotarians Ron Duell and Tom Sherrel. They had previously climbed Pikes Peak as a prelude to this more adventurous excursion. Pikes Peak is a 14,110 foot mountain located near Colorado Springs, Colorado. It had a well developed climbing trail as well as a paved roadway as well as train access. For Johns Peak, it is much more difficult.
Johns Peak towers to 14,259 feet, and has a much less accessible peak. The upper portion of the trail involves boulder fields, steep inclines that demand endurance, and narrow ledge trails that test nerve and balance. Our brave Rotarians passed these grueling tests. They began the trek at 2:40 AM, and reached the summit at 2:00 PM. After a brief rest, photo documentation and enjoying the beautiful panoramic views…they began the downward march. They finally made it back to their starting point after dark, around 7:30 PM. They were tired but had the warm feeling of accomplishment.
It is rumored that next year they have signed up for Mt. Everest.
By Sid Riley & Byron Ward, Club Media Representative
At the regular Wednesday, October 1, 2008 meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill in Marianna, this week’s program was introduced by club member John Y. Roberts. The program was a travelogue slide presentation by Matt Fuqua of a mountain climbing expedition he endured in the Rockies this summer. Fuqua was accompanied on this life threatening expedition by fellow Rotarians Ron Duell and Tom Sherrel. They had previously climbed Pikes Peak as a prelude to this more adventurous excursion. Pikes Peak is a 14,110 foot mountain located near Colorado Springs, Colorado. It had a well developed climbing trail as well as a paved roadway as well as train access. For Johns Peak, it is much more difficult.
Johns Peak towers to 14,259 feet, and has a much less accessible peak. The upper portion of the trail involves boulder fields, steep inclines that demand endurance, and narrow ledge trails that test nerve and balance. Our brave Rotarians passed these grueling tests. They began the trek at 2:40 AM, and reached the summit at 2:00 PM. After a brief rest, photo documentation and enjoying the beautiful panoramic views…they began the downward march. They finally made it back to their starting point after dark, around 7:30 PM. They were tired but had the warm feeling of accomplishment.
It is rumored that next year they have signed up for Mt. Everest.
Rotary Report 9/25/08
Marianna Rotary Club Activities, September 17 Meeting
By Sid Riley & Byron Ward, Club Media Representative
At the regular Wednesday, September 17, 2008 meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill in Marianna, this week’s program was introduced by club member Don Nowell whose speaker was Lee Hatch, Executive Director of East Coast Ethanol. Mr. Hatch delivered a power point presentation informing the club members about the proposed ethanol plant that would be constructed on a site just outside of Campbellton, near the Bay Line Rail line and Highway 231.
The company is being formed to meet an existing market that has been identified for ethanol production in the southeast. Four plants are in the planning phase, each designed to produce 110 million gallons of corn-ethanol per year. The Campbellton plant would be the second plant of the four to be built, once final formation of the company and financing arrangements are completed. When built, the plant would provide 40 – 50 high paying jobs, and would create a county tax base increase three times larger than that of the new Green Circle plant that has just opened south of Cottondale.
Hatch also described the processes involved in converting corn into ethanol, and the side product feed grain for cattle. He also described the marketing strategy and cost components of the venture. Earlier this year the Florida legislature enacted laws that will require that all gasoline sold in the states after 2010 contain at least a 10% ethanol blend. Last week’s winner of the football pool was Scot Paramore. Harry Fuqua announced that every third grader in Jackson County had been given a personal dictionary by the Marianna Rotary Club.
By Sid Riley & Byron Ward, Club Media Representative
At the regular Wednesday, September 17, 2008 meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill in Marianna, this week’s program was introduced by club member Don Nowell whose speaker was Lee Hatch, Executive Director of East Coast Ethanol. Mr. Hatch delivered a power point presentation informing the club members about the proposed ethanol plant that would be constructed on a site just outside of Campbellton, near the Bay Line Rail line and Highway 231.
The company is being formed to meet an existing market that has been identified for ethanol production in the southeast. Four plants are in the planning phase, each designed to produce 110 million gallons of corn-ethanol per year. The Campbellton plant would be the second plant of the four to be built, once final formation of the company and financing arrangements are completed. When built, the plant would provide 40 – 50 high paying jobs, and would create a county tax base increase three times larger than that of the new Green Circle plant that has just opened south of Cottondale.
Hatch also described the processes involved in converting corn into ethanol, and the side product feed grain for cattle. He also described the marketing strategy and cost components of the venture. Earlier this year the Florida legislature enacted laws that will require that all gasoline sold in the states after 2010 contain at least a 10% ethanol blend. Last week’s winner of the football pool was Scot Paramore. Harry Fuqua announced that every third grader in Jackson County had been given a personal dictionary by the Marianna Rotary Club.
Rotary Report 9/11/08
Marianna Rotary Club Activities, September 3 Meeting
By Sid Riley & Byron Ward, Club Media Representative
At the regular Wednesday, September 3, 2008 meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill in Marianna, this week’s program was introduced by club member Joe Alday, whose speaker was our County Commissioner from District 4, Jeremy Branch. Prior to the introduction of Commissioner Branch a special presentation was made by Rotarian Walter Spence.
Spence began: "Our Paul Harris fellow honoree today is Mr. Troy Tidwell. Troy is accompanied by his daughter, Kay Nichols, Kay is a teacher for the Jackson County School District. His son, Ritchie Tidwell, Ritchie is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Lake Murray- Irmo, South Carolina and his wife Susan is Albert Milton’s sister.
Troy is originally from Malone, retired April 30, 1982 from the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys after 39 years of service. As Supervisor of Homelife, he provided guidance and help with hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of young boys so that they might have a better future. He had the respect of staff and young people. He is still contacted today by some of the men whose life he influenced at an early age and who have had successful careers. I believe and his family believes that he truly experiences our Rotary Motto, "Service Above Self"!
Commissioner Branch gave a two part presentation to the attending members. He first gave an updated report on the Georgia-Florida-Alabama "water wars" over the management of the Chattahoochee River System. Branch happens to be the local area representative in this matter, and has taken an active role in the judicial, political, and public negotiations and decision making that has transpired.
He stated that he had initially thought that the Corps of Engineers was the villain in the matter, and had made water allocation decisions based on political pressures from Georgia representatives. However, he now feels that the Corps was only acting in a manner prescribed by their regulations and restrictions. The real problem seems to have emanated from unilateral decisions made within the state of Georgia. Since the upper waters of the system are not part of the river control network and the river is totally within the boundaries of the state of Georgia, they then exercised total authority and control over the waters at that point. "The ultimate correctness of this approach will ultimately have to be decided by the Supreme Court", Branch prophesized.
The second portion of his presentation provided an update of the preparation of the County Budget for next year. He informed the group that although ad valorem revenues were down by about one million dollars, the millage was not changed. "Numerous cuts were made, but no significant reduction in the level of services provided by the county is anticipated", he stated. Byron Ward won the football pool for last Saturday’s games.
By Sid Riley & Byron Ward, Club Media Representative
At the regular Wednesday, September 3, 2008 meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill in Marianna, this week’s program was introduced by club member Joe Alday, whose speaker was our County Commissioner from District 4, Jeremy Branch. Prior to the introduction of Commissioner Branch a special presentation was made by Rotarian Walter Spence.
Spence began: "Our Paul Harris fellow honoree today is Mr. Troy Tidwell. Troy is accompanied by his daughter, Kay Nichols, Kay is a teacher for the Jackson County School District. His son, Ritchie Tidwell, Ritchie is a charter member of the Rotary Club of Lake Murray- Irmo, South Carolina and his wife Susan is Albert Milton’s sister.
Troy is originally from Malone, retired April 30, 1982 from the Arthur G. Dozier School for Boys after 39 years of service. As Supervisor of Homelife, he provided guidance and help with hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of young boys so that they might have a better future. He had the respect of staff and young people. He is still contacted today by some of the men whose life he influenced at an early age and who have had successful careers. I believe and his family believes that he truly experiences our Rotary Motto, "Service Above Self"!
Commissioner Branch gave a two part presentation to the attending members. He first gave an updated report on the Georgia-Florida-Alabama "water wars" over the management of the Chattahoochee River System. Branch happens to be the local area representative in this matter, and has taken an active role in the judicial, political, and public negotiations and decision making that has transpired.
He stated that he had initially thought that the Corps of Engineers was the villain in the matter, and had made water allocation decisions based on political pressures from Georgia representatives. However, he now feels that the Corps was only acting in a manner prescribed by their regulations and restrictions. The real problem seems to have emanated from unilateral decisions made within the state of Georgia. Since the upper waters of the system are not part of the river control network and the river is totally within the boundaries of the state of Georgia, they then exercised total authority and control over the waters at that point. "The ultimate correctness of this approach will ultimately have to be decided by the Supreme Court", Branch prophesized.
The second portion of his presentation provided an update of the preparation of the County Budget for next year. He informed the group that although ad valorem revenues were down by about one million dollars, the millage was not changed. "Numerous cuts were made, but no significant reduction in the level of services provided by the county is anticipated", he stated. Byron Ward won the football pool for last Saturday’s games.
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