Rotary Report 1/29/09

Meeting of January 21, 2009
By Byron Ward and Sid Riley

The regular meeting of the Marianna Rotary Club is held at Jim’s Buffet and Grill each Wednesday at noon. This week’s program was presented by club member Huw Christopher, Reverend of the First Presbyterian Church in Marianna. He gave an enlightening presentation on the "Super Bowl of Caring" food distribution program.
This program was started in Columbia, S.C. twenty years ago by a seminary intern named Brad Smith after he used the phrase "Lord, even as we enjoy the Super Bowl football game, help us be mindful of those who are without a bowl of soup to eat." This phrase spawned the concept of building a national food distribution program for the needy based on that theme.
Since its inception in 1988 the organization has collected and distributed over $50,000,000 in donations and food supplies. The concept of local collections and distribution centers creates a charity where 100% of the funds and materials raised is given to the intended needy people.
Here in Jackson County Food Pantries are operated by Eldercare, St. Anns Catholic Church, St. Lukes Episcopal Church, Cavern Road Church of Christ, St. Lukes, and First Presbyterian of Marianna. Kiwanis and the Marianna High Beta Club have participated in recent food drives as part of this program. The First Presbyterian Church in Marinna has participated for eight years and has raised over $2500 in this effort. Each year hundreds of local families receive food from these local charities.
After Reverend Christopher’s presentation, member Walter Spence made the recommendation that on the Wednesday before each super bowl the club members all bring donations for this cause. The suggestion was adopted, and next Wednesday members will bring some food items or money for donations.

Rotary Report 1/15/09

Meeting of January 7 at Jim’s Buffet and Grill
By Byron Ward and Sid Riley

At the first meeting of the year the program was an informative presentation made by Sgt. George Pate, a 2001 Cottondale High graduate who is currently the area recruiter for the U.S. Army. He provided information on the enlistment bonus payments, training, benefits, and pay scales for today’s modern, volunteer army. He was assisted by Sgt. Easton Simmons.
The signing bonus payments range from $10,000 to $40,000 depending on career field and qualifications. Additionally, the pay scales are within 4% of comparable pay rates for similar jobs. It was interesting to find that 45% of the staffing in the army is female.
The presentation evoked numerous questions from the membership. Several guests were present, including the new interim hospital CEO, Richard McConahy. Sid Riley attempted to enlist….but they only laughed.