Speaker: Lisa Tarr, Youth Services Librarian
Harry Hackett introduced Lisa Tarr, Youth Services Librarian at the Smyrna Public Library.
Lisa has been with our library for two years and says her main goal is to promote literacy.
The youth program consists of 450 programs for children throughout the year. Currently, 625
children are registered for the summer reading program.
One of Lisa's newest ideas is "Royal Readers." This will happen on nine Thursdays throughout
the summer, with a "king/Queen" for the day reading to the children. She requested
that our club provide the royal readers. By the time Lisa left, all but one King or Queen had claimed
their day. Lisa is promoting this program heavily in the schools and expects to have
20-25 children each week.
Lisa shared her story of a struggle with literacy as a child. She was a poor reader in the third
grade, but because of a determined teacher and a cooperative mother,
Lisa became the top reader of her 8th grade class!
Lisa also tanked the club for our $250 donation to support children's programming at the
library. This contribution allows her to begin two science programs for 50 kids.
The Meeting
There were 53 members in attendance and 2 guests.
Announcements
Ann Harris introduced her friend and colleague, Debra Bernes, who is running for Judge,
Cob Court of Appeals. For more information about Debra's qualifications, see:
www.bernesforcourtofappeals.com.
Club Elections will be held on May 14th. The nominating committee,
Harry Hackett, Chairman; Dan Scoggins; and Dennis Harding are accepting nominations for President
and 2 Vice Presidents to serve one year. Also needed are three directors to serve for
two years. If you have a recommendation, call any committee member as soon as possible.
Ed Whittington announced that the club made $1,079.50 from the Jonquil Festival. Thanks to every
worker who signed up and shoed up!
Susan Carter announced that Campbell High School football schedules
are on sale for $10 and include valuable coupons.
George Davis was presented with an Optimist cap in appreciation for
his duties as chief "Onion Head" in promoting our onion sale fund raiser.
Steve Wilson invited the club to attend the simulated space shuttle mission at
Russell Elementary on May 6 (10am-7pm) and May 7 (8am - 12:30pm).
May Birthdays
May 5 - Bill Bowman
May 23 - Scott Kidd
May 27 - Patsy Stripling
May 31 - Larry Gresham
Club Anniversaries
Sam Forrest - 3 yrs
Renee Hill - 3 yrs
Mike Kidd - 16 yrs
William Bennett - 18 yrs
Allen Potter - 32 yrs
Leroy Brownlee - 34 yrs
Sanford Phillips - 35 yrs
RJ McCurry - 42 yrs.
The Meeting
There were 46 members and 2 guests. Ken Smith reminds us to pay our 2nd quarter dues. Third
quarter is almost year and "you can run but you can't hide" from him.
RJ McCurry is wished a speedy recovery from foot surgery.
April 2, 2004 Meeting Notes
Speaker: Dr. Roger Bloch
Phyllis Stockfisch introduced her good friend, Dr. Roger Bloch, a real rocket scientist who studies and
participates in Native American cultural activities. He is the founder of
"Trails of Lost Cultures."
John came dressed in full native costume and brought some artifacts to share with us. He explained
that Native Americans never created anything that did not have a spiritual meaning. He is fascinated
by the culture and spirituality of indigenous tribes and studies
their artifacts to learn more about them.
He reminded us that Native Americans saw earth as a sacred place and that
humans were to be companions with all creating. When the people were removed from their sacred
land, they lost their religion as well.
When John arrived, he placed symbols of the four directions (north, south, east and west)
around the room to claim it as sacred space, as was their custom.
John showed us musical instruments (rattles) made of deer toes!, as well as decorative gourds
with stones inside.
He told us about the many customs, beliefs and traditions of the Plains Indians,
with particular attention given to their warriors.
The Meeting
Brian Cooper inducted our newest member, Kirby Winters, Jr., sponsored by
Dennis Harding. Kirby's father was a former member. Welcome to the Smyrna Optimist Club, Kirby!
52 members were in attendance and 3 guests.
Announcements
Suzanne Lynn thanked club members for their participation in the annual Oratorical Contest.
Participants included: Greg Lynn, Susan Carter, Susan Pearson, Ted Smiley, Sam Forrest,
Mike Kidd, Harry Hackett, Kim Kickleburg. The winners of the contest will speak at our
April 16th meeting.
George Davis says to keep on selling onions until April 30th. delivery date: May 15th.
The drawing for the Golf Foursome was held and the winners are: Steve Daniel, Dean Byers,
Harry Hackett and Ken Smith. Congratulations Guys - Make Us Proud!
We are looking for promotional items to go in the goody bags for the tournament.
Doug Farr reminds us about the "Read by Grade 3 Banquet on May 21st.
Please come to the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing on April 17th
at the Community Center. See Ed Whittington for more information.
