Speaker: Linley Harding
Linley graduated from Campbell High School in 1998. She now works at MacTech and as her
father said, is a professional student at Kennesaw State University.
Ms. Harding spoke to us about her work with the Queen for a Day Program. This is a national program.
Linley started the Georgia Chapter with friends a couple of years ago. This is a program which
tries to bring a bit of joy and distraction to the life of young girls that are having to
deal terminal illness. This is not only young girls who are battling these horrendous life
threatening illness themselves, it could be a sibling who is receiving treatment.
Several times a year they visit Children's Hospital of Atlanta. They give every young person
girl that is in the hospital that day the royal treatment. They each receive a make over with single
use cosmetics donated by the manufacturer. They must be single use because of the fragile nature of
the health of these girls who are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy which severely depletes the
immune system. However, due to the high regard for patient confidentiality the volunteers
may not discuss the girls illness or treatment. They may not even take a picture of the girls unless their
parent or guardian signs a release form. In addition to the make0ver each girl receives
a Tiara and a gift bag. The gift bags contain more cosmetics, a hand made picture frame
containing a picture of their make over, and other gifts. All of this is done by volunteers and
private donations, mostly from family and friends. This program has been so successful that
they are creating a program named HEROES for young boys who are in the same situation. The focus of
this program will be Fireman and Policeman.
The Meeting
There were 58 members and 2 guests. Dennis Harding had as his guest his wife Beverly for a rare
early morning appearance.
Optimist Super Bowl Party
Sam Forrest is signing up people for the annual Super Bowl Party. The party will be on
February 1, 2004 at the West Smyrna Swim and Tennis Club. This is an event not to be missed.
So everyone sign up early and plan to attend.
Gary Hill is selling tickets for the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast to be held at the
Smyrna Community Center February 1st.
Tri-Star Baseball
This event will be February 10, 11 and 12th. Volunteers will be needed from 6:00 TO 8:30pm.
Smyrna Optimist Oratorical Contest
The Oratorical Contest will be held on March 28 at the Smyrna Community Center. See Suzanne Lynn
if you are interested in helping out.
January 9, 2004 Meeting Notes
Speaker: Mickey Lloyd
Brian Cooper introduced our speaker, Mickey Lloyd. Mickey was appointed Cobb County Director of
Public Safety last January. Prior to joining Cobb County, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of
the Ga. Dept. of Public Safety and State Office of Homeland Security.
Mickey began his talk by saying that the events of September 11th were a wake-up call, security
wise, to the United States. The reality is not if there will be another terrorist attack, but rather
when and where. Bombing is the greatest threat because of the age of transporting explosives
in vehicles and on persons. The goal of terrorists is to disrupt the normal lifestyle of a
free country.
The most important lesson he said public safety officials have learned from the last couple of years
is that communication is our biggest problem. Federal grants are providing much needed upgrades from
analog to digital equipment, but the most difficult problem to tackle is the territorial egos that
have previously hindered communication between departments, cities, counties, districts and
states. Grants are also available for training and equipment for regions that are willing
to cooperate across county lines. There is much better exchange of information between the
FBI and local law enforcement now.
Public Safety departments have had to re-think how they approach everything. District
"protection teams" have been established to identify critical infrastructure in the county and
work to secure the facilities. Evacuation plans and preparations for
attacks have also made the citizenry more secure in the event of natural disasters.
Mickey has a huge job in coordinating all these facets of homeland security. He says that an informed
and alert citizenry is a real asset to our national security. Awareness is the key. Mickey
encouraged us to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
P.S. If you're looking for a safe place to retire, Mickey says southwest Georgia is about as
safe as it gets!
The Meeting
President Ed Forscher welcomed us to the first meeting of 2004, and wished all a Happy New Year!
Guests: Nancy Cummings introduced her guest, Mary Montanez. We had 56 members present
and 2 guests.
Susan Pearson reported that $1,600 was raised through this year's Santa House photos.
Thanks to all who helped with this project.
January Birthdays
- Peter Hairston - January 1
- Harold Smith - January 15
- Brian Cooper - January 31
Club Anniversaries
- Susan Carter - 1 year
- Steve Clair - 1 year
- Wayne Waldrip - 4 years
- Ann Kirk - 8 years
- Gary Hill - 10 years
- Steve Wilson - 16 years
