Smyrna Optimist Club  
 

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October 2003 Meeting notes


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October 31 Meeting Notes

Speaker: Kenny Burts, of Smyrna's own Key Lime, Inc.
Brian Cooper introduced our speaker, Kenny Burts. Kenny's love of key lime pies as a child at his grandparents' home in Coral Gables, Florida, resulted in a passion to make the best key lime pies in the world. He takes great pride in the fact that only freshly squeezed juice from key limes are used in his pies. (And, no, his pies are not green!)

From the 18,000 square foot facility in Smyrna, 20,000 lbs. of the fruit can be juiced in five days! Current production capability exceeds 2,500 pies a day. They are immediately frozen to keep the quality high.

Kenny told us that he has developed a new mango pie that is being marketed in Disney World, and the popularity of his key lime pies are moving up the east coast.

The company currently has revenue of $3 million with a goal of $10 million. A new management team has been hired to make this happen. Kenny dreams big and plans for his pies to be distributed worldwide and maybe even on the moon! Kenny has always believed in giving back to his community and is generous in contributing his product. He expressed his appreciation to the City of Smyrna for its support of his company. He plans to expand to a 40,000 sq.ft. facility in the future, while remaining in Smyrna. His is a debt-free company, well-managed, with no price increase to vendors.

When asked the difference between key limes and the larger Persian lime, Kenny said there are no seeds in the key lime and it is also much tarter. He also reassured us that he has a tractor trailer load of frozen juice just in case of a hurricane in the Caribbean that might affect the current crop of limes.

The best part of all was that he brought samples for us to try, and I must say Kenny's Key Lime Pies are a wonderful after breakfast dessert!

The Meeting and Announcements
There were 51 members and 3 guests present.

See Mike Kidd to sign up for "Flippin' for Kids."

Wayne Waldrip suggested that pancake breakfast tickets purchased but not used be donated to MUST Ministries for distribution to their clients. You may give these to Susan Williams.

There will be a "Tribute to Veterans" on November 13th at pm at Smyrna First United Methodist Church. Tickets are $10. It will be a USO style program with Joey Hatchell doing his best Bob Hope impersonization. See Peggy Latanzi or George Davis for tickets.

Susan Carter reminded us of the Campbell High School Booster Club spaghetti dinner on Nov. 6th from 4:30 - 6:30, tickets are $5.00.

Ken Kincaid announced the annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (11/26) at 6:30am at Smyrna First Methodist Church.

Susan Pearson announced the upcoming Santa House, Dec. 2, 5-7, 12-14. We will e needing volunteers.

The Princess of Pancakes (aka Phyllis Stockfisch) got a lot of attention with her flashy Halloween costume. She also told us that $4,000 has already been raised for the Pancake Breakfast and suggested that we ask our favorite merchants to purchase tickets to give to their customers.

Ed Whittington said a special Thank You to Bill Bennett and RJ McCurry who put out the signs at the Jonquil Festival this past weekend. in spite of the rained out Sunday, the club raised $1,000 in admission ticket revenue.

November Birthdays
Aaron Morris - Nov.3; Dan Kirk - Nov. 17; Stephen Daniel - Nov. 17; Tom Woodward - Nov. 19; Sam Forrest - Nov. 19; Steve Clair - Nov. 25; Shane Cannon - Nov. 25; RJ McCurry - Nov. 29.


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October 24 Meeting Notes

Speaker: Scott McKay, Red Cross Disaster Relief Services Volunteer
Scott gave an educational talk on the various services of the Red Cross including: Armed Forces, Health & Safety, International Services, Disaster Services.

Scott specializes in Disaster Services and is frequently called upon to help after house fires, tornadoes, floods, transportation accidents and other disasters. He spent 6 weeks in New York City helping with the 9/11 crises.

Scott said the Red Cross employs 125 and there are 7,000 volunteers in the metro Atlanta area. These volunteers are committed and ready to deploy locally, the Southeast, the Nation, or internationally if needed. Out of town disasters require a three week minimum commitment and immunizations must be up to date for international work.

Scott spoke of the emotional toll on the volunteers when dealing with people in crises, and yet the rewards of being able to be of service during those times of human need are great.

He also mentioned that many couples (retired, usually) volunteer together and travel to crisis points all over the country. Each volunteer needs to be trained.

In addition to assisting after a disaster, the Red Cross is involved in anticipating disasters and their role in the aftermath. They participate with fire and police in practicing and being prepared. Recent simulation trainings have included: a hostage situation, a plane crash, and weapons of mass destruction.

To be a Red Cross volunteer requires 6-8 weeks of training and attending monthly meetings. For more information: volunteer@arcatl.org or www.redcrossatlanta.org.

The Meeting
There were 46 members present and 3 guests.

Dave Brown introduced guests: Robbie and Matthew.

Chuck Hoskins and Phyllis Stockfisch are collecting your Pancake Breakfast ticket money and can't wait to start coloring in the thermometer. We hope to raise $15,000 to benefit youth projects. They have posters for members to begin displaying in the community.

Joey Hatchell thanked members for bringing in their old cell phones to be donated to charity.

Ann Kirk thanked the club for good participation in Adopt-a-Mile.

Dennis Harding says please check the roster for any corrections needed.

See Mike Kidd to sign up for "Flippin' for Kids."

Gary Hill has one ad space available for the newsletter @ $75 per year, and also is selling ads for the Pancake Breakfast place mats @ $50.

The Club extends sympathy to Betty Turley on the death of her brother.

There will be a tribute to veterans on Nov. 13th at 7pm at Smyrna First United Methodist Church. Tickets are $10. It will be a USO style program with Joey Hatchell doing his best Bob Hope impersonation. See Peggy Latanzi or George Davis for tickets.


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October 17, 2003 Meeting Notes

Speaker: Cathie Seaburn, President - Center for Premier Suites
Gary Hill introduced Cathie Seaburn, the president of Center for Premier Suites. Mrs. Seaburn has worked with many different charities over the years and has now found one which she feels that she stands to make the most difference - "The Dream Factory." This organization was formed in 1980 in Hopkinsville Kentucky. The mission of The Dream Factory is to use mostly volunteers to grant the dreams of children with life-threatening illnesses. Cathryn is in the process of establishing the first chapter in Georgia. She is looking for volunteers and donations in order to make this chapter more effective and help more children. At this state in-kind donations can be more helpful than money.

The Meeting
56 members and 3 guests. Steve Wilson introduced Howard Martin who is running for city counsel, Ward 4. Ken Smith introduced a former member, Sharon Croyle, who is working on a Kidney Foundation Golf Tournament.

Flippin' for Kids
This pancake breakfast has quickly become the club's top fund raiser. However, for it to be successful EVERYONE must participate. There are plenty of jobs to go around from greeting people at the door, cooking, directing traffic, and cleaning up afterwards. And, of course, everyone must sell a lot of tickets. If you know anyone who can help sponsor this event by purchasing ads, let Phyllis Stockfisch know. Ask someone to help the youth in our community by giving to this worthwhile project. If you have not already signed up to help, do so as soon as possible so that the people who are putting this event together can make plans.

"Never think you need to apologize for asking someone to give to a worthy project, any more than as though you were giving him an opportunity to participate in a high-grade investment. The duty of giving is as much his as the duty of asking is yours. Whether or not he should give to that particular enterprise, and, if so, how much it is for him along to decide." John D. Rockefeller, Jr.


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October 10 Meeting Notes

Smyrna Fire Department Appreciation Day - Speaker: Alan Shuman, State Fire Commissioner
Special guests were present to honor the men and women of the Smyrna Fire Department and the wonderful job they do each day in protecting the lives and property of our community. Harold Smith introduced (in alphabetical order?): Judge Ken Nix; Sam Olens, Commissioner; Bill Scoggins, City Council; Rob Teilhet, State Rep.; Joe Thompson, Commissioner; Neil Warren, Fire Chief; Pete Woods, City Council; Wayne Wright, City Administrator; Phil Gingrey, Congressman.

Sam Wehunt introduced Smyrna Fire Personnel and Congressman Gingrey presented a plaque to the Smyrna Fire Department in appreciation for their work and dedication. After 9/11, we will never take them for granted.

Other guests were: Cathy Seaburn, guest of Gary Hill; and Tanya Hill, guest of Ana Stokes.

Our speaker, Alan Shuman, State Fire Commissioner, was introduced by Harold Smith. We learned that firefighting is a passion that folks do, not so much for the pay, but for the reward of helping others. For many, such as our speaker, firefighting is a family tradition. Alan became interested in it as a child after accidentally starting a kitchen fire with his brother, and his fireman father coming to their rescue. He said the unofficial motto for firefighters is "stay prepared for any emergency." So far this year in Georgia there have been 119 deaths due to fires. We all need a fire escape plan.

Be sure to thank firefighters for the job they do for us every day.

Mayor Max Bacon read a proclamation citing the good work of the City Fire Department.

Announcements

Phyllis Stockfisch encouraged us to sell tickets to the pancake breakfast and turn in the money and ticket stubs. $15,000 is our goal this year. The sign-up list still needs names to get 100% participation

Tri-Star basketball needs folks to help. See Curt Johnston.

Brown Elementary needs readers, see Doug Pharr.

Susan Williams is co-editor of our newsletter. Please e-mail her with "jokes" or information you'd like included at susan_williams@charter.net.

We had 56 members present and 32 visitors for a total of 88.


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"October 3, 2003 Meeting Notes

Speaker: Ed Forscher
New Club President, Ed Forscher, was our speaker. He distributed the 2003 - 2004 packet containing the budget, committees and projects for the next year. Please see Ed if you did not receive one.

The Meeting
There were 55 members present and no guests.

Ed Whittington will be signing up workers for the October 25 & 26 Jonquil Festival next week.

Joey Hatchell requested members to bring in their old cell phones to be donated to charity.

Chuck Hoskins needs workers on the Silver Comet Trail.

Dennis Harding says please check the roster for any corrections needed.

See Mike Kidd to sign up for "Flippin' for Kids".

Ann Harris requested help for "Rivers Alive" clean-up on Oct. 11th. Meet at the Paces Mill River Park at 8am.

Birthdays
Russ Barnett - Oct.3; Nancy Cummings - Oct. 3; Jim Hawkins - Oct.6; Ron Huck - Oct. 11; Bob Jackson - Oct. 11; Harlan Luke - Oct. 11; Jack Sutton - Oct. 14; Mike Kidd - Oct. 23; George Davis - Oct. 21; "Spooky" Bill Jamilton - Oct. 31.

Membership Anniversaries:
Mike McNabb - 3 years; Brett Tessier - 1 yr.; Wayne Waddell - 22 yrs.; Russell Barnett - 17 yrs.; Brian Cooper - 29 yrs.; Nancy Cummings - 5 yrs.

Officers and Board of Directors 2003 - 2004
President: Ed Forscher
Vice Presidents: Susan Pearson & Ann Harris
Secretary: Dennis Harding
Treasurer: Ken Smith
Sergeant-at-Arms: Greg Lynn
Board of Directors: Wayne Waddell - 1st year; Allen Potter - 1st year; Suzanne Lynn - 1st year; Chuck Hoskins - 2nd year; Wayne Waldrip - 2nd year; Steve Wilson - 2nd year; Ed Whittington - Past President.