MONTEAGLE ROTARY CLUB

CLUB MEMBER EXPLAINS THE HISTORY OF THE MISSISSIPPI DELTA

Mike Roark gave an outstanding program last week. Mike's presentation was about the history of the Mississippi delta region in the state of Mississippi.

Mike was born in Australia and at the age of 11 he and his family moved to Leland, Mississippi.

The Delta is a distinct northwest section of the state of Mississippi, generally between the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. It is said that The Delta "begins in the lobby of the Peabody Hotel (in Memphis) and ends on Catfish Row in Vicksburg Mississippi". The region, created by regular flooding over thousand years, is remarkably flat and contains some of the most fertile soil on the planet. Cotton and soybean farming have been a stable of the area for many years.

SOUTH CUMBERLAND PARK - A SPECIAL ATTRACTION IN OUR AREA

Jason Reynolds, a Ranger at the South Cumberland State Park was our speaker last week. Jason has been at the park for two years and his day to day duties include trail maintenance, law enforcement and insuring the safety of all campers and visitors.

South Cumberland is one of the newer Tennessee State Parks. Almost this entire park lies atop the Cumberland Plateau. Unlike most state parks the South Cumberland is made up of ten different areas located in four different counties.

SEWANEE MUSIC FESTIVAL ON THE WAY

Mark Savage gave our program. Mark was born and raised in Massachusetts, playing the viola in various groups culminating with his membership in the Senior Orchestra of the Greater Boston Youth Symphony. Mark has been a member of several local orchestras in the Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi area.

To this date 36 states have expressed interest in this years festival, with 34 states having had applicants. This years festival is June 18-July 24.

DISTRICT OFFICERS ATTEND CLUB ASSEMBLY

Last weeks meeting was a Club Assembly conducted by our President Robert Jackson. Jim Devlin, our District Governor-Elect and Diane Bryant, our Assistant District Governor were in attendance. Robert provided an outstanding handout updating and chronicling our clubs service programs and activities, year to date contribution programs, our budget and a list of our speakers and programs for 2004-05. Robert also mentioned that our club now has a new membership handout for potential members and urges all to use this material. Mr. Devlin and Mrs. Bryant addressed our club and promised to give us all of their support in the upcoming year.

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH PROFESSOR DISPLAYS PART OF THE SEWANEE ARCHIVES

Dr. Martin Knoll, an Associate Professor of Geology, was our speaker last week. Dr. Knoll is a 1982 graduate of The University of the South, has a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University and a Doctoral degree from the University Of Texas, El Paso.

Dr. Knoll showed an interesting collection that is part of the University Archives, located in the Library. Insects in Amber is a 154-piece collection of different insects that are incased in the substance amber, which is fossilized tree resin. This collection has been a valued part of the archives and is exhibited on rare occasions.

LOCAL ARTIST PROVIDES WORKSHOPS AND ART FOR THE MOUNTAIN

ED Russell, a professional glass blower from Tracy City, was our speaker last week. Ed has been on the mountain for eleven years and though he could live anywhere he has chosen the Monteagle mountain area for its beauty and friendly people.

One of Ed's newest projects is the Mountain Works Gallery located next to the Smokehouse Inn. This gallery is filled with local artist works, not only glass but paintings and crafts.

In addition to his gallery Ed offers glass blowing workshops for all levels of experience. These workshops are available through the Cheekwood Museum Education Department at http://www.cheekwood.org or you can call (931)-924-9675.

If you have some extra time this gallery is worth a visit.

GRUNDY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT CONTINUES TO IMPRESS OUR CLUB

Jamie Lockart, a junior at Grundy County High School, was our speaker last week. Jamie has spoken to our club before and has also been a guest to past meetings.

Recently Jamie was part of a 4-H public speaking competition and he gave his speech to our club. The 4-H club is not only about agriculture but focuses on leadership, public speaking and citizenship. The 2005 4-H motto is "A generation to lead a nation".

As always our entire club was impressed with this young man's presentation and certainly will be seeing him at more Rotary Club functions.

LOCAL BUSINESSMAN KEEPING CITIZENS SAFE FROM MOTHER NATURE

Jim Waller, the owner and operator of Remagen Safe Rooms, spoke to our club last week. Mr. Waller is a 1953 graduated of the Sewanee Military Academy and a 1958 graduate of the United States Military Academy.

Remagen Safe Rooms are tornado shelters that are attached to an existing home or are incorporated into the plans for building a new home. Remagen Safe Rooms are rigorously tested and approved by the National Storm Shelter Associations extensive certification process.

Mr. Waller manufactures these shelters locally and sells his product nationwide. For more information he can be reached at (931)-692-4440 or toll free at (888)-397-7142.

EMERALD-HODGSON REPORTS A GREAT 2004 AND LOOKS FORWARD TO 2005

Mike Sherrod, the hospital's chief administrator, gave an informative report to our group last week. Mike especially complimented Kathy Rose as one of his most valuable employees.

EHH outpatient visits for 2004 were up by almost 30% over 2003; an increase of over 1400 patients. The ER also reported an increase that Mike attributed to the excellent ER physicians and staff and the quality service offered by Grundy Emergency Medical Service.

Also a part of last weeks program Mike Sherrod introduced a new Doctor to the Monteagle area, Dr. Jack Mangrew. Dr. Mangrew was born in Guinea and studied at the University of the West Indies before completed his residency at Howard University in Washington D.C. He said the he has enjoyed his short time on the mountain and hopes to be here for some time.

MONTEAGLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RENOVATION NEAR COMPLETION

Ray Russell, the principal of the Monteagle Elementary School, was our speaker last week. Ray made an impressive presentation detailing the recent improvements that are being made at his school. The building's work has been completed but landscaping and inside decorating are still in progress.

An open house is scheduled for the first week of December.

The school's enrollment has risen from 180 students in 200-01 to 283 students in 2004-05. Ray commented that test scores have risen consistently and he is very proud of his teachers, who he thinks are the best in the state.

Several of our members commended ray for his fine work and our club is very proud to have Ray as a member and look forward to workling with him in the future.

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH ATHLETICS UPHOLDING RICH TRADITION

Dickie McCarthy, the head women's basketball coach at the University of the South, was our speaker last week.

Coach McCarthy is starting his 2nd year as coach of the Lady Tigers. The West Point, Georgia native played for Sewanee from 1973-75 before transferring and graduating from the University of Georgia in 1977.

Before taking over the University's women's basketball program, Coach McCarthy enjoyed tremendous success at the High School level in Lanett Alabama. During his 14 years in Lanett he posted a 214-75 record.

Dickie expressed to our group his enjoyment and excitement about returning to the University and feels that the Women's basketball program will become a source of pride for the faculty and students at the University. Commenting on the Athletic program in general, Dickie informed our group that a donation has been made to improve the track at McGee Field and that the Spring Sports festival will be held at Sewanee in the spring of 2006.

MONTEAGLE SILO HAS RICH HISTORY
Jerry Mansfield, the owner and operator of the Monteagle Silo, was our guest last week.

The Silo was established in 1946 and Jerry joined the staff in 1968. In 1972 he became sales manager and in 1975 he was promoted to General Manager and Vice President.

Through the years the Silo's primary customers have been dairy farmers.

The Silo also provides office space for the South Cumberland Cultural Society.

DISTRICT GOVERNOR VISITS
John Bailey, our District Governor, was our guest on October 20th.

Mr. Bailey shared with our group some of the centennial projects some of our fellow Rotary Clubs are planning. On November 6th Rotary will celebrate its 100th birthday. He gave an informative history lesson on our Rotary District 6780.

Our district has had six Directors of Rotary International. Of the 532 Rotary Districts only 2 have had that many.

Mr. Bailey urged us to continue our good work and to strive for a larger membership.

ORGANIZING AREA VOLUNTEERS A COMMUNITY GOAL
Tom Watson was our speaker last week and he presented his ideas on the improvement of organizing all of our area volunteers.

Tom explained that he is trying to fill his retirement time with a useful project and shared his ideas and asked our clubs opinion.

While living in South Carolina, Tom became familiar with a program called Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and is thinking of establishing a similar program in this area. Thirty percent of Americans volunteer their time in some capacity and 68 million people volunteer 52 hours per year. Tom stated that he would like to coordinate a program that would define the needs of the community, define the volunteer's talents and define the time each volunteer can give. After this is established the job would be to match the volunteer's talent to the need and subsequently provide the needed training. This program would be open to not only retired persons but also anyone that would be interested in helping the community.

This was a very informative and exciting presentation and hopefully we can all help in this endeavor.

MONTEAGLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GROWING
Mike Roark was our speaker and he discussed the history and future of the Monteagle Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

This church was founded in May of 1884 with 16 charter members. One of these 16 members was John Moffatt who also founded the town of Monteagle.

Today the church is growing and its members have raised money to make several improvements to the church building.

Mike invited any of our group to contact him and he can arrange a tour of this facility.

CITY OF COWAN REVITALIZED WITH DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENTS
Jarrod Pearson, the owner and operator of the Franklin-Pearson House in Cowan, spoke to our group last week. Jarrod is a native of Franklin County, a graduate of St. Andrews-Sewanee and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

During the last 40 years the Cowan downtown area had declined considerably, with many small businesses closing and many families moving away.

In 1999 the Cowan Commercial Club met to determine the fate of the Cowan downtown area. This civic organization debated whether to discontinue their club or to move forward with the club and strive to improve the downtown area.

Fortunately they decided to dedicate their efforts to upgrading their town. The Train Depot and the Library were renovated and a town newsletter was established.

MONTEAGLE LIBRARY COMPLETES BUSY SUMMER
Karen Tittle, the Director of the Monteagle Library, gave our group an update on the busy summer she and her readers experienced. Karen has instituted several programs including; the Children's Summer Reading Program, Book Buddies, a Senior Citizens reading Program (for which she wrote and received a $13,000 grant), the making of a quilt and she is currently applying for a grant to fund an Accelerated Reading Program. This summer’s reading program had 68 children participating who read 1,445 books.

The Book Buddies program is for people, who are elderly, physically impaired or have no means of transportation to the library. Volunteers deliver books to these people. Karen expressed her thanks for the help the Rotary club has given to the Library through the years.

She also mentioned that the Library could use some help with volunteers for the Book Buddies program and help in obtaining more computers, especially laptops.

For more information about the Library and it's many programs you can contact Karen at 924-2638.

TENNESSEE NATIONAL GUARDSMAN CONTRIBUTES TO THE COMMUNITY
Staff Sergeant Larry Wade of Monteagle was our speaker. Sgt. Wade is part of the Tennessee National Guard's stock of guardsman trained and certified to conduct military funeral honors. The Monteagle team was formed in June and has three members. This group provides complete military honors including, the folding and presentation of the American flag, the playing of taps, a 21-gun salute and pallbearers.

Any honorably discharged veteran who has completed one enlistment is entitled to military funeral honors regardless of burial location.

Sgt. Wade has done a tour duty in Iraq and is proud of the Monteagles support of it's troops. He urged all of us to write the soldiers stationed in the Middle East.

UNIVERSITY OF THE SOUTH INSTITUTES ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
Club member Dan Hatfield informed our group of the University of the South's inaugural Athletic Hall Fame. Seventeen athletes, two teams, five coaches and one athletic trainer will be inducted into the Hall of Fame September 3-4. The purpose of the Sewanee Athletics Hall of Fame is to give lasting recognition to those individuals and teams who have made exceptional contributions to the achievements and prestige of the University in the field of Athletics and who have continued to demonstrate in their lives the values imparted by intercollegiate athletics.

EMERALD HODGSON HOSPITAL GOING STRONG
Mike Sherrod, the chief administrative officer of the Emerald Hodgson Hospital and two of his physical therapists, Becky Campbell and Holly Hoosier were our speakers last week.  Mike recently met with the Lifepoint Corporation who owns the hospital and had a very positive meeting concerning the improvements ahead for the hospital.

Admissions have remained steady and the Emergency Room and Physical therapy rooms are being renovated. Becky and Holly shared with our group the improvements being made in the area of therapy.

The hospital now offers three types of therapy; occupational, speech and physical, which can all, be done on a out patient basis.

This program was another indication that this community and this group's effort to support the hospital certainly paid off.