November 17, 2009 - Defensive Driving

 

"I never saw him!" is the most common excuse heard after a collision. Was the other vehicle invisible? Virtually all collisions involve inattention on the part of one or both drivers. Inattention can involve many things, some of which are daydreaming, distractions, sleepiness, fatigue, "highway hypnosis," talking, etc.

A moving vehicle develops thousands of foot-pounds of energy. YOU as a driver have the responsibility not to use that energy to injure or kill others, or damage their property. Paying attention makes it possible for you to see, recognize and avoid the hazards lurking on the road; these are the three basic elements of defensive driving. The primary attribute necessary for a safe driver is alertness, and paying attention is the most important driving task because it helps create the time you need to recognize hazards and avoid a collision.

Lt. D.D. Smith of the Georgia State Patrol spoke to the club on Tuesday, November 17, 2009, on the subject of Defensive Driving. He was introduced by Vice President Lillie Crowe, program host for the day. These are some of the ideas included in Lt. Smith's talk.

One statistic often quoted is that most collisions happen within a short distance from home. Why is this true? Since we mostly drive in our own neighborhoods, the odds are we'll have most of our mishaps there. Close to home we get more comfortable and perhaps let our guard down (and the other guy does the same thing); you've heard that "familiarity breeds contempt?" Better yet, familiarity breeds inattention. We don't often consider that serious or fatal injuries can occur in low speed collisions.
I have a challenge for you. While it is important for you to be alert and aware, it isn't an easy task. The next time you drive, try concentrating solely on the driving task. Think of nothing else. Then see how far you get before your mind wanders. Many drivers won't even get out of the parking lot! Seasoned drivers don't HAVE to think about driving much. It's something we do automatically, and our minds are free to wander. And our minds WANT to wander. Have you ever driven somewhere and been so lost in thought that you couldn't remember anything about the trip itself? Is this a problem?

Is this a curable problem? Paying attention can become a habit, but you have to work at it. Make conscious, persistent choices NOT to eat while driving, or whatever you do that takes your attention off where your moving vehicle is pointed. Connect your mind to your eyes and work at consciously analyzing what you see while you drive. We call this "situational awareness." Driving is the most dangerous thing most of us ever do. It deserves your full attention. Mastery of this one habit can almost make you bullet-proof. Not quite, but almost.

Pam Eaton is shown above with her packages.

A fund-raising project was introduced by President Sherry Hudson, shown here with Denni Moss, Bill Boyd, and Bill Smith - the sale of one-pound packages of shelled pecans for $8.00 each, with each member entrusted with five packages to sell.

October 10, 2009, Mule Day will see two new mule events

There's something about mules that kids really love, and much of Saturday's Mule Day will be aimed at entertaining, informing, and amazing children.
New mule events including a mule pull and a mule race are expected to add to the fun Saturday at the 29th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival.

The event will open at 10 a.m. Saturday and run to 4 p.m. at Callaway Plantation on Highway 78, rain or shine. Admission is $5 a carload.

"We should have quite a few more mules than in years past," said mule czar James Callaway, "including three of my own. We have a specially made pulling sled for mules, so we'll have a mule pulling event, and we're going to have a mule race in the arena if we have enough entrants."

"We really feel we've returned to the Mule Day of old when it was so popular," said Carol Cartledge, who is organizing the event for the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. "With the return of Ricky Callaway's wonderful old tractors and equipment, and all the mules and mule events arranged by James Callaway, everybody says we'll see a real return to the way Mule Days were in the past."

More than ever before, she said, visitors can see primitive craft demonstrations including apple coring and peeling, blacksmithing, butter churning, candle making, chair caning, hand corn shelling, tomahawk throwing, hand spinning, log hewing, rope making, plowing, quilting, soap making, sorghum syrup making, weaving, and wood shake making.

"You'll be able to participate in select primitive demonstrations," she said. "And docents led by Debra Denard will be giving tours of the homes of Callaway Plantation, and four camps of Sons of Confederate Veterans will be on hand, too."

There will be displays of antique engines, tractors, cars, chainsaws, hand tools, muzzle-loading rifles, and Native American arrowheads. There will be a sawmill, a shingle mill, a grist mill, and a tar still.

"In addition to our mule events, we'll have a pumpkin patch, hayrides, storytelling, historic home tours, arts and crafts, and delicious food," she said. "And as always, we'll have Mule Day t-shirts for sale."

Weather permitting, the Young Eagles and the Washington Kiwanis Club will sponsor free airplane rides for children at the Washington- Wilkes Airport. The day's children's activities are sponsored by First United Methodist Church of Washington. "For entertainment, we'll have Sylvia Walker of Rayle and the Southern Influence Band," she said.

There will be programs and lectures on honey and beekeeping, sheepdog herding, and turkey calling.

Wilkes CountyTourism Director Ashley Barnett said that the Mule Day festival is the work of many hands. "Mule Day would not be possible but by the help of so many people, including the Boy Scouts of Troop 33, Hubert Bailey, Keith Bailey, Shari Bryson, James Callaway, Ricky Callaway, the City of Washington, the DAR, David and Deborah Denard, Tanya Fair, Mark Davis, Kathy Dinnewith, Mike Dyches, Lewis Hall, Geoffrey Hill, Mary Lodwick, Louise McClearen, Tim Miller, Jeff Murphy, G.B. Newsome, the Washington Rotary Club, David Russell, the SAR, Lois Soerster, David Vanhart, Tyler Verdery, and Billy Walker. This is a real community event, and I hope everyone comes out to enjoy it!"
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Mule Day festival big success with more mules, more locals

Old engines and tractors, as well as shady picnic tables, were a big attraction at Mule Day.
Saturday's October 10, 2009, 29th annual Mule Day Southern Heritage Festival was a big success, organizers say, with more mules, more local participants, and more exhibitors than in years past.

"People have been stopping me all day and saying how much they enjoyed Mule Day this year," organizer Carol Cartledge said. "I was very pleased at how many local participants we had, and at how many people came out to enjoy the events."

Along with the mules, the event showcased some 45 primitive craft demonstrators and 55 vendors, Tourism Director Ashley Barnett said. "Carol Cartledge did a great job and worked so hard at chairing the event this year," she said. "With about 2,000 people in attendance, we are so thankful to those who came out for the event. We had so many travel from all over to attend Mule day from Tennessee, South Carolina, west and south Georgia, North Carolina, and so many other places."

In the day's mule events, Smith Wilson's 13-year-old Belgian mule Kit took Grand Champion in Singles, and Kit, paired with the blond Belgian mule Bird, took the Grand Champion trophy in Pairs. In awarding the trophies, Judge Jack Logan of Eatonton said that Kit and Bird were "the finest pair of mules in the state."

"We had an outstanding selection of mules to compete," said James Callaway. "I'm very pleased at the turnout."

Adding to the historic feel of the day were the Confederate encampment complete with regular cannon fire, and some 40 costumed docents from the United Daughters of the Confederacy. "David and Debra Denard really added a great historic touch to the day bringing to life the period of the War Between the States," Cartledge said.

Displays of antique tractors and old traction engines were popular, too, along with several antique and classic autos. Old-time craft demonstrators showed visitors how their ancestors made soap, made chairs, and a dozen other primitive crafts. "Thank you to Ricky Callaway for his leadership on bringing back the antique machinery and tractors," Barnett said, "and thank you to Tammy Bryngelson for lining up First United Methodist Church for the children's games. The kids had a great time with all the games."

It took a community effort of dozens of local citizens to pull it off, Barnett said. "Mule Day is one of the great events that Washington- Wilkes has, and we are so thankful to all those who made it possible."
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Jennifer Atkinson new Teacher of the Year

High school's Jennifer Atkinson announced as Wilkes County's new Teacher of the Year

Wilkes County's Teachers of the Year were honored at a reception Monday night, including (l-r) Katy Meech of W-WMS; Nicole Smith of W-WPS; system-wide Teacher of the Year Jennifer Atkinson of WWCHS; and Jennifer Holton of W-WES.
Washington-Wilkes Comprehensive High School science teacher Jennifer Atkinson has been chosen as the Wilkes County Teacher of the Year for 2011.

Carlton Norris elected to state Kiwanis office

NORRIS
J. Carlton Norris of Washington was elected secretary/treasurer for the Georgia District of Kiwanis International on August 19, 2006, during the annual Kiwanis convention in Atlanta.

Norris was nominated for this office by the Kiwanis Club of Washington and the nomination was delivered to the Kiwanis convention delegates by Washington Kiwanis President-elect Bill Steed.

Norris has previously served both the Washington club and the Kiwanis state district in several capacities including distinguished club president, distinguished lieutenant governor and currently, district chairman of new club building.

Consistent with Kiwanis tradition, Norris will serve as district secretary/ treasurer for one year, followed by a term as governor-elect and be installed as governor of the Georgia District of Kiwanis in August 2008.

Georgia contains 180 Kiwanis Clubs with more than 8,000 members.

Kerry McAvoy, president of the Kiwanis Club of Washington, said, "Kiwanis International has honored not only our local Kiwanis Club but also our community. Both our club and Washington-Wilkes will be closely identified with these offices all over Georgia for at least the next four years. The last time the Kiwanis Club of Washington had a Kiwanis district governor was in 1929 when the late Pembroke Pope served, so we believe we are certainly due."

The Kiwanis Club of Washington is one of the oldest clubs in the country with a history of more than 85 years. Chartered in 1920, the club has been a leading civic club in the community since its inception and had a rich tradition of community service.
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November 10, 2009 - Kiwanis Education

Lillie Crowe, Vice President, presents a Kiwanis cup to Steve
Blackmon as a birthday present.

Al Zima, George Brooks, and Chris McCormick, at

the near table, listen to a speaker.

Lillie Crowe, Vice President, explains a procedure.

Pam Eaton and Louise Maynard, at the near table, finish lunch.

Jim Finch, Harris Blackmon, and Bill Lee, at the
near table on the left, finish lunch.

Jama Carper, Bes Moore, and Deborah Guin,

at the near table, converse.

November 3, 2009 - Amethyst Wynn, After-School Program

LeAnne Mathews (left), owner of Johnson/Jones Insurance, joined the Washington Kiwanis Club and was inducted by President Sherry Hudson in a brief ceremony at the club's regular Tuesday lunch meeting last week.


New grant will assist Partnership, schools
Amethyst Wynn, Executive Director of the Wilkes County Community Partnership, spoke to the Washington Kiwanis Club and told members about the new 21st Century grant that the Partnership and Wilkes County Schools applied for and received. The purpose of the grant is to provide funds to expand community learning centers outside of school hours, before or after school. Wynn said learning begins at home but in some cases assistance is needed for both parents and students. The grant will help mesh the Partnership's activities with school programs, she said. Debbie Jackson (right) was program chairman for the day.


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WILKES COUNTY COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
Our Mission: ... To serve as a catalyst for improving results for Georgia’s children, families and communities.
Our Vision:
All children, youth and families will be healthy, safe, successful in school, and prepared for productive adulthood.

The Wilkes County Community Partnership, a vibrant community-based collaborative, has been a 501 (c)-3 non-profit organization since 1996. WCCP serves as an umbrella organization for both Georgia Family Connection and Communities-in-Schools. Its purpose is to promote the well-being of our families and children, and to that end, over the last few years, our community has seen a reduction in teen pregnancies, fewer adjudicated youth, improved standardized test scores, improved parenting skills, and more children enrolled in Head Start and Pre-K. The Partnership has received national, state and regional recognition for its outstanding programs and accomplishments, particularly highlighting its neighborhood-based after-school program, which is in its 9th year of operation. The result? The Partnership has brought over $3 million into the county, and both adults and youth have more opportunities for success.

For more infromation about our initiatives and our work, see FACT SHEET on the lefthand menu.

October 27, 2009 - "Banking Today" and Interclub to Warrenton

Interclub Meeting Today

Club Visited

Warrenton Kiwanis Club at Miss Jane's Restaurant

Visitors from Washington:

(L to R) Bill Boyd, Al Zima, William Johnson shown with high school principal

Club Program in Washington:

Dave Tatum (right), a vice president of F&M Bank, presented an interesting program on "Banking Today," to the Washington Kiwanis Club at its regular Tuesday lunch meeting on October 27. Club President Sherry Hudson was program chairman.

Speaker:

Dave Tatum

Host:

Sherry Hudson

Subject:

Banking Today

With the ease of online banking today, many people choose to do their banking from home. One bonus is that you can continue banking with the same financial institution, though you can do so from your home computer. With 24-hour access to account information and anytime transactions, banking has become much more convenient.

There are many benefits to online banking. You can avoid fees sometimes charged for teller transactions or check writing. Also, online banking options often include better deals on checking accounts, often with lower service fees and no monthly charges. It is easy to pay bills electronically, with funds taken directly from your account-check-free. And banking software, such as Quicken, enables you to download banking information from your account into a budget spreadsheet.

Most banks in America now offer online banking options. Some banks offer online banking in conjunction with online trading, allowing you to use one institution for a variety of financial needs. There are some institutions that specialize only in online banking and do not have any physical branches. These require online or phone transactions and the use of other banks' ATMs.

This is one downfall of virtual banking. You may have to pay a fee for using a machine at another banking institution, and sometimes a fee from your own bank as well. Some banking institutions will waive ATM fees, as they know this can be a deterrent to potential customers. If you are an ATM user, make sure you research this before selecting a bank.

Another likely problem is making deposits. Direct-deposit options for paychecks are convenient; however, if you receive other checks you will need to deposit them yourself. With online banking, you may have to mail your deposit or make an electronic transfer from another bank account. This creates a longer lapse before you can access these funds.

Despite these issues, online banking appeals to many customers. Virtual banking allows you to take care of bills even while traveling. You can access your account whenever it is convenient to you, not just during banking hours. With this convenience, there is little excuse anymore for bounced checks.

Program in Warrenton:

Installation of Officers by Lieutenant Governor Bob Simmons (shown below)

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Newly installed president of Warrenton club, Walker Davis, presides (shown below)

Visitors from Washington to Warrenton club (L to R, above)): Bob Simmons, William Johnson, Bill Boyd, Al Zima

October 20, 2009 - Morris Museum

Invites all to visit Morris Museum

Phyllis Giddens (left), Director of External Affairs and Fund-raising for the Morris Museum Of Art presented the program on Augusta museum to the Washington Kiwanis Club last Tuesday. Giddens explained that the Morris Museum has become a public charity to help raise funds from multiple sources. She explained that the museum has a collection of some 5,000 objects and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. Giddens encouraged the club and the public to visit The Morris Museum of Art and partake of the many activities. For more information, see http://www.themorris.org/. Jim Bundy (right) was program host.