A nice large group gathered on Monday, despite the cold and snow.  We welcomed guest Rotarian Lonnie Alonso, our Assistant District Governor.

 

Doug Wells had Lonnie draw the winning ticket today.  Damon Kuhn's table was doiing the "group" thing, so they took $17 small pot (later donated back to the Club).  Unfortunately (or fortunately for everyone else) they were unable to find the right card for the $85 BIG POT.  So, we all have a chance next week!

 

Larry Kienzle took the floor and took $1 from Doug Fisher for not sitting at Van's table, whereupon Van donated $1 for not HAVING Doug at his table!  Althought Kienzle didn't fine himself for the necktie he wore to the Chamber Dinner, he did fine Ben Hollinger for the tie he wore to our luncheon.  Ben said it was his wife's fault.  Larry Willard was cited for reckless operation of his vehicle in the parking lot, and Doug Wells paid for missing his mouth with his salad.  Latecomers were Larry Menchhofer, John Smith and Scott Ratliff.  Larry finished off with a big fine - $1 from anyone who had not yet sent a card to Roger Hinerman!  Roger, we miss you!  Get well soon!

 

Happy Bucks cam from Joe Murtha on the birth of a calf on Sunday and Valery for the great time at the Chamber Dinner last week.

 

Dave thanked Rotarians Joe Murtha, Mike McGreevy and Larry Willard for their service this morning at the Smith Chapel Food Distribution.  We also thank Joann Murtha and Kathy McGreevy for staying on while their hubby's departed for the Rotary lunch.  The distribution line sure seems longer these days.

 

February Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 2nd at 5:30pm at the Home Tavern.  All members are welcome.

 

Remember - February 8th meeting is NOT AT LUNCH TIME!  We will meet in the parking lot of the new Central Elementary School at 5:30 for a tour.  Following a one hour tour, we will meet at Pizza Crossing for dinner.  If you can't make the tour, just meet us at Pizza Crossing.  Also, remember that we have been asked to NOT BRING CHILDREN on the tour.

 

Feb. 15 - No meeting for President's Day!!!

 

Dave Snipes made the official announcement and recognition today for the Paul Harris Fellowship for the year.  This year's recipient is Larry Menchhofer.  This is Larry's second Paul Harris Fellowship.  Congratulation, Larry!  You generosity is appreciate by our Club and by Rotary International, as well.

 

Bob Lilley presented this week's program.  Our speaker for the day was Tiffany Colliton, Director of the WIC (Women, Infants, Children) Program here in Hocking County.

 

This is WIC's 36th birthday.  In their first year, they served 10,000 statewide.  In 2009, they served over 300,000!   WIC operates in all l88 counties of Ohio, and Ohio's program is the 7th largest in the United States.  Over 57% of all infants born in Ohio receive some benefits from WIC.  Despite the size of the Ohio program, their are very fiscally prudent.  They have the 7th lowest administrations cost in the US and the 10th lowest "package" cost, too.

 

Hocking County currently has 1123 particpants in the WIC program that are served through the Health Department office in Logan and at the satellite clinics in Laurelville and Murray City.  They are proud of the fact that they are serving 99% of the potentially eligible citizens.

 

WIC is also a valuable source of business for the local vendors in our area.  For the period August through October 2009, over $144,000 in WIC coupons were redeemed at Walmart, Kroger, Save-a-Lot and Grandma Faye's.

 

WIC not only helps with nutritional needs, their clinics give them access to clients needs in other areas such as:

Properly installing infant car seats

Referring clients to physicians, dentists, eye doctors, etc. as needed

Keeping track of child immunizations

Operating a pre-natal smoking intervenion pilot program

Partnering with OSU Extension for educational classes

Parnering with HVCH on breastfeeding education and support

Conducting outreach programs with Head Start and area nursery schools

 

Obviously, this is a busy and vital organization working to improve the quality of life and health for some of our youngest citizens.