Jennifer Graves, a new store owner in LaFayette spoke to the LaFayette Rotary on May 18, 2021. Her store, Gimme Some Sugar, is located on the square, across from the Joe Lewis statue. It started out as a store primarily selling home decor and refinished furniture, and has evolved into primarily a women's and children's clothing store. She opened her store 6 months ago amid much skepticism and the store has done very well.

Ms. Layla Letson, Resource Supervisor for the Chambers County Department of Human Resources (DHR) provided the weekly presentation to the Rotary Club of LaFayette, Alabama. Her presentation covered the need for Foster Families in the Chambers County, Alabama area. She addresses who needs Foster Family support, why the support is needed, and what criteria Foster Families must meet. Handouts are available in the Documents file (19 07 16 - Meeting Notes) under the home page Club Documents Link.

Ms. Ashlee Noles provided the weekly presentation on Aug. 25, 2020. Ashlee spoke about her business here in LaFayette, Magnolia on Main, a hair salon and a boutique, and the impact COVID has had on her business.

Ms. Gracie Thornton was our Nov 6, 2018 Chambers Academy guest. Seth Stehouwer was the program speaker. He spoke on the Chambers County Vocational School race team.

Not even COVID-19 could keep Santa’s Helpers from visiting the residents of LaFayette Nursing Home and LaFayette Extended Care. Rotarians from the Rotary Club of LaFayette continued the tradition of Christmas giving to residents of LaFayette Nursing Home and LaFayette Extended Care this year. They delivered 55 Christmas gift bags to LaFayette Nursing Home and 60 gift bags to LaFayette Extended Care.

Mr. Greg Leikvold, Director of Workforce Development at Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) was our guest speaker on May 25, 2021. Greg spoke on the importance to businesses and communities of having a competent workforce. There are currently four Workforce Initiatives within their Workforce Development program at SUSCC. 1)Technical Careers; 2)Economic Development; 3)Workforce Training and Development; and 4) Collaborative Initiatives.

Mr. Wayne McLendon was our guest speaker on Dec. 10, 2019. He's a fish farmer. He talked today about the Fishin Mission which he does in conjunction with Frazer Methodist Church in Montgomery. On the third Saturday of every month beginning in March and ending in September they invite groups of disadvantaged students to come and fish. While men from the church are cleaning the fish somebody presents a gospel message and the kids are served pizza. Each student goes home with a 2 lb bag of fillets.

Peyton Lamb, a senior at Chambers Academy, was Rotarian Owen's guest today.

Rotarian Faye Seroyer invited Mr. Michael Woody and Mr. Quin Ray as our speakers today. Both young men are involved with the solar farm here in LaFayette and one in Social Circle, GA. Mr. Woody spoke on how the plant actually works and some of the challenges they face in maintaining the operation. Power generated at the solar farm in LaFayette is sent to the Alabama Power substation, then distributed to AL Power customers from there.

Rotarian Dr. Butch Busby was recognized during the Jun. 8, 2021 weekly LaFayette Rotary Club meeting as a Paul Harris Fellow with a certificate and pin provided by RI. Club President, Dr. John Caldwell made the presentation. Congratulations Dr. Busby for your contributions of $1,000.00 or more to Rotary International!

The Rotary Club of LaFayette recently presented Christmas gift bags to 120 residents of LaFayette Nursing Home and LaFayette Extended Care/Rehabilitation. The Christmas project was headed by Rotarian, Brenda Ryan Carter. This Christmas project has been completed for the second year. The Christmas gift bags have brought “happiness and cheer” to each resident and the club is so proud to give back to these elder residents of LaFayette.

Mr. Michael Smith, chief executive officer of the Girls and Boys Ranches of Alabama was our weekly guest speaker for Sept. 15, 2020. He spoke of the changes he has made during his short tenure so far and told some wonderful stories about the kids. Mr. Smith is the chief executive officer for the Boys & Girls Ranches of Alabama. Michael retired from Southern Line after a 24-year career as Director of Business and Government Sales. He has been a Ranch supporter for 29 years.

Ms. Jody Stewart was inducted as Rotary Club of LaFayette, Alabama’s newest member on Sept. 15, 2020. Rotarian Stewart is a photographer and has a local business here in town. She contributes articles to our local newspaper and often reports on our Rotary meetings and events. She believes in Rotary and wanted to become a member. Rotarian Diane Sherriff presided over Rotarian Stewart’s induction ceremony.

Ms. Jennifer Thompson provided our program this week. Her presentation was on Medical Advocacy and Outreach (MAO) which is a community-based organization providing services to over 1,900 people living with HIV (PLWH) in South Alabama. Ms. Thompson's presentation is available on "Documents" tab under the Club Link.

Ms. Ellie Watson, from Sweet Grown Alabama, talked to members during the Jan. 12, 2021 weekly meeting about the positive impact agriculture has on our state and about their efforts to support Alabama farmers. Each Rotarian received a schedule of when various fruits and vegetables are harvested in Alabama. She discussed the many advantages of supporting local farmers.

LaFayette's Mayor Kenneth Vines was the Rotary Club's Jun. 15, 2021 guest speaker. He spoke primarily on the budget. The current budget is in the black, and actually has a surplus, but not a large enough surplus to allow for unexpected expenses and projects that would benefit our town. Mayor Vines has proposed to the city council the option of a one-cent sales tax. The first public hearing on this will be on June 28. The increase is projected to generate in the neighborhood of $250,000.00.

Rotarian Dantz Frazer was awarded his Paul Harris Fellowship status and pin by President Dr. John Caldwell. Congratulations to Dantz!

Auburn Opelika Dental provided our program and they spoke on services that will remain the same from fellow Rotarian Dr. Busby's Dental office and new services that will be offered.

Ms. Jessica Yeager, Director of the Chambers County Emergency Communications District, Inc., Chambers County Emergency Management Agency, was the guest speaker for the Sep. 24, 2019 weekly meeting. Her topic was the Alabama Next Generation Emergency Network or ANGEN project. According to the Alabama 911 Board website, ANGEN is the Alabama Next Generation Emergency Network, a project to install an Internet Protocol (IP) network to allow handling 9-1-1 calls via IP.

Chief James Doody, Fire Chief for the City of LaFayette, was the guest speaker for the Jan. 7, 2020 weekly meeting.

Rotarian Lewis Lowe had the weekly program on Tuesday, Sep 22. He invited Ms. Valerie Gray, director of The Chambers County Development Authority and she brought along Mr. Jay Garner who they had consulted with 12 years ago about economic planning for Chambers County. Mr. Garner is the founder and CEO of Garner Economics, LLC. Mr. Garner briefly reviewed the key points in each chapter of his newest book “Economic Development is Not for Amateurs.”

Attorney, Robbie Hyde, with the Alexander Hyde law firm in Lafayette. She spoke on the Girl’s 2018 Leadership Academy, hosted by the Town of Lafayette. The academy was founded by the Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority of which Hyde is a member.

Ms. Sara Banks of the Saugahatchee District, Chattahoochee Council, Boy Scouts of America, was the guest speaker for the Jan. 14, 2020 weekly meeting. Her presentation covered a wide variety of activities taking place in the district which includes Lee County and the majority of Chambers County. For more information on the program go to http://saugahatchee.org/.

Mrs. Lakeshia Dowdell and Michelle Mitchell provided our club program on May 7, 2019. Mrs. Dowdell and Mitchell work with the Unity Wellness Center. Mrs. Lakeshia Dowdell is the daughter of Rotarian Doris Faye Seroyer.

Rotarian David Owen, Headmaster of Chambers Academy, brought Alyssa Sorrells, a senior at Chambers Academy, as his guest today.

Mr. Chambley spoke of the Lee v Macon consent decree under which Chambers County Schools still operates. This dates back to 1963. Our county is one of only two systems in the state that has not been released from the decree. Mr. Chambley gave some background information on the original discrimination lawsuit and spoke of the ongoing efforts to attain unitary status and be released from the decree.

Adam White, who is the facility manager at the new John Soules Food plant in Valley, AL. The new plant will cost $140 million.. Their first production line is scheduled to begin on August 16, 2021, with another one scheduled to begin mid- to late-September 2021. Within the next 3-5 years they should have five production lines operational. They will open with 225 employees and gradually build up to 500-600. Each line will produce 12,000-14,000 pounds of chicken per hour.

On Sept. 26, 2019. Rotarian Mrs. Merilyn Vines was honored with the placing of an Alabama Historical Commission marker at the Vines Funeral Home & Ambulance Services.

The guest speaker for Tuesday's Rotary Meeting was Glenn Crumpton, President of the Lee County Sunrise Rotary, in Auburn. Glenn is also the founder of Alabama Limb and Prosthetic Services, Inc. with offices in Montgomery, Auburn/Opelika and Selma.

Ms. Maci Harmon was a special guest of the Rotary Club of LaFayette. Maci represented Chambers Academy at the weekly meeting of the LaFayette Rotary Club this past month. Maci was a guest attendee representing CA as a Junior Rotary guest. Maci is the daughter of Dori and Ashley Harmon of LaFayette. She has attended CA since having started school there in the fourth grade.

The Rotary Club of LaFayette, as a community service project adopted the 58 residents of the Lafayette Nursing Home as a Christmas project. The Christmas gift bags were delivered on December 5 and happily received by residents there and Lynn, activities director. The bags will be placed under the Christmas Tree for the annual resident Christmas party on December 14.

Rotarian Charlotte Blasingame explained the Vision LaFayette (VL) committee. The goal of Vision LaFayette is to test the community's interest in becoming a designated Main Street Alabama town, then complete the application process. Only 28 cities/towns in Alabama have achieved this status over the past 10 years. Typically, three cities are designated each year. The application process is rigorous and will require the support of local citizens and businesses if they are to be successful.

Our Chambers Academy student for Dec. 11, 2018 was Ms. Tate Reese. Ms. Reese will attend Auburn University majoring in pre-pharmacy.

District Governor, Mrs. Carol Argo, attended our Dec. 11, 2018 club meeting. Governor Argo challenged our club to learn, serve and celebrate.

Fellow Rotarian Bill Bowling spoke at the Rotary Club of Lafayette meeting on May 21, 2019. He shared his experiences from his time on active duty with the U.S. Army. Part of his service included supporting the United States' effort to test atomic weapons.

Mrs. Dori Harmon was pinned today as the newest Rotarian of the Lafayette Rotary Club by Rotarian Charlotte Blasingame.

James “Moto” Williams was our guest speaker on Aug. 13, 2019. He is one of the new Chambers County commissioners. He spoke about road condition and how the funding for road repairs is done. He discussed the new gas tax that will begin in Alabama that will be used strictly on roadways.

Mr. Tyler Nelson from Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) spoke to the Rotary Club of LaFayette on Oct. 6, 2020. Tyler spoke on his role in helping SUSCC students and graduates find internships and job placements in our community and solicited support from local businesses to host/hire these students. For more information on Mr. Nelson’s presentation please go to https://www.valleytimes-news.com/2020/10/suscc-tyler-nelson-speaks-to-lafayette-rotary-club/

Ms. Carrie Royster spoke to the Rotary Club of LaFayette on Oct. 6, 2020 about the Rockingfest on the Square, which will be held in LaFayette on November 14.

Rotarian Chris Busby had the program for Feb. 9, 2021. His dad, fellow Rotarian Dr. Butch Busby, was our speaker. Butch showed us a short video explaining how the COVID-19 vaccine works and how it differs from other vaccines. Butch explained in more detail how the virus attacks our bodies and how this mRNA vaccine works inside our bodies to protect us. We were encouraged to do our own research and consult our own physicians to make the best possible decision with regard to vaccination.

Mr.Jeff Monroe was our speaker on September 11, 2018. His topic was the beekeeping industry in Alabama

US troops planned to land on the island at high tide so their larger boats could ride the tide over the coral reef that stuck out about 500 yards. They thought they had the tides calculated correctly, but did not account for the particular alignment of the moon, earth and sun that day, which prevented the high tide from rising more than 3.7 feet over the reef, rather than the five feet that were needed. Because of the lack of sufficient high tide, the Marines had to wade in, for 600 yards

Dr. Ed Hill spoke at the Feb. 19, 2019 Rotary Club meeting. Dr. Hill, a retired Auburn University professor, talked about how coyotes have expanded their range in the southeast United States, including Alabama, Mississippi and Georgia since the mid-1970s.

Rotarian Calvin Milford had the presentation for this week’s meeting. His presentation covered the settlement of Chambers County, Alabama by European settlers in the early 1830s.

On Jul. 7, Dr. John Caldwell, the outgoing president of the Rotary Club of LaFayette opened the meeting by swearing in the new club president, Dr. Abby Adams. Dr. Caldwell will become the immediate Past-President. Stanley Tucker remains as Secretary, Diane Sherriff as Treasurer and Mac Tucker as Sergeant at Arms.

Images of Lafayette, Alabama

Mrs. Kris Lamb was the Jul. 7, 21 guest speaker. She spoke about the recent corn hole tournament she held as a fund raiser for Peyton's Pals in conjunction with the Corn Hole Addicts from Opelika. Since our club is planning to hold a corn hole tournament as a fud raiser on September 11. Proceeds from our tournament will allow us to continue to make financial contributions to the various philanthropies we support.

Mr. Jon Owens, headmaster at Chambers Academy, was our guest speaker on Jul. 13, 21. Mr. Owens is a graduate of CA and has been in the headmaster position since March of 2021. While he has been at CA, enrollment has grown from 183 to 235. The school will have the largest graduating class in its history this year, with 39 seniors. Chambers Academy begins its 52nd year with students returning on August 5.

Ms. Carrie Royster, Director of the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, provided the Oct. 22, 2019 presentation. She spoke about upcoming events and meetings. She provided a handout listing those events. Ms. Shelly Keebler and Ms. Lizzie Keebler, seniors at Chambers Academy were visitors during the Oct. 22, 2019 weekly club meeting.

Mr. Jimmy Harmon with the Girls Ranch was our speaker today. He spoke about the Girls Ranch, their goals, difficulties, and experiences. They are hosting at the Lafayette, AL Alfa building, Grillin’ for Girls. March 16, 2019 at 6 pm. Cost is $25.00 per ticket.

Our guest speaker for the Feb. 18 2020 meeting was Nan Fairly. Nan Fairley is an associate professor in the School of Communication & Journalism at Auburn University, where she has taught a wide variety of courses, including feature writing and community journalism, since 1992. The recipient of the 2011 AU Award for Excellence in Faculty Outreach, Fairley serves as a writing consultant for the David Mathews Center for Civic Life.

Kelly Hodge, Superintendent of Chambers County Schools, updated Lafayette Rotarians on activities in the school system.

Ms. Doris Faye Seroyer was sworn in by Ms. Charlotte Blasingame as a new Rotarian.

Alabama State Representative Debbie Wood was our speaker for the Jun. 11, 2019 Rotary Club meeting. She provided an update on the recent legislative session.

Ms. Janet McMillan, head of Human Resources at John Soules Food, was ourJul. 20 guest speaker. She said when the plant in Valley, AL, opens up fully next month, they will employ close to 300 people. They hope to add 200 more employees each of the next two years. The plan is to operate two shifts five days a week. They hope to reduce the strain on the plants in Tyler, Texas and Gainesville, GA where they have been operating seven days a week.

Rotarian Clark is a forester and spoke about a relatively new program. In this program, companies who produce large amounts of carbon dioxide, as a result of the manufacturing/production process, pay landowners not to cut timber. Trees store carbon dioxide and this arrangement helps to offset the adverse effects to the environment caused by the larger companies' production of CO2. In Alabama, from Clay Co running northeast, forests trap CO2 get credit for the year the CO2 is stored.

Rotarian Allen Tucker provides a presentation on the construction of the new Cancer Center of East Alabama (EAMC).

Dr. John Caldwell was inducted as the Rotary Club of LaFayette, Alabama President during the July 7, 2020 weekly meeting. Immediate Past President Diane Sherriff oversaw the ceremony.

Rotarian Steve Wheeler had the program for Jun. 18, 2019. Four Star Freightliners presented the program. Chad Norris, Valley AL Account Manager, spoke on the history of the company and its expectations for the community, employment, services, and success. Tony Snead has been with the company for 11 years and serves as Service Manager for the Montgomery and Valley locations. Cedric McKenzie, shop foreman, was also in attendance. The recent opening of the Valley location was a 4 million dolla

Alfreda Fannings was our guest speaker on Oct. 20, 2020, brought to us by Rotarian Faye Seroyer. Mrs. Fannings is a supervisor at the Chambers County Department of Human Resources. She talked to us today about the various services offered by DHR, including food stamps and child support, and the impact of COVID on the services that DHR offers.

Lee Weinman, our Rotary District Governor and Paul Harris fellow, was our guest and speaker at Tuesday's Rotary meeting. Lee opened and closed his presentation with a question/challenge for us. "Are you a member of Rotary or are you a Rotarian?" Lee spoke about some of the changes he has made and is making during his tenure as DG. He also shared many of the projects that various rotary Clubs in our district have undertaken and the impact of these projects.

Rotarian Allen Tucker presented our program on Nov. 3rd. He discussed the John Soules food processing plant coming to the Valley and its impact on Chambers County.

Branson Ison was inducted as the newest Rotarian in the Rotary Club of LaFayette, Alabama – welcome!

Ms. Shelby White, the Chambers Academy Homecoming Queen, attended the October 9, 2018 meeting as Rotarian Owen’s guest.

Larry Bates, our Assistant Governor, visited during our Mar. 3, 2020 meeting. Rev. Michael Stiggers spoke to us about his role as a hospice chaplain.

Mindee Allen, Teacher of the Gifted for Chambers County Schools (and wife of Jason Allen, Head Coach at Chambers Academy) was the guest speaker. She presented a lock box activity to the members, the same one she presents to her fourth grade gifted students at the beginning of the year. These boxes required analytical/critical thinking, flexible minds, teamwork, and a little bit of dancing. So...are we smarter than the fourth graders???? With some clues, and help from Jason, we were!

On Nov. 5, 2019, our weekly speaker was Mr. Eric Creel, Virtual School Instructor, Chambers County Career Tech. He discussed the reasons for such a program which include bullying, teen pregnancy, career credit advancements, college early enrollees, and kids that are working day time jobs to support their family. He said there is a fast growing demand for most schools; classes begin from 6th thru 12th grade.

On Jul. 26, 21 Rotary members Stanley Tucker, Dantz Frazier, and Dr. Butch Busby delivered office chairs that were donated to JP Powell Middle School by fellow Rotarian (and current President) Dr. Abby Adams. JP Powell Middle School Principal Christy Brock-Johnson received the chairs for the school.

Dr. Kelli Hodge, Chambers County Schools' superintendent, spoke on Jul. 28, 2020 about Chambers County Schools' preparation for reopening in light of Covid-19.

Mr. Phil Underwood from121, a waste management company, spoke to the LaFayette Rotary Club on Aug. 3, 2021. The business was started about two years ago by two friends to serve primarily commercial customers with waste removal. The company prides itself on being a Christian-based "family-friendship" company. They currently serve customers in Auburn/Opelika, Dadeville, West Point and LaGrange. The name 121 comes from a Bible verse, James 1:21.

Mr. Bill Nixon of New Horizon Theatre in West Point, Ga. provided this week’s presentation. Mr. Nixon’s discussed the opportunities available with the theater as well as the performances provided by New Horizon Theater. More information about New Horizon Theater and tickets are available at www.nhct.org.

Mr. Larry Bates, our assistant district governor, visited our weekly club meeting on Aug. 3, 2021 and spoke briefly, primarily about the upcoming visit to our club by the District Governor Harold Lewis in two weeks (August 17).

Rotarian and Chambers Academy Headmaster David Owen had a special guest at the Aug. 27, 2019 meeting of the LaFayette Rotary Club today in CA senior, Braxton Allen. Braxton was a welcome guest attendee this week fresh off his big contributions in the Rebels season opening win over Lee Scott. The senior running back rushed for 162 yards on 19 carries with two touchdown runs of 39 and 36 yards in CA’s 36-7 victory over the Warriors from LSA. He is the son of Clint and Jennifer Allen of LaFayett

Rotarian Mac Tucker presented our weekly program on Nov. 10, 2020. He addressed electronic record keeping and its impact on our local court system.

Ms. Kim Carter was the guest speaker for the Jun. 25th Rotary Club of LaFayette weekly meeting. She spoke on how the Chattahoochee Valley Women's Service League (CVWSL) was started as well as its mission. Ms. Carter provided a flyer that includes specific information about the CVWSL.

Mr. Jason Allen, head coach at Chambers Academy, was a guest on Nov. 17, 20 and spoke with us about his team playing for the 2A state championship title this Friday.

Ms. Maci Harmon (Right) was our Chamber’s Academy Student on Sep. 3, 2019

District Assistant Governor, Larry Bates, visited the Rotary Club of LaFayette on April 6, 2021. He spoke briefly and gave us words of encouragement to continue our involvement with Rotary.

Gator Kincaid was hired 20 years ago to work at WCJM Radio. In 2016 the station was relocated from West Point to Opelika. The idea for the internet station was in response to the idea of bringing back the Charles Story Gospel Show back. The new station, Live 365, will have a morning, afternoon and evening show. The plan is to broadcast club and community meetings. The station can be accessed through a free app, Live 365 Gator Radio or through an Alexa device.

Ms. Lisa Pierce from Alabama Rural Ministry (ARM) spoke with LaFayette Rotarians on April 6, 2021. She spoke on their mission to provide sustainable homes, produce servant leaders, and build strategic community partners and strong families. Their mission field is primarily local (Lee and Macon Counties, some in Chambers County as well) and extends to west Alabama and beyond.

Alston Knox was our guest student from Chambers Academy. Our guest speaker was Katie Herston. She works for the Chambers Co. Board of Education and works with the Special Ed students.

Mr. Jonathan Herston, the Executive Director of Circle of Care, center, provided the Mar. 19, 2019 presentation.

Chief George Rampey, Chief of the LaFayette Police Department was our speaker on Nov. 12, 2019. He discussed the upcoming event to prevent Human Trafficking. Chief Rampey also discussed the importance of being alert while in public places and holding parents accountable to where their kids are and at what time.

Rotarian T. R. Clark spoke to us on Aug. 4, 2020 on the impact that COVID 19 has had on the forestry industry, nationally and locally.

DG Lewis shared with us, in words and pictures, the goals for Rotary. He shared with us current Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta's vision "Serve to Change Lives". Traditionally, Rotary Clubs have grown by having current members invite or "bring one" prospective member to the meeting. Rotary's product is hope. Hope is appealing to most everyone and is of no cost, but great value. Our product simply needs to be marketed. We need to Make It Shine.

Dr. Nathan Newhart visited LaFayette Rotary on Aug. 24. Dr. Newhart is the newest dentist to be part of Auburn Opelika Dental in LaFayette and Opelika. He will be joining fellow Rotarian Dr. Abby Adams in both of her practice locations beginning Monday, Aug. 30. Dr. Newhart is originally from Texas. Dr. Newhart is very mission-minded and participated in many mission activities throughout high school and college including hurricane relief in New Orleans; Calcutta, India; and Romania.

John Merrill, Alabama's Secretary of State, spoke to the club Tuesday. Rotarian Josh Yerta arranged the program. Mr. Merrill had a very interesting and informative presentation. Most of the discussion was about the election process, since that falls under the Secretary of State's purview. Both our state's and the national election were discussed, as was the election process in general.

Commissioner Doug Jones spoke to Rotary Club of LaFayette on the county's plans for the use of the CARES money it will receive from the federal government. One of the goals is to provide broadband access to the northern and western regions of the county where there is very little internet access. He also addressed the two most common areas of concerns: roads and water supply to the rural areas.

LaFayette Rotary Club met on Apr. 27, 2021. Coach Juan Williams was our speaker. Coach Williams is the relatively new Athletic Director and head football coach at LaFayette High School. He has been in that position since February 2020.Coach . He uses sports to teach students to persevere and become successful. He stated it is not enough to prepare students to get accepted into college. We must prepare them to be successful and be able to remain in and graduate from college.

Rotarian Dantzler Frazer provided the presentation during the Aug. 11, 2020 weekly meeting. Rotarian Frazer’s presentation covered property values, cost to build, etc. in Chambers County vs. Lee County.

Mrs. Abney covered the mission and function of her office and discussed how real property taxation works in Chambers County. She answered members’ questions and provided information on how to follow up on questions.

The Rotary Club took a field trip today and met at Buds and Blossoms. The owner, Dwain Welch, talked about the different businesses that he has had at that location and how he has now expanded his flower shop to include antiques and a consignment shop. He stressed the importance of our town needing to have small businesses that will attract visitors. His son, Isaiah, spoke about their expanding digital presence. Dwain was kind enough to provide us with gift bags.

Mr. Bill Nichols, chief administrator for East Alabama Medical Center-Lanier spoke to Rotary members on May 4, 2021. Mr. Nichols discussed the very effective and timely response of both hospital campuses to the COVID crisis, which highlighted the importance of having community hospitals. He also spoke about the upcoming plans for the medical center including a name change to East Alabama Lanier Health to more accurately reflect its focus on overall health and wellness.

On April 2, 2019 Alex James and Laura Bell provided the LaFayette Rotary Club an engaging educational program on the Moores Creek Project. Moores Creek Project Phase 1 ($522,000) was completed near Lanett High School in 2017. The Project Phase 2 ($303,000) is an opportunity to continue improving the health of our water resources in Lanett and Valley.

Ms. Pike Sandie is the director of Habitat for Humanity Troup-Chambers (HFH), which serves Chambers, Randolph and Clay Counties in AL and Troup, Heard and Harris Counties in GA. Ms. Pike shared with us how and why she became involved in HFH, the history of HFH, and the work HFH has done in the AL counties it serves. The application process and requirements were explained, as well as the responsibilities of the receiving family.

Rotarian Charlotte Blasingame pinned Dr. Abby Adams, DDS, as the newest Rotarian of the Rotary Club of LaFayette during the September 10, 2019 weekly club meeting.

Rotary Governor Bill Petty provided our weekly program. Governor Petty discussed the upcoming initiative to grow Rotary. He also offered insight regarding Rotary leadership and the Charity Navigator.

Ms. Karla Riley was the guest speaker for Nov. 26, 2019. Her topic was the Chambers County Special Olympics. Courtesy of the Chambers County Special Olympics Facebook page: Chambers County Special Olympics is an annual event held in Valley, AL for individuals with significant cognitive and/or physical disabilities. If you are interested in helping in any way for this spectacular event please contact Karla Riley at 334-864-9343 ext 10205 or rileyks@chambersk12.org.