Operation Hometown Outreach visits Byesville Rotary

Pictured: Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President, Connie Finton, Operation Hometown Outreach.

Warning: the Sgt. at Arms is being VERY creative with questions for fines. Be prepared for anything.

Connie Finton, a volunteer speaker for Operation Hometown Outreach, states that many people are moving away from farms and as a result “...many children do not know where food comes from.” She went on to report that when asked, many children will answer that they get food from McDonalds and others will say “the grocery store.” Fewer and fewer children are aware that the things they eat and drink are produced on a farm and are the result of lots of hard work.

The organization she belongs to, Operation Hometown Outreach, is trying to change that perception. One of their goals is to provide speakers to groups and reintroduce people to the farmers that supply the food in the grocery stores.

Finton is one half of a farm team. She and her husband own Carlene Farm in Tuscararus County. Carlene Farms produces safe dairy products for families .Their farm is family run with no outside help. Help is provided by three of her grandchildren who want to go into farming. The grandchildren will be the 5th generation of Fintons to work the Carlene Farm. Finton and her family consider themselves caretakers of the land and the animals they raise.

Holstein dairy cows are the heart of their farm. On average, the farm has a herd of 85-90 cows that are providing milk. Additionally, there will be a smaller herd of cows that are dry or are expecting calves. Taking care of this many large animals is hard work.

Good care is important because the cows represent a big investment and because the Fintons depend on the animals for their livelihood. Finton said that her family takes good care of their animals because “…it is the right thing to do,” and because if they don’t, the farm will not make any money

Her cows stay in an open sided building that provides shade. The building is furnished with a large waterbed which the cows love so much they don’t like to leave the building. The cows are milked twice at day—at 5:30 am and 5:00 pm. Milking takes about 3 hours for a herd of 90 cows. Dairy farming is a 365 day a year job with no vacations. Cows need milked every day—no exceptions.

Byesville Rotary meets every Tuesday, 7:30 am, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294.

Bright Beginnings and Byesville Rotary share interest in children’s literacy

Pictured: Tanya Hitchens, Byesville Rotary President and Lynne Beros, Director, Bright Beginnings Pre-School Program.

Chicken BBQ Saturday. If you aren't working, come byy and purchase a chicken.

Reading for next week: July Rotarian, "Our better angels,: pp. 30-35.

Lynne Beros, Director of the Bright Beginnings Pre-School Program offered by the Ohio Valley Educational Service Center, explained what her program offers to improve literacy skills in Guernsey County. Bright Beginnings provides early learning programs for pre-school children in the Cambridge, East Guernsey and Rolling Hills school districts and for schools in Noble and Monroe counties.

Byesville Rotary has strong interest in literacy and shares concerns for literacy development with Bright Beginnings programs. Rotary International encourages all Rotary clubs o become involved in literacy service projects. One of Byesville’s on-going literacy projects has been to provide dictionaries to each 3rd grade student in the Rolling Hills schools.

Bright Beginnings assesses a child’s development in several areas such as literacy, physical development and social and emotional development. If the assessment indicates the child would benefit from the Bright Beginnings program, the child is recommended for pre-school services. Many children qualify for the program free of charge based on their developmental need or their family’s income level.

Beros pointed out “…research indicates that the size of a child’s vocabulary at the time the child enters kindergarten is an accurate predictor of school success.” The larger the vocabulary, the better the child will do in his or her school career. Since 85% of a child’s brain develops by age 3, it is important for the child to begin developing literacy skills as early as possible.

In the state of Ohio about 30% of children entering Kindergarten need intervention services like those provided by Bright Beginnings. This means that almost 40,000 children whose literacy skills are below average enter Kindergarten each year. Intervention services offered by Bright Beginnings help a child develop important basic education and literacy skills. Bright Beginnings programs introduce children to many different kinds of books and encourage children to develop an interest in reading and writing.

Staff members at Bright Beginnings are licensed by the state of Ohio and are required to have professional degrees. The current staff of 58 includes teachers, aides, psychologists occupational and physical therapists, administrators, and a nurse. The Guernsey County staff is currently serving 475 students at various schools in Guernsey County.

For more information about Bright Beginnings programs and services, contact Carmen Feldner, 740-435-0320 ex 22, or Wanda Hockenberry, 740-435-0320 ex 30.

The club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-801-0017

Three Byesville Rotarians become Paul Harris Fellows

Pictured: Byesville Rotary Club’s newest Paul Harris Fellows: Oziel Jeffries and Shana Fair. Not pictured, Dr. Mamidi.

Oziel Jeffries, Dr. Mamidi, and Shana Fair were presented with the emblems earned by Rotarians who become Paul Harris Fellows. They were presented with a Paul Harris Medallion, a Paul Harris Fellow pin, and a certificate recognizing their commitment to the objectives and mission of Rotary International.

The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary with three business associates. It was established in 1957 in honor of Mr. Harris. Rotarians become Paul Harris Fellows when they contribute $1000 to The Rotary Foundation. Funds from The Rotary Foundation are used for a variety of humanitarian and educational programs that save and invigorate the lives of people around the world and that enhance international friendship and understanding. This Foundation helps fund Rotarian efforts to provide food, potable water, immunizations and shelter for millions of people.

Monies from The Rotary Foundation return to local clubs when the club applies for a Simplified Grant. These grants are used by clubs to support local service projects. In the past, Byesville Rotary has used funds from the Rotary Foundation to support its annual Christmas Food Basket program.

Jeffries, Mamidi, and Fair join 13 other members of the Byesville club who are Paul Harris Fellows.

The club meets 7:30 am every Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-801-0017.

Byesville Rotary holds Changing of the Guard Dinner for 2010-2011

On Thursday, June 23, Byesville Rotary held its Changing of the Guard Dinner at the Cambridge Country Club. Arrangements for the dinner were handled by Nellie Bichard and Marty Patchen.

At the dinner, Joe Waske, club president for 2010-2011, expressed his appreciation for club member efforts by presenting a flower and vase decorated with the Rotary symbol to each club member. He then turned the gavel over to Tanya Hitchens, club president for 2011-2012.

Officers also serving during 29011-2012 term are Oziel Jeffries, President Elect; Chuck Fair, Treasurer; Shana Fair, Secretary, Jim Vaughan, Sergeant at Arms; Marty Patchen and Randy Launder, Membership Chairs; Sharon Miller, Interact Advisor; Nellie Bichard, Speaker Chair. Larry Miller will join Jim Vaughan and Dr. Mamidi as a Board member.

During the dinner other members of the club were recognized for their contributions to Rotary. Over half the members were recognized for perfect attendance which means that members made the effort to attend the meetings or volunteered to work on a club projects. Oziel Jeffries, Dr Mamidi and Shana Fair were awarded Paul Harris pins in recognition of their contribution to the Rotary Paul Harris Foundation. Each made an individual contribution of $1000 to qualify for this award. Shana Fair was selected by the club members as Rotarian of the Year in recognition of the contribution this individual made to the club during the year.

After awards were presented, Dan Navicky, club historian, reviewed the highlights of the club year. These included providing over 120 families in the Byesville area with Christmas food baskets, co sponsoring a Health fair with SEORMC that served 125 local people, awarding 4 scholarships to3 seniors from Meadowbrook High School and 1 senior from the Mid-East Career and Techonology Centers Buffalo Campus.

The meets every Tuesday morning at 7:30 am at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Randy Launder, 740-685-8294.

Byesville Rotary learns “Downtown is living room of the community”

Pictured: Joe Waske, Byesville Rotary President; Heather Dickson, Executive Director of Cambridge Main Street; Rich Dair, Speaker Host.


Heather Dickson, the new Executive Director of Cambridge Main Street, explained that she developed a passion for helping small business early. She has practical experience running a small business. She opened her first coffee house in Little Rock. This shop was followed by two more. When she decided to return home to the Cambridge, she fell back on what she knew and opened a café –Uppities—in New Concord.

She began investigating opening a shop in Cambridge. Her first stop for information was to speak to Fran Taylor who told Dickson that she was leaving her position as Director of Cambridge Main Street. Dickson decided to apply for the job.

Dickson brings energy and excitement to the position. She explained to Byesville Rotary that the Main Street organization is non profit and is supported by volunteers and some private funding.

Main Street is organized around 4 committees. The Organization Committee is responsible for hiring and organizes membership drives. The Economic Restructuring Committee helps businesses stay open and seeks to bring new business to the area. This committee hosts Merchants Matter meetings. Anyone interested in business is invited. Meeting topics vary but are all focused on topics of interest to local business owners such as petty theft.

The Design committee focuses on the physical aspect of the downtown areas such as the looks and user friendliness of the streetscape. This committee is involved in the current renovation of the Wheeling Ave. This project involves range of goals from unseen, underground upgrades of the water lines to the design of the new sidewalks and the choice and placement of new trees. If all goes well the project will be completed November 1.

The Design committee is also working on developing banners that will be hung downtown on the light poles. Committee members are developing a set of standards that banners must meet. Any individual, business, or organization can sponsor a sign about their group or business.

The Promotions committee gets the word out about downtown activities such as the Bike Show and Road Fest. Recently the committee hosted a Garden Tour and Wine Tasting at Dr. Mitchell’s home. Response to this event resulted in the largest number of people attending to date.

For more information about the Main Street organization, contact 740-439-2238.

The club’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, June 28, 2011, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767.

Byesville Rotary finds out “What $5.00 can do”

Pictured: Joe Waske, Byesville Rotary President: Oziel Jeffries, Scholarship Committee; Erin Paisley, Meadowbrook scholarship recipient; Shana Fair, Scholarship Committee; Marty Patchen, Scholarship Committee.

Readings for next meeting:
June Rotarian, "Good grief," p. 23 and "Superbug," p. 27.

Shana Fair spoke to club members about the American Cancer Society Relay for Life in Guernsey County. She is representing the Byesville club as a Relay Honorary Co-chair for 2011.

Fair explained that the original event was just one man who ran for 24 hours. This surgeon wanted to a do something to draw attention to the fact that dealing with cancer is a 24 hour job for cancer patients and their families. He was able to raise $27,000 because people donated money to run a lap with him.

She pointed out that today Relay is the largest end-cancer movement in the world. There are Relay events in over 5,000 communities and 20 countries. In Guernsey County, over 400 people comprising about 30 teams are involved in the event.

She stated that she liked the event because, “…every fundraiser is a volunteer. There are no professional fundraisers—just friends and neighbors working to raise money to end cancer.” She went on to say that if a person talked to any one of the Relay volunteers, that person would discover that each of the volunteers had a personal reason for being part of the Relay. Some are cancer survivors. Others know a family member or a friend that has been touched by cancer.

She went on to say that supporting cancer research and providing support for local cancer patients is expensive. Every dollar donated is important. People should never decide not to give because they feel that a $1 or $5 donation is too small.

When the American Cancer Society (ACS) combines everyone’s $1 and $5 donations, the organization has enough to support 25% of all cancer research funding as well as provide services that can be used by Guernsey County cancer patients. Small donations add up to the $1000 needed for the ACS to give 1 night’s free lodging to a cancer patient and their caregiver in Hope Lodge or help buy a $2000 microscope needed for cancer research.

Erin Paisley, a Byesville Rotary club scholarship recipient, attended the meeting. She will be attending Zane State College in the fall and is enrolled in the Occupational Therapy program. Byesville Rotary also awarded scholarships to Allison Beros, who will attend Zane State, Brandon German, who will attend Mt. Union, and Jared George, who will attend OSU.

Byesville Rotary’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, June 7, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767.

Local services for seniors and cancer patients highlighted at Byesville Rotary

Pictured: Shana Fair, speaker Host; Sean Gress, Executive Director of the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center; and Joe Waske, Byesville Rotary President..

Reading for May 24:
May Rotarian, "Waste not," p. 37.

Board meeting has been changed to May 19, 12n, at Plus 1 Pizza, Byesville.

Sean Gress, Executive Director of the Guernsey County Senior Citizens Center and President of the Guernsey County Cancer Society, spoke to the Byesville Rotary about the two hats that he wears.

Gress is celebrating 10 years of service at the Guernsey County Senior Center. He pointed out that there have been some big changes in 10 years. One change has been a big growth in demand for services such as home delivered meals. Gress reported that in 2001, the Senior Center provided 60,000 home delivered meals. Today, the Center provided over 330,000 per year.

Another big change is the development of two service populations with different needs and expectations. Center programs must now cater to Junior Seniors and Senior Seniors. Junior Seniors ages may range from 60 to 90. They are typically very active. Many continue to hold down a job, and many are also taking care of family. Senior Seniors may also be anywhere from 60 to 90, but they tend to be homebound or in assisted living situations.

Both sets of seniors come to the Center to stay active and engaged with other people. A social membership at the Center costs only $7 per year. Membership is open to anyone age 50 or older.

Gress stated that funding for the Center is evolving. Currently, income from the 1.6mil levy $400,000 per year is less than the operating budget expenses. The difference in income and outgo is made up through donations and contributions and an aggressive program of grant writing

As President of the Guernsey County Cancer Society, Gress is actively involved in providing support services to cancer patients. A diagnosis of cancer frequently imposes a financial hardship on the cancer patient and his or her family.

The Guernsey County Cancer Society can provide financial assistance of up to $800 per person to any Guernsey County cancer patient. The funds can be used for prescription drugs, transportation costs to and from treatment, home care workers, prosthesis and wigs, or nutritional supplies needed as part of treatment. The only requirement is that the diagnosis of cancer must be made by a physician. For more information about assistance contact 740-432-9290.

Funding for the Guernsey County Cancer Society comes in part from United Way of Guernsey Count. Additional funding comes from individual, wills and trusts, memorials and gifts, and other community organizations.

The club’s next meeting will be 7:30 am, May 24, 2011, at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Anyone interested in learning more about the Byesville Rotary can call Membership Chairs Marty Patchen, 740-685-3828, or Larry Miller, 740-439-2767.