Gadsden Rotary Club

It was a great day in Gadsden! Pam Huff ABC 3340 shared true insight about how we consume news is changing. And challenged us to stay up to date on the news!

Alabama news legend, Mrs. Pam Huff, is coming to Gadsden!

Mrs. Huff will be speaking to the Gadsden Rotary Club at noon on August 22nd. The cost to attend is $20.00 and includes lunch. For more information on attending, please message this page or contact a Gadsden Rotarian. The deadline to attend is Tuesday, August 20th at noon.

Our speaker yesterday was Mr. Gerald Watkins, the Director of Rickwood Field in Birmingham.

Rickwood Field is America’s Oldest Baseball Park and hosted the Cardinals and Giants game in June.

Mr Watkins updated us on the positive impact the MLB had on Rickwood Field and the added tourism it has brought to our great state! He also brought one of a kind items that we raffled off for chairty!

Steve Marlowe, long time SEC football referee, updated us on the rule changes coming this fall to college football. We are thankful to Steve, and all the other referees, who put in many hours of work each week to ensure they are prepared and focused to call a clean game and help keep the integrity in a game we all love!

He also brought an official SEC coin that we raffled off for charity. Congratulations to our own Steve Furrow for winning!

We were excited to host Mr. Eli Gold yesterday! Thank you to everyone who came to help us give him a warm welcome to Northeast Alabama!

Gadsden PD hosting Community Safety Night Tuesday, Aug. 6 at The Venue!

The Gadsden Police Department is partnering with public safety agencies throughout Etowah County to host this inaugural event 5-8pm.

Community Safety Night is a family-oriented event dedicated to increasing familiarity and camaraderie between law enforcement officers and Gadsden and Etowah County citizens.

Attendees will experience fun, engaging, and educational activities such as a dunking booth, motorcycle displays, D.U.I. simulation courses, and multiple rock-climbing adventures. Children and families will be able to explore various types of law enforcement and public safety vehicles up-close, including tactical special operations, helicopters, fire engines, ambulances, and more.

“These men and women are our neighbors, coaches, and friends,” said Gadsden Mayor Craig Ford. “We can all do more to support them because they sacrifice so much to support us and our families. I am looking forward to seeing children and families connecting with our public safety community at this event while they make special memories together. I know it will pay dividends as these men and women serve and protect us all throughout the year.”

The first 200 children admitted will receive specialized t-shirts as mementos!

Community Safety Night is sponsored by the City of Gadsden and the Gadsden Rotary Club.

Our Club is honored to support community events! Pictured is Club President, Jesse Battles, delivering a $1,000 check to the Gadsden Police Department to help support their Community Safety Night.

Community Saftey Night:
August 6
The Venue
5 pm - 8pm

Eli Gold is the former radio voice of the Alabama Crimson Tide from 1988-2024. He is now the radio voice for the Jax State Gamecocks!

Gold will be speaking to the Gadsden Rotary Club at noon on August 1st. The cost to attend is $20.00 and includes lunch. For more information on attending, please message this page or contact a Gadsden Rotarian. The deadline to attend is Monday, July 29th.

Today we were joined by Derek Mummert, Gadsden-Etowah County EMA Director.

The EMA coordinates basic disaster capabilities of local government. They are also the county's coordinating body with state and federal agencies to assure the citizens of Etowah County are fully protected and accommodated before, during, and after disaster strikes.

We thank the EMA for their service to our community!

Meet our 2024-2025 President, Jesse Battles!

Jesse was born and raised in Etowah County, which he calls home today. He is a graduate of Westbrook Christian School, Gadsden State Community College, and Jacksonville State University. And holds a bachelor's degree in political science.
After college, Jesse moved to Montgomery with his wife, Melissa, to work in governmental administration. Working for the Alabama Personnel Department and the Alabama Secretary of State Office under Secretary John H. Merrill.
Following his time in the public sector, Jesse started a small e-commerce business, Yellowhammer Deals, that he still owns and operates today. He is also a realtor with River Towne Real Estate Group and has helped lead multiple political campaigns.

“I am deeply honored to serve as the 2024-2025 President of the Rotary Club of Gadsden. Rotary is about putting “service over self”. We serve our community while making lifelong friendships. I am excited to see what this next year has in store and the ways we can make a positive impact on the community that we all love. I hope you will consider becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Gadsden!”

This Thursday, we will have a special guest speaker: U.S. Representative Mike Rogers!

Mike Rogers is a sixth generation East Alabamian. He is a conservative, a Christian, the father of three and married to his wife, Beth, for over 35 years.

Mike grew up in Calhoun County, Alabama, in the small mill village of Blue Mountain. His mother worked in the local textile mill and his father was a firefighter. Mike learned the values of family, hard work and sacrifice from his parents.

Make plans to attend to the Gadsden Country Club on Thursday at 12pm! Email: [email protected] for the menu and cost

We hope to see you all there!

This week’s guest speaker is Brett Johnson, Chief of Staff at the City of Gadsden and adjunct political science instructor at Jax State. He will discuss updates from the City, the GROW Gadsden master plan, and interesting developments still ahead.

Brett is a native of Hokes Bluff, former SGA President at Jax State, and former Boaz City school board member. He founded Neighborhood Bridges Boaz in 2020 and recently served as executive director and president of the statewide civic education nonprofit Liberty Learning Foundation.

Johnson is a certified nonprofit executive (CNE), a certified local government professional manager (LGPM), and is currently finishing his PhD in Leadership from University of the Cumberlands. Earlier this year, Johnson was named a Top 100 Local Government Influencer, formerly known as the Traeger Award, by Engaging Local Government Leaders, the national association of local government professionals.

After a decade of experience in state legislative affairs, education policy, and nonprofits, he joined the mayor’s staff in 2022 to help shepherd the city’s policy and public affairs agenda. In his role, Johnson oversees the fire department, Gadsden Airport, public affairs department, city clerk’s office, legal department, mayor’s office, industrial development, grant writing, media relations, and legislative agenda for the mayor.

He has three young children all under 5 years old: Laike, Mack, and Marcie. His wife, Tiffany, is the reading coach at West End Elementary and the family lives in Gadsden.

Our Speaker today is Coach Blake Lewis! We are thrilled to hear all about what he has accomplished!

Thursday, April 11th is the start of the 2024 Masters in Augusta. Gadsden Rotary Club is inviting you to participate in a pool on Easy Office Pools. The format is as follows:

Each participant chooses one golfer from each of the 6 tiers, determined by current World Golf Rankings. Keep in mind that rankings will change up until the tournament starts.

Each participant chooses one golfer from each of 6 tiers, determined by the current World Golf Rankings
Take your four lowest scores and add them up. Lowest total score wins.
Players that miss the cut will be scored an 80 for the 3rd and 4th round.
$25 per entry, each participant can have up to four entries.
50% of the pot goes to Gadsden Rotary Club. 25% of the pot goes to the 1st place team, 15% of the pot goes to the 2nd place team and 10% of the pot goes to the 3rd place team
Tie breaker: winning golfer’s score in relation to par

To enter the pool:

Go to http://www.easyofficepools.com/join/?p=309047&e=rihn
Complete the entry form. Please be sure to put your full name in the Name field so I can keep up with who’s Team it is.
Pick Your Team.
Pay me. PayPal: [email protected] , Venmo: -Ray-61 or cash.

The live leaderboard will go up as soon as the first group tees off Thursday morning. You can follow at http://www.easyofficepools.com/leaderboard/?p=309047

Feel free to forward these instructions to anyone who may want to participate.

Today, we are hearing from the James M. Barrie Center for Children 's Director, Patricia Falcon! Learning about their organization and child abuse prevention during Child Abuse Awareness Month!

Today's speaker! Rick Pate grew up working his family’s cattle and poultry farm in Lowndes County, where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Because of his roots in agriculture, he studied ornamental horticulture and received his bachelor’s degree in 1978 from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture.

Rick Pate was elected Commissioner of Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in 2018 out of four in Republican primary. He was re-elected in 2022 without Republican or Democratic Party opposition.

Pate put his degree and determination to work and started Pate Landscape Co., Inc. in 1982. Under Pate’s leadership, the company has been profitable and award winning. His focus on building relationships in the community through both professional and civic organizations and his commitment to install quality work are what Pate credits his success to. He plans to continue these philosophies during his service as Commissioner of Agriculture.

Even though Pate has spent most of his time operating Pate Landscape, he never let go of his love for and connection to the farm in Lowndes County. He owned a purebred Charolais herd, but after the death of his father in 2012, he also took over the family cattle operation, Pate Charolais Ranch.

In 1996, he joined Lowndesboro’s Town Council and served as Mayor in 2004. While serving as mayor, a new well and water tank were added, the water system was expanded, and sidewalks were installed through town. He resigned in 2018 after being elected Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries.

Growing up on a farm, running a business and cattle operation, and serving as the mayor of a small rural town has given Pate a unique prospective to bring to the office of Ag Commissioner. He has a genuine concern for the future of agriculture and the people of Alabama.

Pate has been a member of the Montgomery Rotary Club since 1987 and served as president in 2011-2012. He also served as President of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC) in 2015 and was appointed “Life Governor” of AGC of America. In 2022, Commissioner Pate was inducted in the Alabama Construction Hall of Fame and in 2023 into the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame. He served as president of the Montgomery Auburn Alumni Club and is a lifetime member of the Auburn Alumni Association. He endowed a scholarship at Auburn University for Lowndes County Residents who attend the college.

Pate has been married to the former Julie Dismukes since 1989, and they have two grown sons, Richard and James.

During Commissioner Pate’s term as Agriculture Commissioner, he has brought Alabama numerous programs and funding, such as the Cares Act Money, Local Food Purchasing Agreement, A Healthy You Healthy Farm, Sweet Grown Alabama, Alabama Farm to School Program and more.

This week's speaker is Sheriff Jonathan Horton! At the Gadsden Country Club at 12pm! You don't want to miss this one!

We have had some amazing speakers at the Rotary Club of Gadsden! Leslie Bishop, Jay Freeman, Dr. Kevin Lee, and Sonja McGiboney just to name a few! Are you missing the chance to be a member of the Rotary Club! Reach out for more information today!

Learning about the Cardinal Arts Journal from Tabitha Bozeman today! Great information! Www.cardinalartsjournal.com Cardinal Arts Journal

Make plans to attend our Rotary Club of Gadsden meeting on October 24th, to hear from Gadsden/Etowah County Emergency Management Agency's Director Derek Mummert.

Derek Mummert - Director of Gadsden/Etowah County EMA - Gadsden Rotary Derek Mummert was officially confirmed as the new Director of the Gadsden-Etowah Emergency Management Agency in July of 2023. Mummert, who has been an Emergency Management Specialist in Gadsden for two years, brings more than 15 years of public service experience to the role. Derek Mummert has earne...

Get your tickets for Little Black Dress!

This Thursday!!

Dr. Max Michael former Dean of the School of Public Health at the University of Alabama at Birmingham will be the guest speaker at Gadsden Rotary Club Thursday September 21st.

Dr. Michael is recognized as a national leader in health policy and community health initiatives. He is known for his creativity, innovation, and foresight into all issues related to Public Health. His commonsense approach to solving complex problems sets him apart from others in the academic community. One of those commonsense approaches was the establishment of “The Edge of Chaos” a think tank designed to capture intellectual capacity coming out of the University and create innovative solutions to perplexing problems.

Michael spent eight years as chief executive officer and medical director of the Jefferson Health System/Cooper Green Hospital in Birmingham. He served on the executive committee of the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems and as president of the Birmingham Regional Council of the Alabama Hospital Association. Michael earned his bachelor’s degree with high honors in general biology from Vanderbilt University and his medical degree from Harvard Medical School. He then served residencies at UAB and the North Carolina Memorial Hospital, followed by two years as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Clinical Scholar with the Department of Medicine at the University of North Carolina. He was named director of ambulatory services at Cooper Green Hospital in 1977 and chairman of the Department of Medicine in 1983, a position he held until being named CEO in 1992. During his tenure as department chair, Michael spent a year on the staff of the Health Subcommittee of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means as a Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health Policy Fellow.

Michael is a fellow of the American College of Physicians; the Alabama chapter of that organization presented him with the Laureate Award for distinguished service in internal medicine. He holds membership in the American College of Physician Executives, the American Public Health Association, and the Jefferson County Medical Society. The list of his civic involvement is so long it would take forever to include in any introduction.

Michael’s scholarly articles on public health issues including caring for the homeless, the treatment of substance abuse, health care policy, and blight continue to garner national attention.

Our speaker today is Coach Steve Bieser, the new head baseball coach at JSU. Coach Bieser comes to JSU, after being head baseball coach at Univ. of Missouri. He also had a stint as a major league baseball player for 2 years.

https://gadsdenrotary.org/

Did you know that our Rotary Club of Gadsden has a website? Check it out!

Home - Gadsden Rotary Rotary Club of Gadsden We provide service to others, promote integrity,and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Upcoming Meeting View All District Governor Carol Argo Shades Valley’s Carol Argo who was inducted as...

Today is a big day for Rotary Club of Gadsden. Today, our President Jonathan Roland, who has done an amazing job this year, will be handing over the reins to Dr. Farrah Hayes! Thank you Jonathan Roland for your amazing work this year and please welcome Dr. Hayes!

Today's speaker is Dr. Derrick Griffey. Dr. Griffey is Director of Distance Education, Faculty Development, and Learning Resources at Gadsden State Community College. Derrick considers himself a driven and enthusiastic educator. He has spent the past 13 years in higher education and 4 years in K-12 prior to that. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Instructional Leadership with a concentration in Instructional Technology from The University of Alabama. In his current role of Director of the Teaching & Learning Center, he is primarily responsible for two critical areas within the college: LMS Administration and Faculty Development.

Today our speaker is Carl Brady! Hope to see you there!

Rotarians are continuing to visit schools all around Etowah County handing out awards to students! Congratulations to Willay Sayles of Oscar Adams and Blakely Deal of Donehoo Elementary for being chosen for your dedication to citizenship, leadership, dedication, and scholarship!

Congratulations to Kate DeGaetano of Mitchell Elementary School who received the Rotary Award for her outstanding achievement in Scholarship, Leadership, Citizenship, and Character!

We are excited to hear from District Governor Carol Argo today at Rotary Club of Gadsden!