Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Throughout the month of February, Kiwanis members collected and distributed Dr. Suess books for all of their members who volunteered to read to children throughout the Madison County School District on Tuesday, March 2, which was Dr. Suess' birthday.
The Kiwanis Club of Madison finished off a short schedule in January with Jo Willis, Florida Kiwanis Foundation Trustee for Division 3, presenting Bright Days Director Linda Jones with a check for $750 to further the organization's work with young children. The mini-grant will benefit Kids Incorporated of the Big Bend's Bright Days childcare facility and will be used toward updating the facility's natural playscape equipment for the children to enjoy. Natural playgrounds incorporate materials such as trees, grass, logs, stones, plant life and other natural materials. Natural playscapes can help stimulate children's imaginations, boost energy, build confidence and help keep children active and healthy.
On Thursday, Feb. 4, Healthy Start Coalition Chief Executive Officer Donna Hagan was the guest speaker for the club. She emphasized the need for community engagement and coalition building to keep Healthy Start operating effectively. Hagan stressed the need for maternal child heath services, especially since premature or underweight babies are four times more likely to experience developmental delay.
On Thursday, Feb. 11, the Kiwanians were treated to a presentation from several participants in the North Florida Livestock Show and Sale. Summer Williams, Hunt Williams and Chloe Page, all 4-H members, were on hand to describe all of the hard work that goes into raising and showing their livestock. Page raised her steer from birth and was pleased at how calm he was. “In the past two years, I've had some crazy heifers,” said Page, who also emphasized the expense of veterinary bills and food costs.
Hunt Williams was entering the show for his third year. Last year, Williams won a showmanship award. Hunt credits his ability to handle the pigs so well to the fact that he begins walking with them at a very early age. Williams prefers showing pigs because they have a higher profit margin than cattle. His pig this year was “Pudding,” who thoroughly enjoys pudding and a good belly rub.
Hunt's sister, Summer, was showing a pig for the first time. This eight-year old young lady is all business with her pig, “Oreo,” until it's time for pudding, marshmallows or a belly rub. “This pig acts like a dog and just rolls over,” said Summer.
All of the kids agreed that participating in the North Florida Livestock Show and Sale taught them valuable life skills about money and dealing with buyers, and they look forward to showing animals for years to come.
February concluded for the Kiwanians on Thursday, Feb. 25, with Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Director Marlene Squires-Swanson as their guest speaker. She is an energetic lady who is passionate about serving Madison County. “I like to stay busy getting things done,” said Squires-Swanson. She discussed the vital role that the Chamber of Commerce has in bringing the community together and providing fun activities and events for everyone to attend. Squires-Swanson referenced the recent “Taste of Madison” and the upcoming Down Home Days as prime examples of the Chamber's work. Down Home Days is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 24, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In the area of tourism, Squires-Swanson has been creating awareness of all the wonderful things Madison County has to offer. She mentioned that grants are available for use in attracting people to visit Madison County. The Tourism Development Council is also currently running advertisements and spotlights for the county on Fox49 in Tallahassee. The programs air every Thursday night at 10:30 p.m.