October 17, 2008 - Rotarians Build with Habitat In October, several members of the Meridian Rotary Club worked on a Habitat House at 105 30th Avenue. Skills may have been questionable, but a lot of good work was done to help a deserving citizen be able to move into a good home. Crystal Dupre' recruited several members to participate: Jim Briggs, Christy Buckalew, Paul Bucurel, John Burton, Scott Carmichael, Douglas Coleman, Wanda Colvin, Jennifer Dial, Crystal Dupre', Noel Evans, Wink Glover & spouse Lanelle Glover, Clay Holladay, Rick Justice, Arjen Lagendijk, Joe Mercado & spouse Sylvia Mercado, Bill Patterson, Fred Porter, Thad Quarles, Mike Reed, Chad Vaughn, Kenny Watts, Mark Whiddon, David White, Gary Wilkinson, and Ann Williams. December 02, 2008 - Auction at Northwood Members and guests of the Meridian Rotary Club had a great time enjoying a silent and live auction at Northwood Country Club. Dozens of great items were auctioned off, raising approximately $15,000 to support the club's charitable donations. Auction Committee Chair Wanda Colvin worked hard soliciting items to be donated, and did a fabulous job pulling off a great event. Christy Buckalew and Becky Farley tracked the bidding and payments. Special kudos to "Auctioneers Extraordinare" Roger Burke and Fred Porter--who knew they had talent?! February 11, 2009 - "Reading Between the Lions" From February 11 through April 29, 2009 the Meridian Rotary Club sponsored a weekly reading program at A Small World DayCare with Lead Teacher Susan Goins. One member each week went to the daycare and read a book to a class of 14 students, ranging in age from 3 to 4. Both students and readers had a positive and marvelous experience! Crystal Dupre' served as Chair of this project. Members who participated include John Burton, Christy Buckalew, Andrew Covington, Crystal Dupre', Noel Evans, Becky Farley, Charlie Gibson, Danyell Gibson, Michael Goggans, Arjen Lagendijk, Tom Maynor, and Cynthia Touchton. February 17, 2009 - 104th Birthday Mayor John Robert Smith April 17, 2009 - District 6820 Conference On April 17-18, Meridian co-hosted with Waynesboro the District 6820 Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn. District Governor Joel Clements presided, with Meridian club member Tom Tabereaux serving as Conference Chair. Meridian club members particpating included: Paul Bucurel, Wanda Colvin, Sidney Covington, Crystal Dupre', Barbaree Heaster, Arjen Lagendijk, Tom Maynor, Joe Mercado, Fred Porter, Mel Scarborough, Tom Tabereaux, and Buster Thomas. May 15, 2009 - Rotarians Build Habitat Home Meridian Rotary Club Members painted, caulked, shingled, etc. on May 15, 2009. Chair Crystal Dupre chaired a team of many Rotarians to help with this great community project. June 17, 2009 - Donations to Charities Boy Scouts, Salvation Army, and United Way were the local recipients of donations from the Meridian Rotary Club. Ken Kercheval of the Scouts is pictured with Rotary Club President Joe Mercado; Don Wildish of Salvation Army with Mercado; and Leon Harris and Thad Quarles of United Way with Mercado. June 17, 2009 - Otto Coleman Award (from L to R: Tom Maynor, Gene Damon, and Joe Covington) These three Rotarians were selected as recipients of the Otto Coleman Award. The criteria included Service to Rotary, Attendance, and Longevity. Tom Maynor is a Past President with over 36 years of Rotary, Joe Covington is "Song Leader Emeritus" with over 53 years in Rotary, and Gene Damon is a Past President with over 54 years in Rotary. July 01, 2009 - Rotary Committees for 2009-10 Club Administration - Tom Tabereaux Membership - Crystal Dupre Public Relations - Becky Farley Rotary Foundation - Thad Quarles Service Projects - Wanda Colvin/Becky Butler/John Burton October 21, 2009 - Exchange of Rotary Club Banners Bob Eatman of Loveland, CO exchanged Club Banners with Meridian President Arjen Lagendijk. October 27, 2009 - Between the Lions Tom Tabereaux was enthusiastic about the experience... but two out of three weren't buying it! December 18, 2009 - Bell Ringing for Salvation Army Several of our club members braved the elements and "manned the kettles" by ringing the bell for the Salvation Army kettles at Bonita Lakes Mall. May 14, 2010 - Habitat House Rotarians helped with building a new home through Habitat for Humanity.