Newsletter

Last Chance to Give!
Coat and Blanket Drive

Don't forget: Rotary is collecting new and gently used coats and blankets to support the Thomas County Food Bank’s Coat Closet.

Please bring coats, blankets, or cash donations to tomorrow's meeting, drop your donations off at Brigit Smallridge’s office or send money to Brigit via Venmo @Brigit-Smallridge. Cash donations will help the organization buy coats and blankets at discounted prices. Even a $5 or $10 donation can buy a coat or blanket.

Rotary has supported the Coat Closet almost since the launch of the Thomas County Food Bank 20-plus years ago. The Coat Closet is open from mid-October through early December during regular food bank hours. Volunteers schedule Food Bank clients to “shop” for coats for their families. Children are offered coats annually and adults can get them every two years. Blankets are distributed as needed. All clients meet income and circumstance qualifications for food assistance.

Typically, the coat closet provides more than 1,000 coats and several hundred blankets every year.

Thursday, Oct. 2
Michael Bearden: Lifelong Mobility

Michael Bearden, a coach and yoga instructor at Townie, will be out guest speaker tomorrow. He'll talk to us about his passion for mobility and strength. Wear comfortable clothes: He just might get us up out of our chairs for some stretching and movement.

Michael was born and raised in Cairo and graduated from Cairo High School. After high school he attended North Georgia College, where he graduated with a B.S. in criminal justice. Michael then attended the University of Georgia School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctor. He practiced as an assistant district attorney in Winder, Ga., for a year before moving to Tampa and becoming a police officer with the Tampa Police Department. He served multiple roles in the department before retiring after 20 years of service as a sergeant. After he retired, Michael returned to Cairo to be closer to his parents.

Michael’s passion for fitness and health began in college. Attending a military college instilled in Michael the importance of strength and health. The passion continued and was strengthened when Michael joined the TPD SWAT team and was introduced to CrossFit as a training methodology. Michael earned his CrossFit Level 1 trainer certification and started CrossFit Plant City. Michael has earned multiple certifications and has received training in mobility, kettlebells, rowing, and other fitness modalities. He most recently earned his 200 hour yoga teaching certification. He is a lifelong learner and enjoys discovering and trying new methods and modalities to improve health and longevity.

Upcoming Events
Mark Your Calendar: October

Plan your calendar for October with this calendar at a glance: 

• Our annual coats and blankets drive ends this week. Get your donation to Brigit Smallwood today!
• Thursday, Oct. 2: Yoga, Health and Fitness with Michael Bearden
• Thursday, Oct. 2: Wine or Whine at the Chamber, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 9: Carol Jones will give a presentation about polio and Rotary's efforts to eradicate the disease in advance of World Polio Day on Oct. 24. 
• Monday, Oct. 13: Board meeting, at the Chamber, 5:15 p.m.
• Wednesday, Oct. 15: Coffee Chat, Grassroots Coffee, 7:30 a.m. to 8:15 a.m. Join fellow Rotarians for coffee at Grassroots Coffee. No agenda, no program. Grab a cup to go or sit down and get to know fellow Rotarians better. 
• Thursday, Oct. 16: Sort & Pack at Second Harvest Food Bank, 11:30 a.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 18: Fresh Produce Distribution at Weston Park. Set up begins at 7:30; distribution begins as soon as set-up is completed.
• Thursday, Oct. 23: GRSP Student Helena Komrzyova will speak at the kickoff for this year's GRSP annual giving campaign.
• Thursday, Oct. 23: GRSP Reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Debbie Goodman's home, 116 N. Dawson St., Thomasville. Please RSVP online or sign up with Angela Williamson. Please include any guests you plan to bring when you register. 
• Friday, Oct. 24: World Polio Day
• Thursday, Oct. 30: District Governor Steve Ivory will visit. Details to come. 

The calendar is subject to changes. Find the most updated Rotary calendar anytime:

• Add any individual calendar item from the Rotary calendar to your personal calendar.
• Subscribe to the Rotary calendar for automatic updates.