Norris speaks to Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Swainsboro held its weekly meeting Tuesday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at the Rustic Grill. President Cheryl Goodman presided at the gathering attended by 21 including five guests, Richard T. Smith II, Joelle Romanchik-Cerpovicz, James Norris, Tori Norris and Jamie Norris. The cake, donated by Travis Garrett, was won by Tim Goodman. The Domino’s pizza, donated by Domino’s, was won by Wanda Ellis, and President Cheryl and Deana Patrick won a jar of pepper jelly and a bottle of pepper dressing. Deana Patrick, Paul Cerpovicz, and Tammy Allen reported on the Dr. Seuss Celebration at the Franklin Memorial Library on February 26. Deana reported 62 children were present and Dr. Seuss stories were read to them by adults and members of the EGSC Book Club. Paul reported EGSC Circle K members and a member of the EGSC Bee Club made Oobleck (from Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss) with the children. Tammy reported the children received refreshments, including 1-fish cupcakes, 2-fish cupcakes, and popcorn. They also won prizes by playing Dr. Seuss Bingo. The program for the evening was hosted by Bobbi Daughtry. She introduced James Norris, a Georgia Master Forester and a Forest Resources Manager for Battle Lumber Company. Started in 1962 in Wadley, with eight employees, Battle currently has over 600 employees, with 143 from Emanuel County. James showed a video of the heavy logging and harvesting equipment they use for hardwood and pine harvesting. Included was an aerial view of the Battle operation. Producing mainly pallets, crossties, crane mats, and grade lumber, they now have a Grade Mill, a Timber Mill, a Pallet Shop, and a Dry Kiln on the 462-acre site in Wadley. They also have a sales office in China and export to 19 countries. Since their start with a sawmill, they now have four sawmills on site and have developed a Timber Harvesting Division, with 15 logging crews, and a fleet of 65 trucks in the Battle Logistics Division.

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