Scott speaks to Kiwanis

The Kiwanis Club of Swainsboro held its weekly meeting Tuesday night, December 19, 2023, at the Rustic Grille at 7 p.m. With President Cheryl Goodman presiding, there were 31 in attendance, including guests Damien Scott, Greg Bennett, Austin Henry, Brenda Henry, Johnny Ray Stafford, Julian Sconyers, Calder Ward, Erin Ward, Melonie Ward, Betty Clapham, Holly Hattaway, Zane Scarboro and Cliff Mason.

The cake, donated by David Gribbin, was won by Brenda Barber. The Domino’s pizza, donated by Domino’s Pizza was won by Austin Henry and Gary Couse and Tim Goodman won the Christmas bucket assortments. Mayor Greg Bennett drew the winning ticket for the Weathersby over/under 12 ga. shotgun. The winner was Jim Clapham. Petite Judge Mary Ellen Smith, representing Judge Jim Daughtry in his absence, was in the Christmas spirit and suspended court for the evening. The program for the evening was hosted by Dess Smith. Dess turned the podium over to Damien Scott, CEO of Emanuel Medical Center (EMC). Damien Scott gave an update on what is happening at EMC. He has been the CEO at EMC for over 10 years, coming to this area of the country from New Mexico. He explained that EMC had broken away from ERH and has gone out on their own to provide medical services. He informed the group that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has designated EMC as a 5-Star Hospital. EMS has 450 employees and a total of $24 M in salaries. He gave updates on the ER, the ability to do infusions locally, and updates in screening of mammograms and colonoscopies. He also told everyone we continue to benefit from the Georgia Heart funding program.

President Cheryl announced the club helped Santa give away 32 bikes at the Swainsboro Pre-K on December 12. She thanked Dianna Wedincamp and all those who helped. Windy Ward reported that they had fed over 50 children, along with their parents/family members at the “Lunch with Santa” on December 9 at the Franklin Memorial Library.