Plans In the Works For a 20th Anniversary Celebration

This year marks the Harlan Rotary Clubs 20th year of service to Harlan and with that in mind club members are planning a celebration and intend to invite past club members, officers, past governors, and district governors, etc for an anniversary celebration on April 5th at the Harlan Country Club (the site of the first Rotary Club meeting in the county) with social hour starting at 4:00pm and dinner served at 6:00.  There will be a Rotarian Golf Scramble on Friday April 4th for any golfers who are interested in playing one of the most unique courses in the state of Kentucky. Anyone interested should contact  bcombs@datafutures.com

Camp Blanton Trust Presents to Club

Camp Blanton trust presented to the club about the growing problem of the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid—This Asian parasite is attacking the hemlock trees in the Camp Blanton Boy Scout camp. The ten acre camp is connected to the Blanton Forest. With miles of Hiking trails it is an excellent place to explore the natural beauty of Harlan County. However, the Woolly Adelgid is causing problems for the massive hemlock trees and could cause their extinction, thus damaging a valuable ecosystem, in much the same way as the chestnut extinction of years past. The group told us that the cost to inoculate one tree against the parasite was approximately $13 and that their were hundreds of trees within the Trust boundaries. They were asking that if any of us would like to volunteer time, funds, or whatever we could do it would be greatly appreciated. Members requested that the board of directors discuss what might be possible that the club could do to help and report back.

Pride/Solid Waste Coordinator Presents to Club

At our regular scheduled weekly meeting Pride/solid waste Coordinator Lakis Mavinidis presented to the club in response to the position paper on liter. Mr. Mavinidis has been involved with liter control since the 70’s when they were collecting 1 bag of garbage per mile of road for every 1000 residents in the county per month. Today that number has been reduced to about 1/2 bag per mile of road per 1000 residents per month. However, he stated that he was glad to see the support of the club and chamber and proposed a meeting to discuss ideas to improve liter control in the county.

Final Show of Bluegrass Series Concludes in the Snow

While this years Bluegrass Series nearly came to a screeching halt as snow decended on the mountains when Bawn in the Mash could not make it due to the inclement weather. Local groups determined to see the concert go on stepped up to the plate and brought a great show to the stage. The newly formed groups—Kudzu Killers and Mountain Drive made their Harlan County debut and everyone was enthused to see them perform. Over 100 people braved the snow and bad weather to come out to the last show in the series.

President Presents Paper to Fiscal Court

President Will Clem presented a position paper to the Harlan County Fiscal court on the topic of liter within Harlan County. The emphasis on the paper was to increase efforts to control and eradicate liter in our community and to help reinforce community pride. The position paper drafted by the club was also endorsed by the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce.

Festival Goes as Planned

This years Goin Back to Harlan Bluegrass Festival was a success.  While attendance was down from last years festival, there was still a great time to be had by all.  Members of the Bluegrass Committee would like to thank all those members who had a hand in making this year’s festival a success. You can check out the festival at the festival website at www.harlanbgfestival.com

Rotary Launches a Series of Liter Conversations

The past few weeks have brought many visitors to the club meetings to discuss litter in Harlan County. Speakers included representatives from the Harlan County Sheriffs office, Judge Grieshop’s office, Mayor Howard, and others.  The focus for these meetings was to work on a position paper on the part of Rotary.  President Will Clem also appeared before the Harlan Chamber of Commerce to discuss the topic with the Chamber and get their input.  With the input of all Rotary Members and community members the Harlan Rotary Club hopes to aide the community in ending the litter problem in the county.

Rotary Spring Bash

The Harlan Rotary Club Celebrated another fine year with a party on January 19th at the Harlan Center.  Members and prospective members really had a great time.  The food and DJ were excellent.  This was a great opportunity for Rotary Members and their spouses to come together and do something fun.  With the stresses of the modern world it is important that we take the time to remember that we are in Rotary to be friends as much as community and service leaders. We would like to extend our thanks to Mr. Ray Cawood who saw to the arrangements of the event.  Everyone felt it would be nice if we could do something like this a little more often.

Final 2007 Bluegrass Series Show Concludes with Lonesome Meadow and Continental Divide

The final rendition of this years Rotary Bluegrass Series went well with Continental Divide and Lonesome Meadow putting on quite a show. Lonesome Meadow opened the event. This talented group of youngsters put on quite a show followed by one of the premier groups in bluegrass music today Continental Divide.  Their tight harmony and aggressive picking style was a big hit with the crowd.  You can check out pictures of the event by clicking here. Also be sure to check out this years bluegrass festival June 21st-23rd by clicking here.

Harlan Rotary Club Begins New Service Project:  Blue Courts Park Restoration

If you have been to the Blue Courts Park lately you have seen the beginnings of a restoration project.  New posts for a gate are installed and other activities are planned.  Plans for the project include – Setting a new iron gate so the park can be closed during the late nights – Installing a drainage system so the walking track will not erode any more- Resurfacing the basketball and tennis courts - New mulch for the play area and just some general upkeep and maintenacne issues that need to be addressed.  This will all be made possible by funding from the club and the Fiscal Court and work of members.  Work days were planned in August, September and October. Together we can make each others lives just a little bit better if we remember – SERVICE ABOVE SELF.

Harlan Rotary Club Inducts New Officers at Gavel Passing Ceremony Saturday August 19, 2006

The Harlan Rotary Club inducted new President Crain Saunders at a gavel passing ceremony at the home of Troy and Cindy Gaw in Rosspoint. Exiting President Paul Meister thanked the members for a good year and was looking forward to working with Crain this year.  Also, the new Board of Directors were also inducted and they included Jeremy Clem, Jeff Brock, Tom Goss, Joel Eldridge, Rick Brock, Chuck Bianchi, and Will Clem.  The Club would like to extend our thanks to Trow and Cindy for the use of their beautiful home and their hospitality.