June 7, 2005 Program

Our speaker today was Dr. Mark Johnson who is the Director of the Department of Liver Transplant at Piedmont Hospital. During Dr. Johnson's visual presentation about liver transplantation, the following points were noted:

  1. The transplantation of the liver organ among human beings represents a major medical breakthrough.
  2. Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta and Emory University Hospital in Decatur are the only two facilities in Georgia engaged at this time in liver transplant. The first liver transplant at Piedmont was performed by Dr. Johnson on April 5, 2005.
  3. The liver is very soft, about the size of a football, takes about 4 to 6 hours for transplantation, and if accepted by the recipient, heals in about six months.
  4. A major cause for liver failure is due to hepatitis, and a major protection for a healthy liver is baby aspirin.
  5. About 60,000 persons in the United States, 200 of which are Georgians, are waiting on a liver transplant.
  6. We are encouraged to become an organ/liver donor.

Visitor

We were delighted to have visiting with us today six Downtown Interclubbers, namely: Heidy Brusitus, Laura McCartey, Jack McFarland, Bob Wiggins, Claude Grizzard, and Phil Smith.

Future Speaker

June 14th   To Be Announced At Meeting
June 21st   June 21st Chris Adams - Director of the Georgia Defense Program
June 28th   June 28th Jeff Swanagan - Director of the Georgia Aquarium

Recognition

President Ray opened the meeting for business, had Bill do a Third Reading of a Proposed Amendment to allow for official meetings to be held via telephone, and took a vote that received approval by 40 to 1, and closed the business session of the meeting. President Ray recognized Ronni who gave an update on the program to honor Ed Negri at the Baser Theater at Herren's on June 11. Sherry reminded us of extending invitations to at least two prospective members.

Recognition was given also to Dusty who presented John (President of SAP) with the sad news that the armadillo, like the possum, is increasingly becoming an extinct species on Georgia highways.

Pin Violation

Even during his absence, Our Compassionate Mel receives obedience and respect from the membership.

Kiwanis Education

To receive credit for attendance at a meeting, the member must be present for at least 60 percent of the time scheduled for such meeting..

President Ray's Quote

"He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skills. Our antagonist is our helper."
-- Edmund Burke (1729-1797)

Announcements

  1. Ed Negri will be honred at Herren's Theatre on Thursday, June 9. The cost is $21. See Ronni for further information.
  2. Our Annual Summer Picnic will take place on June 25 at Lake Hartwell with Mr. & Mrs. Tim Kercheval.
  3. The 90th Annual Kiwanis International Convention will be held in Honolulu, Hawaii during July 2-6, 2005.
  4. The Georgia District Convention is scheduled for Athens during August 5-7, 2005.
  5. Dusty and George say now is the time to join the Annual Kiwanis Travel to China and enjoy Beijing, the Great Wall/Ming Tombs, the Yangtze River Cruise, Shanghai, and Suzhou during October 17-30, 2005.


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