July 17, 2007 Program

Faster than a speeding bullet, able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, it’s a bird, it’s a plane; No it’s NOT Super man, but Decatur’s “Techno Babe”, our guest speaker this morning.

Mrs. Andrea Arnold, the Assistant City Manager of Decatur, Georgia is spearheading the efforts of the City of Decatur to deploy a citywide WiFi network.

Recently securing permission to mount 18 wireless network receivers on the rooftop of the Decatur County Courthouse and attaching transmitters to countless power poles and traffic lights, Decatur residents will soon be able to access the web.

With their laptop computers and other mobile devices-“Blackberries and mobile phones- Decatur residents while on the go in the city, sipping coffee at an outside café, at a job site, or working in their offices can check their e-mails or surf the Web.

Thanks to Mrs. Arnold and Decatur City Government, who sponsored focus groups, surveys, and other meetings with local businesses, Decatur City residents got what they wanted and needed…wireless communications.  This technology has benefited Agnes Scott University, countless businesses, local government agencies, contractors, county libraries, and the local school system.

Governor Purdue and the State Technology Authority selected Decatur and only five other communities out of seventeen applicant cities to fund  WIFI services. The authority issued Decatur a $620,000 grant for their efforts.

A ‘tip of the hat’ to Decatur’s “Techno Babe”, Mrs. Arnold, for having the foresight and determination to work for what its residents wanted… wireless technology for the future.

President Wortman's Quote for The Day

“The wireless telegraph is not difficult to understand.  The ordinary telegraph is a very long cat.  You pull the tail in New York, and the meows in Los Angeles.  The wireless is the same, only without the cat.”
-- Albert Einstein 1879-1955

Announcements

1. Kiwanis International Convention, San Antonio, Texas
   At the recent international convention held in San Antonio, Club Delegate George Scheer mentioned the atmosphere was on the “casual side” with a Jay Leno impersonator on stage to set the tone of the convention. Many items were discussed on the agenda including trustee elections, International vice presidental elections, and an amendment to make service clubs regional by nature for more local control.
2. Interclub Meetings:
   Bob Bodimer mentioned we have an interclub date August 1st, Wednesday, with the Buckhead Breakfast Club.  All members are requested to attend if you can. Metro Atlanta Club Interclub guests this morning included: Mr. Ronald Reed, Mr. John Holly, Mr. Michael Gaines, and Mr. Victor Tate.
3. Lake House Summer Outing:
   Tim Kercheval and his wife Jan, this past Saturday, hosted the Club’s annual outing.  Everyone had a wonderful time.  Special thanks to Donnie and Lantz, who brought their five year old grand daughter, who was the ‘life’ of the party.
4. Rising Leaders:
   Project Chair Kendall Carter and his wife Eunice are the proud parents of a bouncing baby girl.  Sign up for “the baby diaper brigade” and baby sitting roster anytime you want!
5. Angie Levin Update:
   Club President Antje Wortman mentioned club member Angie has recovered from her heart attack and is doing well. She is currently doing heart “rehab” and has resumed her daily work schedule.
6. Police Officer of the Month Project:
   Antje made the announcement new Club member Mr. Saeed Raees will be the new chair person for the Police Officer of the Month project.  Congratulations, Saeed.  Never under estimate a woman’s ‘power of persuasion’, especially a Kiwanis Club President!

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