Friday, July 20, 2007 - State Rep. Phillip Pinion to Visit

Rep. Phillip Pinion Addresses Rotary on Legislature

      Today, State Rep. Phillip Pinion will report on the accomplishments of the first session of the 105th General Assembly.  Many of the bills approved focused on families and children, including a new mediation process for divorces when children are involved, a law that requires all school resource officers to be sworn police officers, and a law that prohibits parents and adults from leaving children under the age of 7 unattended in an automobile.  Tennessee is also setting the standard for the rest of the nation with its Universal Carding system which mandates that all persons purchasing alcohol—regardless of their age—to be “carded” first.
     Other laws passed by the Legislature prohibits the transportation of illegal aliens into the state, increases the cost of cigarettes by 42-cents a pack, mandates HIV testing for those convicted of promoting prostitution, and prohibits smoking in any state-owned or leased vehicle.
     Welcome home Rep.  Pinion!

Ron A. Smith to Discuss Social Security Concerns

    Next week, Rotarians will hear from Ron A. Smith, the new manager for the Union City Social Security Office.
     Ron was born in Memphis in 1969, the fifth of seven children to the late Gale Smith and Renia Smith.
     Ron graduated from Memphis Central High School in 1987.  He received his Bachelor of Science in Mat h from LeMoyne-Owen College in Memphis while graduating Magna Cum Laude.
     During his talk next week, Ron will discuss the Social Security program in general with an emphasis on Medicare
Part D and Prescription Drug plans.
     This year alone, it’s estimated that nearly 50 million Americans, including retired workers, dependents, disable workers and survivors, will receive over $602 billion in SS benefits.  Social Security is the major source of income for most of the elderly.  Nine out of ten individuals age 65 and older receive Social Security benefits.

Rotary Exchange Students Visit UC Rotary

     Last  week, Rotarians were treated to the exploits of Rotary International Exchange Student participants Hailey Fishel of Union City and Carolina Foghammer of Sweden.
     The two girls were recent visitors to Sweden (Hailey) and America (Carolina) as part of the Exchange Student program, which promotes the sharing of cultures and promotes understanding between nations.
     Last week’s program began with a sizzling roast of Rotarian Randy Barnes by Roastmaster Extraordinaire Art Sparks.  Needless to say, Art came “loaded for bear” to take on Coach Barnes.  Randy’s brother, David, of Connecticutt, was shipped in to “witness” the whole sordid event.  It took thirty minutes to roast Barnes, who was begging for mercy by the time Sparks was finished with him.
     Carolina Foghammer, a 16-year old Junior-to-be at her high school near Stockhold, talked about her recent visit to Memphis, including Beale Street, and to Sikeston’s famed Lambert’s Restaurant, “Home of the Throwed Rolls.”
     Before returning home to Sweden, Carolina will visit Washington, D.C.
     Hailey Fishel, daughter of Camille and Eric Fishel, showed us some photographs of Sweden, including the old homeplace where her ancestors lived and are buried.  She will be a senior this fall at UCHS.
     Both girls thanked Rotary for sponsoring the Student Exchange Program and voiced extreme gratitude for having been able to take part this year.  Thanks to Dr. Leland Davis for helping arrange the trips and last week’s program.  As the months roll by, continue to seek out local students who might be a good candidate for future Student Exchange trips.

Coming Attractions

8/3          Rachel Triplett—Rotary Exchange Student on Trip to Germany
8/10        Mike Rinker—Spanish Aeronautic Show
8/17        UTM Football Coach Jason Simpson
8/24        UCHS Football Coach Jimmy Fishel
8/31        Bill Lawrence—Pre History and Archeology of Reelfoot Lake
9/7          TBA
9/14        Congressman John Tanner
 9/21       Dr. Shirley Raines—President of the University of Memphis & Former
                 President of Memphis Chamber of Commerce

 Happy Birthdays

7/22      Bill Flood
7/25      Al Creswell
7/25      Matt Wohlfarth
7/26      Jim Rippy, Jr.

       Happy Anniversaries

7/20      Larry an d Gail Baker
7/24      Jerry and Norma Bailey
7/25      Al and Laura Oliver

Phillip Pinion Profile

• Born May 19, 1952
• Two Sons, Chip and Chad
• Wholesale Food Distributor
• Elder of Cumberland Presbyterian Church
• Attended Bethel College
• B.S. University of Tennessee at Martin
• Diploma from Memphis Theological Seminary
• Attended Nashville School of Law
• U.S. Navy
• Tennessee National Guard, Major
• House member of 96th—105th General Assemblies
• Chairman House Transportation Committee

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