The Kiwanis Club of Swainsboro held its weekly meeting, Tuesday night, June 20, 2023, at the Rustic Grille at 7 p.m. With President Tammy Allen presiding, there were 18 in attendance including three guests: Jeff Palmer, Judge Bobby Reeves, and incoming Division 17 Lt. Governor Trish Tuttle of the Statesboro Kiwanis Club. The old fashion sour-cream pound cake, provided by Paul Cerpowicz and baked by Petite Garrett, was won by Dianna Wedincamp. The Domino’s pizza donated by Domino's Pizza, was won by Cassie McIntyre. The member spotlight for the evening was focused on Edwin Canady, who is the oldest Kiwanis member. Canady has been a Kiwanian for 52 years and was Secretary for over three decades and Club President in 1981. Canady was born and raised in Emanuel County. He has been married to his wife Carolyn for 56 years. They have a daughter Christy, who is the program chair for Middle Georgia State University in Cochran. Canady was a car salesman his entire life until his recent retirement. Currently, he spends his time enjoying his retirement by keeping his lawn in good shape and watching the Andy Griffith show. He doesn’t like candy but does enjoy Little Debbie cupcakes. Dess Smith hosted the program for the evening. He introduced Chief Judge Bobby Reeves for the Middle Georgia Judicial Circuit Superior Court. The Middle Judicial Circuit covers Candler, Emanuel, Jefferson, Toombs, and Washington Counties. Judge Reeves has been in his position since 2007 and notes some changes in policies and procedures. He noted stricter assignment in caseloads for the Judges as defendants look for more lenient Judges and better locations for trials. He has seen an increase in gang violence and feels it contributes to the increase in murders, burglaries, and thefts. Drug use is also on the rise, also contributing to the increase in burglaries and thefts. He has noted a shift in how sentences and probations are handled; making it easier for some crimes to go unpunished or unpunished at the appropriate level. It has also led to good changes in the assignment of treatment for drug problems. If you would like to become a member of the Kiwanis Club, please contact membership chair Jane Durden at 478-494-4113 or e-mail her at hsdurden@bellsouth.net. Also, if you would like more information about the Kiwanis Club and the many community service projects that they do each year, visit their website at: http://www.swainsborokiwanis.org or to their Swainsboro Kiwanis Facebook page.
