 | Program Highlights from 10/17/2011 By: Steve Spry |
I wrote my first COGO (Coordinate Geometry) program in long-hand format, describing the connection between nodular points on straight lines, deltas, angles, point of curvatures and points of intersections while employed with a large civil engineering and architectural firm in 1982, then learned the Intergraph design software which I used while designing highways, and finally self-taught myself AutoCAD in 1990 with which I have designed airports, seaports, numerous subdivisions and other developments. But when I wrote my first COGO program I was 34; I learned Intergraph design when I was 37; and learned AutoCAD at the ripe old age of 42. The kids that are part of the Carver Magnet School STEM program (Science Technology Engineering and Math) learn Auto Cad 3D in the 7th Grade. Let’s see…..if my math is correct….they are 13 when they are taught this complicated design software. It’s enough to make one feel like a dinosaur!
Ms. Paula Dean, the science teacher at Carver Magnet School, says the future of American engineering and competition on the world economic scene is at stake. She said in the nation of India and other parts of Asia education of future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians is up 400% while the same statistics in America has remained stagnant over the past few years. She also said that in America only 14% of our engineers are female. She believes we need to open the doors of opportunity in the field of engineering to our young girls. She also believes that we must strive to improve the numbers of children who have an interest in engineering as a career. At the middle school level, she believes that bridging the gap with STEM, education and BEST (Boosting Engineering Science Technology) robotics is an answer.
Carver is one of only 6 schools in Alabama with this program. Beverly Middle School is the only other school south of Birmingham involved in this curriculum. These programs are part of the Gateway to Technology initiative which is part of the Project Lead the Way initiative based in New York City. The program includes several divisions of the engineering sciences which include ROBOTICS; ELECTRICAL; AEROSPACE; DESIGN & MODELING; and MECHANICAL. An element of the initiatives is something called the Robotics for Science Olympiad in which students at Carver headed by Paula Dean are involved. BEST requirements involve creating a company in six weeks that includes the creation, organization, design of a logo, market plan, business plan, and finally the design and construction of a robot. Two students involved in this endeavor accompanied Ms. Dean and also took part in, and contributed to, the presentation.
Alex Reynolds (an 8th grader) is the Carver BEST CEO and he explained the points available during open competitions held across the State. He said that most of the points available focus on the development of the company rather than the construction and success of the robot as it maneuvers its way through an obstacle-filled course. The robot must be able to pick up various shaped objects (this year coined as “bugs”) with a certain maximum weight to achieve its success on the course.
Savannah Vinson, also an 8th grader explained how she got involved in the project and became its Director of Marketing. They actually have to market their product to individuals and businesses as part of the program. Savannah said she was really excited about her opportunity to be involved and hopes to rejoin the group next year as well. Paula Dean explained that Carver is not an entitlement school and as such must raise all its capital to participate in any of these extra-curricular student activities. She said that the program is open to all students 6th through 9th grades and that interaction and exchange of ideas among the group has been a very successful one thus far.
 | Dothan Rotary Club Officers and Directors By: Hal Edwards |
Names of Elected Officers and Directors for the 2012-2013 Year
Visit DothanRotary.com for more info...
 | Upcoming Events |
10/24/2011 - Upcoming Event
Program:Mike Azar
Speaker:Dr. Timothy H. Gannon "Evaluation and Treatment of Snoring and Sleep Apnea"
Invocation:Bill Shealy
Introductions:Phillip Tidwell
Ambassadors:John Brown and Bill Castlen
Camp ASCCA Drawing:Andy Gosselin and Jed Downs
10/31/2011 - Upcoming Event
Program:Dr. Steve Stokes, "Panama Bridge and Water Project"
Invocation:Tim Shirley
Introductions:Terry Duffie
Ambassadors:Mike Conaway and Paul Lee
Camp ASCCA Drawing:Doug Hancock and Robin Trimm
11/07/2011 - Upcoming Event
Program:Buddy Pitman will have a spokesman from Wiregrass Rehabilitation
Invocation:Lester Stewart
Introductions:Jim Johnson
Ambassadors:James Etheredge and George Flowers
Camp ASCCA Drawing:Amy Vinson and Donna Valeska
11/14/2011 - Upcoming Event
NO NOON MEETING
WHITE ELEPHANT SALE IN THE EVENING
 | Joined Member Paul LeBeau... By: Paul LeBeau |
Joined: 10/17/2011
Proposed by: Rob Goldsmith
Classification: Attorney
Education: Connecticut College; George Washington Law School; Bachelors in History and Government, JD
Spouse: Julie Bartholomae
Place of worship: Temple Emanuel
 | GIRARD MIDDLE SCHOOL BEAUTIFICATION WORK DAY ON OCTOBER 29 By: Greg Gregory |
As I shared with you at our regular meeting this past Monday, Girard Middle School is having a Campus Beautification Work Day on Saturday morning, October 29 from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM. All GMS adopters and friends in the community are invited to help. Girard has been working with a landscape architect and our own Bobby Boone is helping furnish GMS with shrubs and flowers. On the 29th, we'll be taking out old plantings and preparing the grounds for new plantings the following Saturday. I'm hoping that you will join with me, bring your work gloves, yard tools, wheel barrows and a great Rotary attitude. Furthermore, I'm hoping that we'll have a great enough turnout that we'll be able to finish early, ahead of schedule, just like the work day we had for the Rotary Miracle Playground.
Girard would like an indication of how many will show up, so if you can help with the project, please indicate that you can participate by accepting this invitation.
Thank you for your support of your community! Please accept or decline by clicking the options below.
Greg
 | End Polio Now By: Mike Azar |
Visit DothanRotary.com for more info...
 | Camp ASCCA, Alabama By: Willis Smitherman |
Camp ASCCA is Alabama's Special Camp for Children and Adults. ASCCA is a nationally recognized leader in therapeutic recreation for children and adults with both physical and mental disabilities. Providing weekend and week long sessions, Camp ASCCA is open year-round.
Visit DothanRotary.com for more info...
 | The District 6880 Dispatch By: Bruce McNeal |
Visit DothanRotary.com for more info...
 | Anniversary List |
Oct-26...Bill Castlen
Oct-28...Jim Kelly
Oct-29...Phillip Tidwell
Oct-30...Craig Scarbrough
Nov-06...Jerry Adkinson
Nov-10...Butch Binford
Nov-16...Mike Conaway
Nov-17...Jansen Tidmore
Nov-20...Cecil Milner
 | Birthday List |
Oct-26...Jack Carpenter
Oct-29...Jim Matheny
Oct-30...Bo Thagard
Oct-31...Steve Stokes
Nov-03...Starla Matthews
Nov-04...Paul LeBeau
Nov-06...O. D. Warren
Nov-08...H. Paul Hufham
Nov-10...Ed Enloe
Nov-13...Hal Edwards
Nov-14...Ron Davenport
Nov-18...Roy Fabbrini
Nov-22...Tom Roney