The Bull-A-Ton: October 12, 2026 — Nurses Care, Community Updates & Club News

The Bull-A-Ton | Monday, October 12, 2026 | Noon at Casa Grande, 392 E. Franklin Street, Hartwell, Georgia

This week: Ruth Daniel on Nurses Care

This week, Terry Stewart welcomes Ruth Daniel, who will tell us about a new program she has started. Ruth is deeply involved in community service and founded Nurses Care, a nonprofit organization focused on challenges in healthcare, especially the nursing shortage. Her initiative reflects years of nursing experience and a commitment to finding practical solutions.

Ruth was recognized by the Rotary Club of Hartwell with its Service Above Self Award for her work vaccinating and educating the community during the pandemic. She also participates in Leadership Hart, which develops leadership skills and strengthens understanding of our community. Ruth is the wife of Randy Daniel.

Last week: Local issues and community updates

Myron Ramsdell presented a program featuring Marshall Sayer, who discussed the proposed sales-tax initiative on the November ballot. County estimates project $23 million over six years. Combined with $5 million already available and state LMIG funds—which require a 30% local match—the county expects to improve roads, bridges, and sidewalks. The county currently grades its roads at 59%, with a goal of reaching 65%. A road-improvement list and proposed work order are available at the county office.

If approved, the proposal would raise the sales-tax rate from 7% to 8%, with all proceeds dedicated to roads, bridges, and sidewalks. The current millage rate for upcoming bills will be set at 3.89 mills.

Marshall also discussed kratom, a substance developed as an alternative to morphine that has raised serious concerns about its effects. Hart County has been leading regional efforts to address the issue. The county plans to notify alcohol-license holders that they may lose their licenses unless they agree to stop selling kratom.

He also responded to questions about lake levels and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, noting that local officials have limited ability to influence the Corps’ decisions.

Club notes

• Visit the club website: https://www.kiwanishartwell.com/

• Explore the Georgia Kiwanis website: https://www.georgiakiwanis.com/

• David McClymont announced a Hart County Humane Society event featuring Refried as the entertainment.

Thought for the week

“Life is short, be kind to your neighbor.”

Upcoming programs

• October 12 — Terry Stewart

• October 19 — Daryl Gumz: installation of new officers and Child Protection Training for members who work with children as Kiwanians

• October 26 — Jim Vandiver

• November 2 — Steve Burton

• November 9 — Bill Chafin

• November 16 — Rick Glasco

• November 23 — No meeting for Thanksgiving

• November 30 — Ben Clark presents LTC (ret.) Chris Carter, senior JROTC instructor at Hart County, with two cadets for a program update

• December 7 — Mac Glenn

• December 14 — No meeting; Christmas party

• December 21 — Scott Henry

• December 28 — No meeting for Christmas

Serving Hartwell and Hart County

Kiwanis works to improve the quality of life for children and families worldwide. This year, we are changing the world one community and one child at a time. The Hartwell club has served the community for more than 77 years.

Our community involvement includes the Imagination Library, Reach scholarships, YMCA youth programs, Hart County Key Club, STAR Student, Scout Troop, Hart County Special Olympics, Hart County Community Theatre, the Northeast Georgia Council on domestic violence, Hart County Food Pantry, Hart Partners Bookmobile, and Hartwell Art Center.

Fundraisers include Christmas pecan sales, the Fall Golf Tournament, a raffle, and Band Night with Refried. Service projects include a Low Country Boil for the Imagination Library, the Botanical Gardens playscape and amphitheater, reading to pre-K children at three schools, Habitat for Humanity, supporting the Botanical Garden with volunteer labor, collecting hearing aids for rebuilding, Monster Mash, and Depot Days.

Club leadership and committees

Officers and directors: President Seth Baughman; President-Elect Jerry Cleary; Vice President Chuck Williams; Secretary Steve Farrar; Treasurer Frank Dunn; Past President Woody Matthews; Lieutenant Governor Jennifer Simpson of Athens; and Governor Edward Searcy of Thomaston. International President: Hope Markes of Hanover, Jamaica.

Board members serving through September 2026: Myron Ramsdell, Stewart Smrekar, and Randy Daniel. Through September 2027: Laura Bramblett, David Seagraves, and Steve Carswell. Through September 2028: Woody Matthews, Fort Oglesby, and Myron Ramsdell.

Club committees support Blue Magoo, Boy Scouts, building projects, the bulletin and public relations, community service, the dance party, finance and fundraising, golf, hospitality and motivation, Imagination Library, interclub activities, Key Club, membership, pecan sales, and programs.