Committee Reports 

President Jessica Pedigo said she was pleased to see everyone actively involved in scheduling Munch meetings. She also announced that Josh Yates is a Paul Harris Fellow once again. Jessica reminded members they have until the end of February to make a donation of $50 or more. At present, 64% of the club has donated. If your financial situation does not permit a donation, a fund has been established so that a donation can be made in on your behalf. For more information, contact Jessica.
 
Service Committee Chair Jordan Chase thanked everyone who volunteered at PACK on Jan. 18 and at Emmaus House on Jan. 9 The February service project will involve collecting running shoes for Fleet Feet and their donation program, as well as race medals that will go towards children at Memorial who are completing their cancer treatments.
 
Program Committee Chair Daniel Weiner told members that Jackson Evans of Benedetto Guitars will be the Feb. 2 speaker and David Pratt of the Savannah Music Festival will present on Feb. 16. Daniel announced that he has moved to Arizona, but will continue involvement in the club remotely. 
 
 

Guests

Chelsea Sawyer was the guest of Sarah Smith.

Featured Speaker: Wayne Ashford

Wayne Ashford of Ashford Tea Company explained how he built up his café business in Indianapolis. About 13 years ago he and his wife started talking about moving and created a list of the qualities they wanted in a community. Eventually they visited Savannah, explored the city, and started coming back every year — sometimes twice a year. They moved to Savannah almost three years ago.
 
He said tea has always been a constant in his life, but when he discovered loose tea, it changed his world. For the last 20 years he’s been teaching people about tea. Wayne described his business as being about a lifestyle, and not just a retail venture. He explained the health benefits of teas and said his shop on Oglethorpe Avenue now stocks more than 60 varieties.
 
 

Membership Moment: Alfred McGuire

Alfred McGuire is principal at Woodville Tompkins High School. He offered some facts that people might not know about him: Alfred is really excited about this year’s Metro Mania theme as he attended WrestleMania when it came to Tampa.
 
He also loves running, but is not able to at this time because he is recovering from foot surgery. Alfred said his son often picks out a tie for him to wear each morning.