Joey Lee, program director for the City of Bainbridge, was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting.

His job includes organization of athletic leagues and activities for the people of Bainbridge. Springtime sees much activity as teams begin to play baseball, softball and Tee ball. It also means getting the swimming pool in shape for the summer.

But, once the grass begins to grow, his department kicks into full gear as they mow, trim, and clear walking trails, parks and the boat basin area.

Lee said his biggest desire is to make the best life possible for the children of Bainbridge and Decatur County and encourage some adults along the way.

He wants people to take time to appreciate all that Bainbridge has to offer. Saying we live in a super busy world, Lee encourages all to take time for a walk by the river or through the woods, watch children play ball or throw a fishing line into the water.

To maker a philosophical point, Lee read a poem by Shel Silverstein called “The Giving Tree.” The theme being that as a youngster a child played under the tree, and slept in her shade, ate her apples, and both were happy. As time went on the child grew and simple needs became more complex, with the tree always giving of itself to help fulfill the needs. Finally, as the child became an old person the tree had given all and had nothing left but a stump to sit on. The old person again came to the tree saying, “I don’t need very much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.” The tree responded by saying, “Well, an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, sit down. Sit down and rest.”

Lee encourages all those who need a break from a busy or stressful life to visit one of the many recreational areas the City of Bainbridge has to offer.

At the conclusion of his speech, two questions were raised. One was when and how would the train be moved. Lee responded that officials from the railroad have met and measured and studied different ideas for moving, but he didn’t know when it would happen, or which method they would use.

The second was about the progress on the proposed River Walk. Lee responded he believed further progress depended on engineering studies and approval of a footbridge across the canal.