1000th Ramp Constructed for Cub Pack 377 at Comer Fair Grounds
Monday, October 20, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
The Rotary Club of Madison County constructed the 1000th handicap ramp on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The first Handicap Ramp was constructed on October 21, 1995. That was 30 years ago, and this Rotary Club averaged over 33 ramps annually during that 30-year period. It is estimated that the total value of that Handicap Ramp Program effort for the past 30 years has been over $1,000,000 in community service. The Rotary Club does not charge for materials or labor for these ramps. Our goal is to help our neighbors get in and out of their homes safely and we specialize in handicap ramp construction. We thank those that were there and helped with the ramp construction and the BBQ lunch after with Scouts USA Pack 377. We especially thank the Comer Lions Club for allowing us to have this event at the Comer Fair Grounds where the Pack 377 Scout Hut is located. Those Rotarians and volunteers that helped with the construction of the ramp and the picnic were Neil Azevedo, Virginia Beavers, Jerry Bonds, Gerry Carroll, Don Sullinger, Mitchell Hill, Pat Quinn, Wesley Chandler, Johnny Minish, Alan Phillips, Derek Doster, Bruce Gandy, Senator Frank Ginn, Bobby Gower, Dan Weiss, Phil Piche, Roy Nunnally, Ed Brown, Victor Johnson, Zach Mitcham, Harry Rice, Danny Dills, Floyd Phillips, Greg Schillo, Nancy Schillo, Adam Speir, Guy Spencer, John Taylor, Calvin Ward, Mark Wiggins, Laurie Williams, Mike Williams and not pictured is Artry Bishop, Sally vander Straeten, Ben Morris and Katie Morris.
Monday, October 20, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
The Rotary Club of Madison County constructed the 1000th handicap ramp on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The first Handicap Ramp was constructed on October 21, 1995. That was 30 years ago, and this Rotary Club averaged over 33 ramps annually during that 30-year period. It is estimated that the total value of that Handicap Ramp Program effort for the past 30 years has been over $1,000,000 in community service. The Rotary Club does not charge for materials or labor for these ramps. Our goal is to help our neighbors get in and out of their homes safely and we specialize in handicap ramp construction. We thank those that were there and helped with the ramp construction and the BBQ lunch after with Scouts USA Pack 377. We especially thank the Comer Lions Club for allowing us to have this event at the Comer Fair Grounds where the Pack 377 Scout Hut is located. Those Rotarians and volunteers that helped with the construction of the ramp and the picnic were Neil Azevedo, Virginia Beavers, Jerry Bonds, Gerry Carroll, Don Sullinger, Mitchell Hill, Pat Quinn, Wesley Chandler, Johnny Minish, Alan Phillips, Derek Doster, Bruce Gandy, Senator Frank Ginn, Bobby Gower, Dan Weiss, Phil Piche, Roy Nunnally, Ed Brown, Victor Johnson, Zach Mitcham, Harry Rice, Danny Dills, Floyd Phillips, Greg Schillo, Nancy Schillo, Adam Speir, Guy Spencer, John Taylor, Calvin Ward, Mark Wiggins, Laurie Williams, Mike Williams and not pictured is Artry Bishop, Sally vander Straeten, Ben Morris and Katie Morris.
Ramp Constructed for Camp Rainey Mountain Boy Scout Camp
Monday, October 13, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
Ramp 999 was constructed at Camp Rainey Mountain in Clayton, Rabun County, Georgia on September 30, 2025. The ramp was constructed at a cabin that is used by visitors and Summer Camp Staff during their Summer Camp. The crew that constructed the ramp was made up of Ranger Alex Foster and Madison County Rotary Ramp Co-Chair Ed Brown. They started the ramp at 10AM and finished at 3:00PM. The day of construction was overcast and misting rain to keep them cool during the construction period. These ramps at Camp Rainey Mountain give access to the cabin accommodations for disabled Scouters, Scouts, Staff and Advisors.
Monday, October 13, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
Ramp 999 was constructed at Camp Rainey Mountain in Clayton, Rabun County, Georgia on September 30, 2025. The ramp was constructed at a cabin that is used by visitors and Summer Camp Staff during their Summer Camp. The crew that constructed the ramp was made up of Ranger Alex Foster and Madison County Rotary Ramp Co-Chair Ed Brown. They started the ramp at 10AM and finished at 3:00PM. The day of construction was overcast and misting rain to keep them cool during the construction period. These ramps at Camp Rainey Mountain give access to the cabin accommodations for disabled Scouters, Scouts, Staff and Advisors.
Aluminum Ramp Installed for the Fortson Family
Monday, October 13, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
Ms. Rita Fortson sustained injury to her pelvis and leg and had surgery to restore her mobility. The Rotary Club of Madison County Ramp crew installed Ramp 998, an Aluminum access ramp, for her to be able to come home and get in and out of her home safely. Ms. Fortson is a lifelong resident of Madison County, and her family has done so much to support Madison County in many ways. The ramp was installed on September 20, 2025, and the following were the ramp workers that participated in the installation, Alan Phillips, Walton Hill, Mitchell Hill, Danny Dills, Don Sullinger, Ed Brown, Ben Morris and Johnny Minish.
Monday, October 13, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
Ms. Rita Fortson sustained injury to her pelvis and leg and had surgery to restore her mobility. The Rotary Club of Madison County Ramp crew installed Ramp 998, an Aluminum access ramp, for her to be able to come home and get in and out of her home safely. Ms. Fortson is a lifelong resident of Madison County, and her family has done so much to support Madison County in many ways. The ramp was installed on September 20, 2025, and the following were the ramp workers that participated in the installation, Alan Phillips, Walton Hill, Mitchell Hill, Danny Dills, Don Sullinger, Ed Brown, Ben Morris and Johnny Minish.
Rotary Constructs Ramp for Brad Smith
Sunday, October 12, 2025
By Bruce Gandy
The Ramp Crew of the Madison County Rotary Club constructed the 997th handicap ramp, a 15-foot access ramp, for Brad Smith on Madison Street in Comer on Thursday, 9 October 2025. Brad and his wife, Jennifer Drago, are long-time residents of Madison County and are active in their community. They have reared their three children here, Nicolas, Rebecca, and Emily. Originally, they were drawn to Comer by the Christian service community, Jubilee Partners, where Brad taught English to Christian immigrants fleeing persecution and violence. Now they are part of the greater Comer community and remain active in their faith and their service to others. Unfortunately, Brad recently suffered from recurrent paralyzing strokes. But fortunately, Jennifer and he recognized the onset of a stroke, and they credit Madison County EMS and St. Mary’s Hospital’s “Stroke Unit” for early intervention and his strong recovery. The ramp crew hopes for an accelerated recovery and thanks Brad and Jennifer for joining in the accompanying photograph and for their donation to the Rotary Club. The crew this week consisted of Johnny Minish, Don Sullinger, Ed Brown, Roy Nunnally, Danny Dills, Dan Weiss, Artry Bishop and Bruce Gandy.
Sunday, October 12, 2025
By Bruce Gandy
The Ramp Crew of the Madison County Rotary Club constructed the 997th handicap ramp, a 15-foot access ramp, for Brad Smith on Madison Street in Comer on Thursday, 9 October 2025. Brad and his wife, Jennifer Drago, are long-time residents of Madison County and are active in their community. They have reared their three children here, Nicolas, Rebecca, and Emily. Originally, they were drawn to Comer by the Christian service community, Jubilee Partners, where Brad taught English to Christian immigrants fleeing persecution and violence. Now they are part of the greater Comer community and remain active in their faith and their service to others. Unfortunately, Brad recently suffered from recurrent paralyzing strokes. But fortunately, Jennifer and he recognized the onset of a stroke, and they credit Madison County EMS and St. Mary’s Hospital’s “Stroke Unit” for early intervention and his strong recovery. The ramp crew hopes for an accelerated recovery and thanks Brad and Jennifer for joining in the accompanying photograph and for their donation to the Rotary Club. The crew this week consisted of Johnny Minish, Don Sullinger, Ed Brown, Roy Nunnally, Danny Dills, Dan Weiss, Artry Bishop and Bruce Gandy.
Rotary Constructs Ramp 996 for Pace Family
Thursday, October 2, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
The Rotary Club of Madison County Ramp Crew constructed a 4X5 landing and a 24 ft Ramp for Perry and Christina Pace on Thursday, 2 October 2025 on Rock Street, Danielsville. Christina and Perry have resided in Madison County for over 4 years. Perry has worked during his career as a Forklift Operator, Satellite Disk Business and an Electrician. Christina has worked as a Customer Service Representative and Office Manager. Perry is recovering from a stroke and must have dialysis often because of a liver issue. Although they do not have any children, they indicated that they have 24 nieces and nephews in their extended family. The ramp will give them improved access to their home after those routine dialysis sessions. Perry and Christina joined the Rotarians and volunteers in the photo. The Ramp Crew consisted of Dan Weiss, Roy Nunnally, Walton Hill, Alan Phillips, Don Sullinger, Artry Bishop, Ed Brown and not pictured, Gerry Carroll and Bobby Gower.
Thursday, October 2, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
The Rotary Club of Madison County Ramp Crew constructed a 4X5 landing and a 24 ft Ramp for Perry and Christina Pace on Thursday, 2 October 2025 on Rock Street, Danielsville. Christina and Perry have resided in Madison County for over 4 years. Perry has worked during his career as a Forklift Operator, Satellite Disk Business and an Electrician. Christina has worked as a Customer Service Representative and Office Manager. Perry is recovering from a stroke and must have dialysis often because of a liver issue. Although they do not have any children, they indicated that they have 24 nieces and nephews in their extended family. The ramp will give them improved access to their home after those routine dialysis sessions. Perry and Christina joined the Rotarians and volunteers in the photo. The Ramp Crew consisted of Dan Weiss, Roy Nunnally, Walton Hill, Alan Phillips, Don Sullinger, Artry Bishop, Ed Brown and not pictured, Gerry Carroll and Bobby Gower.
Rotary Constructs Ramp for the Hughes Family
Thursday, September 18, 2025
By Bruce Gandy
Members of the Rotary Club of Madison County and volunteers constructed their 995th handicap ramp, a 16-foot access ramp from a porch, down to a 4-foot by 10-foot-landing and followed by a 24-foot ramp down to the ground on Thursday, 18 September 2025, for Patsy Hughes, who lives on Collier Church Road in Oglethorpe County. According to Rotary leaders, Patsy is a lifelong resident of the area where she and her husband Ted built a life together, enjoying 60 years of marriage, and built a family with two sons and a daughter. Ted was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was recognized as an innovative farmer, and their garden is a marvel. Patsy also worked for 29 years as an accountant and tax preparer. Unfortunately, with the years, she has slowed a bit making home access much easier and safer with a ramp than by steps. Luckily her daughter, Suzanne, is attentive and loving and lives very close by. The family attends the Collier Baptist Church where Ted served as a Deacon. The ramp crew this week consisted of John Taylor, Ed Brown, Dan Weiss, Alan Phillips, Floyd Phillips, Bruce Gandy, Johnny Minish, Don Sullinger, Artry Bishop, and not pictured, Roy Nunnally.
Thursday, September 18, 2025
By Bruce Gandy
Members of the Rotary Club of Madison County and volunteers constructed their 995th handicap ramp, a 16-foot access ramp from a porch, down to a 4-foot by 10-foot-landing and followed by a 24-foot ramp down to the ground on Thursday, 18 September 2025, for Patsy Hughes, who lives on Collier Church Road in Oglethorpe County. According to Rotary leaders, Patsy is a lifelong resident of the area where she and her husband Ted built a life together, enjoying 60 years of marriage, and built a family with two sons and a daughter. Ted was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and was recognized as an innovative farmer, and their garden is a marvel. Patsy also worked for 29 years as an accountant and tax preparer. Unfortunately, with the years, she has slowed a bit making home access much easier and safer with a ramp than by steps. Luckily her daughter, Suzanne, is attentive and loving and lives very close by. The family attends the Collier Baptist Church where Ted served as a Deacon. The ramp crew this week consisted of John Taylor, Ed Brown, Dan Weiss, Alan Phillips, Floyd Phillips, Bruce Gandy, Johnny Minish, Don Sullinger, Artry Bishop, and not pictured, Roy Nunnally.
Rotary Club Builds 994th Ramp for the Smith Family
Thursday, September 11, 2025
By Bruce Gandy
The Madison County Rotary Club Ramp Crew constructed a 4-foot by 5-ft landing and a 16-ft handicap ramp on Thursday, 11 September 2025, for Faye Smith on Faith Valley Church Road. Faye and her husband Albert are longtime residents of Madison County where they have raised their two dutiful and loving sons, Bobby and Dale. Both Faye and Albert worked hard for many years at a variety of jobs. Faye worked as a seamstress for several different local firms and Albert drove commercial trucks, worked on pipelines, and worked at the Georgia Square mall in Athens. Although Faye is spirited, heart problems are slowing her down and she sometimes loses her balance. She and Albert joined the ramp crew in the accompanying photo where she thanked the ramp crew and confided that, because of the danger of falling, she had felt like a prisoner in her own home. The ramp crew received a much-appreciated ramp donation for Rotary from the Smith family. This week’s crewmembers consisted of Don Sullinger, Artry Bishop, Alan Phillips, Ed Brown, Danny Dills, Roy Nunnally, Dan Weiss, and Bruce Gandy.
Thursday, September 11, 2025
By Bruce Gandy
The Madison County Rotary Club Ramp Crew constructed a 4-foot by 5-ft landing and a 16-ft handicap ramp on Thursday, 11 September 2025, for Faye Smith on Faith Valley Church Road. Faye and her husband Albert are longtime residents of Madison County where they have raised their two dutiful and loving sons, Bobby and Dale. Both Faye and Albert worked hard for many years at a variety of jobs. Faye worked as a seamstress for several different local firms and Albert drove commercial trucks, worked on pipelines, and worked at the Georgia Square mall in Athens. Although Faye is spirited, heart problems are slowing her down and she sometimes loses her balance. She and Albert joined the ramp crew in the accompanying photo where she thanked the ramp crew and confided that, because of the danger of falling, she had felt like a prisoner in her own home. The ramp crew received a much-appreciated ramp donation for Rotary from the Smith family. This week’s crewmembers consisted of Don Sullinger, Artry Bishop, Alan Phillips, Ed Brown, Danny Dills, Roy Nunnally, Dan Weiss, and Bruce Gandy.
Rotary Club of Madison County Handicap Ramp Program
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
The Rotary Club of Madison County started building ramps for disabled individuals in 1995. In 1995, while making a "Meals on Wheels" delivery to Mr. Harold McCarty, who had polio, a club member noticed that he was having great difficulty getting in and out of his house. The club came back and built him a handicap ramp that took most of the day.
These ramps are built at no cost to the ramp recipient. If they can afford a donation to the Ramp Program, it is welcomed but is not mandatory. The club has built ramps for diabetics, stroke victims, heart attacks victims, accidents, polio, birth defects, amputations, and many other disabilities. There are no Federal, State or local funds available for handicapped ramps other than through the Veterans Administration. This is an example of a service organization recognizing a need and doing something about it. Most of our ramps are in Madison County but we have gone to surrounding counties when the need is great. Other counties include Greene, Oconee, Clarke, Jackson, Barrow. Habersham, Oglethorpe, Walton, Hall and Franklin. We helped the Rotary Club of Royston-Franklin Springs (now Franklin County Rotary Club) and the Gainesville Rotary Club develop a successful ramp building program.
Financial support for the ramps comes from club fund-raising projects, and donations from the community and organizations. We have received grants and donations from the Francis Wood Foundation, Jackson EMC Foundation, and from other local organizations. Depending on the size of the ramp, it may take from 20 to 35 manhours or more to plan and construct. The materials for each ramp can run between $500 and $1250 or more. Rotary Club members and community volunteers give freely of their time to plan and construct the ramps and provide all the labor.
If you want to be part of this very successful program and financially support the Ramp Program effort, you can send your financial contribution with a note indicating it is for the "Handicap Ramp Program" made out to “Madison County Rotary Foundation” and mailed to:
Rotary Club of Madison County
P.O. Box 596
Danielsville, GA 30633
Wednesday, January 1, 2025
By Edward A. Brown
The Rotary Club of Madison County started building ramps for disabled individuals in 1995. In 1995, while making a "Meals on Wheels" delivery to Mr. Harold McCarty, who had polio, a club member noticed that he was having great difficulty getting in and out of his house. The club came back and built him a handicap ramp that took most of the day.
These ramps are built at no cost to the ramp recipient. If they can afford a donation to the Ramp Program, it is welcomed but is not mandatory. The club has built ramps for diabetics, stroke victims, heart attacks victims, accidents, polio, birth defects, amputations, and many other disabilities. There are no Federal, State or local funds available for handicapped ramps other than through the Veterans Administration. This is an example of a service organization recognizing a need and doing something about it. Most of our ramps are in Madison County but we have gone to surrounding counties when the need is great. Other counties include Greene, Oconee, Clarke, Jackson, Barrow. Habersham, Oglethorpe, Walton, Hall and Franklin. We helped the Rotary Club of Royston-Franklin Springs (now Franklin County Rotary Club) and the Gainesville Rotary Club develop a successful ramp building program.
Financial support for the ramps comes from club fund-raising projects, and donations from the community and organizations. We have received grants and donations from the Francis Wood Foundation, Jackson EMC Foundation, and from other local organizations. Depending on the size of the ramp, it may take from 20 to 35 manhours or more to plan and construct. The materials for each ramp can run between $500 and $1250 or more. Rotary Club members and community volunteers give freely of their time to plan and construct the ramps and provide all the labor.
If you want to be part of this very successful program and financially support the Ramp Program effort, you can send your financial contribution with a note indicating it is for the "Handicap Ramp Program" made out to “Madison County Rotary Foundation” and mailed to:
Rotary Club of Madison County
P.O. Box 596
Danielsville, GA 30633