Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 22. That is the date of an event you will not want to miss. It will be the evening of the Pilot Club’s annual roast, and this year the “roastee” is someone who should provide a wealth of material for good-natured ribbing and entertainment.

Dr. David Bryan retired in July, 2016, from 48 years of veterinary practice. His first two years he served as veterinarian in the practice of Dr. Earl Schober in Tampa, Florida. Their patient roster included exotic animals from Busch Gardens and Lowery Park Zoo in Tampa. The rest of the time he has lived and worked with Bainbridge area animals and advised their owners on how to be better parents.

He is known for his “lectures” to pet owners, especially about their feeding habits and letting their pets get overweight. And, his lectures are often delivered in colorful language—one that can be easily understood by all.

Thad Pettyjohn will act as emcee for the evening; and no doubt will have his own stories to tell in between his introduction of others. Some of the scheduled roasters are Dr. Eddie Hight, – long time partner and good friend, who promises to have some good “inside” stories to share. Also scheduled to speak is Dr. Jon McRae, good friend and fellow church member of Dr. Bryan.

A surprise speaker, one who will remain unnamed for his/her own protection, will share other secrets about the life, works and words of Dr. Bryan.

The roast is the primary fund raising event held each year by the Pilot Club. It helps the club support such local projects as the Champs Program, awarding scholarships, Special Olympics, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, Decatur County Library, Decatur County Seminole Training Center, Brain Minder program activities at the Don Duval Home and sponsorship of the high school Anchor club.

The dinner and program will be held at Howard Johnson and tickets are $25. They can be purchased from any Pilot Club member, or are available at the Edw. Jones office on Broughton Street.

Pilot Club member Virginia Smith is in charge of organizing the program, while Gail Sharber is the club president.