January 6, 2004

NEXT MEETING, JANUARY 12… Wolfgang Ischinger, Ambassador to the U.S. from the Federal Republic of Germany, will be our speaker. Come early to get a good seat!

LAST MEETING, JANUARY 5… Jack Kyle brought us up to date about the upcoming exhibit, The Glory of Baroque Dresden. Jack, who is Executive Director of the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange, reviewed briefly the magnificent events that have preceded the Dresden exhibit – The Palaces of St. Petersburg, The Splendors of Versailles, and The Majesty of Spain. These events have brought millions of dollars into the state, and, more importantly, have let the world know about our city in a most positive way. The Dresden exhibit will feature some of the world’s most magnificent art, sculpture, and porcelain, and will be a red-letter event on the nation’s arts calendar. Jack also used our meeting to announce that Gerhard Schroeder, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, will be in Jackson February 26-27 to kick off the event – a really big deal, and a coup for the Commission. We’re all looking forward to this fourth jewel in the cultural crown of our city. Thanks to Larry Johnson for arranging and introducing this program.

OUR MAILBAGS HAVE BEEN FULL… with dues checks and credit card memos – and with your responses to the Mentor Scholarship Raffle. Just a reminder: we have several months before we’ll close out the Raffle, our only fund-raising event of the year. But why not buy your tickets now and avoid the rush? (You’ll also avoid those guilt trips bestowed by Jennifer.) The tickets are $100 each, and each Rotarian is EXPECTED to purchase two. You can send your checks or credit card info to the Rotary office at your convenience. And, by the way, if you haven’t sent your dues in yet… well, it’s time. 2004 is really and truly here.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… As you know, the lifeblood of our club is new members. As we enter a new year, please consider proposing someone from your profession or church or an acquaintance that would make a good Rotarian. – Haden

ONE MORE TIME, UPCOMING PROGRAMS… Several of you have told us that you like to know what our upcoming programs will be. So, when we have room, your Rotagram will let you know. Here’s what Program Chairman Bill Allison has in store for us…