January 27, 2004

NEXT MEETING, FEBRUARY 2… Rabbi Valerie Cohen,of Temple Beth Israel, will be our speaker.

LAST MEETING, JANUARY 26… Bobby Cleveland, Outdoor Editor for the Clarion-Ledger, admitted to us that he’s the only guy in town who can go hunting and fishing every day, and get paid for it. Bobby says that, unlike the rest of us, he goes to work to relieve stress. He treated us to a series of anecdotes about his adventures on the lakes, ponds, and rivers and in the forests of Mississippi and surrounding states in his never-ending quest for stories (which he writes as if he was telling them to his Momma). Bobby says that he covered college and professional sports for a number of years, but now he gets to deal with real people, and loves it. Thanks to Program Chairman Bill Allison for arranging and introducing this program.

THE SWEETHEART BANQUET… will be a little late this year. Yes, we know it’s ALWAYS been around Valentine’s Day, but not this time. And for a very good reason – we’ll have our dinner and festivities on March 23 at the Mississippi Arts Pavillion, along with a tour of the newly-opened Glory of Baroque Dresden. This is something our spouses and significant others will truly enjoy. Charlie Walley and his committee are already hard at work to guarantee us an evening to remember. Be sure to send in your reservation (along with the $50 for each ticket), so your place will be assured.

MENTOR MOMENTS... Committee member Sue Cherney reminded us of just how important our scholarships are to the recipients. She quoted a letter from a past winner thanking us profusely for literally changing her life – and we’ve done the same for more than 100 students so far. You can buy your raffle tickets NOW (they’re $100 each, and every Rotarian is expected to buy two), to help us guarantee the future for some very deserving Mississippians. Just call, write, fax, or e-mail the Rotary office.

THE ROTARY SPOTLIGHT… turned January 26 on Dr. Sam Bruce, with Bruce Family Ministries. Stuart Kellogg did a number on Sam, and we’re not sure if we’ve ever had music performed quite like Sam did on specific request. (It was “Jesus Loves Me” in Donald Duck tones. Well, you really had to be there…)

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… For the first time since becoming your president, we do not have any new members "in the pipeline." With the convenience of our new location, the quality of the food and the programs, and the expanded classification rules, there are more reasons than ever to invite quality individuals to become Rotarians. Please contact Bill Dawson with any questions or to obtain a proposal form. – Haden