January 28, 2003

NEXT MEETING, FEBRUARY 3... Dr. Larry Brock, of the McCullough Institute, will be our speaker.

LAST MEETING, JANUARY 27… Patrick Taylor, CEO of Taylor Energy, is a multi-millionaire oilman. He became famous several years ago when he challenged 183 underachieving 7th and 8th graders in New Orleans. He told them that if they maintained a “B” average and stayed out of trouble, he would see to it that they could attend college. Many of them did, and he did. Since that time, the “Taylor Plan,” later amended to TOPS (Tuition Opportunity Program for Students), has sent thousands of deserving students to college. Among the states adopting the program is Mississippi, but not nearly enough students here know about it. Mr. Taylor challenged us to make the plan better known so that our state can take advantage of the potential of these students. Thanks to Program Chairman Danny Williams for arranging and introducing this program.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER… number twenty-two of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club on January 27 was:
• Jack Owens, MD, Newborn Associates, PA. Jack was introduced by his proposer, Dr. Mac Temple.

IT’S GETTING CLOSE NOW… and many of you haven’t yet signed up for our Sweetheart Banquet, set for Thursday, February 20 at the Country Club of Jackson. What a deal! For just $25 per person, you can treat your mate to a fine Valentine treat (albeit one week late). Bobbie Campbell and her committee are hard at work. Send your check (or credit card info) to the Rotary office NOW! Fax is 352-8586. Or you can see us at the back table at next week’s meeting.

AND DON’T FORGET YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS… to support our Mentor Scholarship program. Tickets are $100 each, and every Rotarian is expected to purchase at least two. Contact Jennifer Hall and make your donation. You can fax your credit card info to the Rotary office. Or you can see Jennifer at next week’s meeting. Be sure to take care of this obligation, before Jennifer and her committee have to track you down.

PLAN AHEAD… remember that there’s another holiday next month. On February 17 we celebrate Presidents’ Day. Since that comes just before the Sweetheart Banquet, be sure to see the two items above and take care of them early.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… Just a reminder this week that the support of all Rotary members is needed for two upcoming important events: our Sweetheart Banquet on February 20, along with raffle tickets, and Polio Eradication Month in March. Also, please continue to assist us in our efforts to increase membership in our club. - Howard