February 12, 2002

THERE WILL BE NO MEETING NEXT WEEK, AS WE OBSERVE PRESIDENTS' DAY ON FEBRUARY 18. OUR NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25.

NEXT MEETING, FEBRUARY 25… Dr. Jayne Sargent, Superintendent of Schools in Jackson, will talk to us about education.

LAST WEEK, FEBRUARY 11… Don Strange, Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, told us about changes that have been made in the Bureau during his two years on the job. Don, who retired as Chief of Intelligence for the Drug Enforcement Agency in Washington prior to taking this job back in his home state, has introduced a number of changes that have resulted in our state bureau being considered the very best in the nation. The Bureau is now working on its fifth state-wide initiative, and has developed a five-year drug strategy that has attracted much nationwide attention. Don vows that Mississippi will be the first state to turn the tide on drug use. Thanks to Don Clark for introducing this program.

WHAT A WONDERFUL JOB… was done by Bobbie Campbell on our Sweetheart Banquet and by Jennifer Hall on our Scholarship Ticket Sales. Bobbie and her committee did a great job of preparing for an excellent evening at the Country Club, and prospective Rotarian Guy Hovis was absolutely superb in entertaining us after dinner (okay, now, sing along with: "Let Me Call You Sweetheart…"). Jennifer and her committee rolled out a plan of action that raised more than $60,000 for our Scholarship program. Hard work DOES pay off, doesn't it? And thanks to all the Rotarians who contributed to make the Scholarship fund possible.

OH, AND DID WE FORGET… to congratulate the big winners? They were, in ascending order, Jim Oglesby (Southwest Airlines gift certificate), Randy Peets ($500), Bill Huff ($1,000), Al Sage ($1,500), Deirdre McGowan ($2,000), and - drum roll, please - Glen Eaves ($2,500). Now you know who to hit up for a quick loan.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS… number 24, 25, and 26 of this Rotary year. Introduced at our February 11 meeting were: