July 1, 2003

We will NOT MEET next week on July 7, when we’ll observe the Independence Day holiday.

NEXT MEETING, JULY 14… our speaker will be Frank Melton, Executive Director of the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics.

LAST MEETING, JUNE 30… was our annual Changing of the Guard meeting, when President Howard Catchings handed over the gavel to President-Elect Haden Hughes. Howard, who made it a point to thank his Directors and Committee Chairs, received a much-deserved standing ovation for his work during the year, and Haden outlined a four-point plan for future progress: encouraging all members to become Paul Harris Sustaining members, funding at least five Mentor Scholars, revitalizing our committees, and helping all members enjoy their fine club.

IT’S TIME TO MAKE MOVING PLANS! Your Board of Directors approved moving our meeting place to the Mississippi Agriculture Museum’s Sparkman Auditorium, with a meal to be catered by the River Hills Club. And the Transition Committee appointed by our outgoing and incoming Presidents has set our first meeting date in the new facilities for JULY 21. You’ll see much more in the next edition of the Rotagram. But plan now to attend our last meeting at the Clarion on July 14.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER… number 40 of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club at the June 23 meeting was…
• John Lawrence, President, Downtown Jackson Partners. John was introduced by his proposer, Wirt Yerger.

INFORMATION STILL NEEDED… before we print our new yearbook! Included with a recent Rotagram was a form for you to tell us what personal information, if any, has changed from what’s in the book now. Please mail, fax, or e-mail that information to the Rotary office, so we can be as up-to-date as possible.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… As I write this final message for the President’s Corner, I do so with mixed emotions. I am so very appreciative of the support, cooperation, and encouragement you have given me this year. I am also proud of the things that have been accomplished throughout the year. But there is still a little ray of sadness that the year has come to an end. You have been wonderful to me, and I thank you with a heart filled with love and gratitude. The Rotary Club of Jackson is TOPS, and I am extremely happy that I am a part of it. President Haden Hughes will be an outstanding leader, and I know our club will continue to move forward under his leadership. What more can I say, except THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! – Howard