NEXT MEETING, AUGUST 19… we’ll hear from the new president of the University of Southern Mississippi, Dr. Shelby Thames.

LAST MEETING, AUGUST 12… Janice B. Brooks, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Human Services, expressed her concern about the children of Mississippi and talked to us about the opportunities her agency has to help improve their lives. The Department of Human Services is responsible for a number of ways these lives can be improved – providing proper food and helping arrange for child care and support. The department also provides transportation, and protects children and families throughout the 82 counties in Mississippi. Ms. Brooks described the mission of MDHS and emphasized the pride her dedicated staff enjoys in serving clients in a multitude of programs. There are problems, of course, and she detailed some of the difficulties created by increased case loads, staff reductions, and funding. But, through hard work, the staff is seeing success in serving Mississippians. Thanks to Sue Cherney for arranging and introducing this program.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… At the present time, we have 343 members of our Club. If each person enlists a member this year, we would have 686 at the end of the year. With changes in the Rotary Constitution, we have as much as 10% of our membership in any one classification. Based on our present enrollment, that would be 34 members per classification, and we don't have anywhere near that. So, the field is wide open.
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS, PLEASE REMEMBER TO GET YOUR REPORT TO ME AND DIRECTORS, IF YOU HAVE NOT DONE SO ALREADY!!!!!

REMEMBER WHEN SOMEBODY INVITED YOU TO ROTARY? …and it changed your life. Why not return the favor to somebody you work with, somebody you play golf with, somebody you know from church, or another friend? As President Howard emphasized recently, it’s easy to propose a member. Just pick up a membership application at the back desk at any meeting, or phone our office and ask that one be sent to you. The Rotary office number is 352-8500, and our answering machine is always turned on.