September 14, 2004

NEXT MEETING, SEPTEMBER 20… football is in the air, and it’s time for us to get the scoop from Rick Cleveland of the Clarion-Ledger.

LAST MEETING, SEPTEMBER 13… Dr. Ken Canfield, Founder and Director of the National Council for Fathering, reminded us that good father figures are needed in our country now more than ever before. Ken, whose office is in Kansas City, outlined his talk with an acronym – I CAN – and ticked off facts about Involvement, Consistency, Awareness, and Nurturing that those of us who are fathers – or even surrogate fathers – can and should use to help form the next generation. Mostly, he said, what our children need is an investment in time - focused, uninterrupted time - from a father or a father figure. Programs from his organization (one of which is being used by JPS’ Earl Watkins) really do work. Thanks to Lee Paris, a member of the national NCFF Board of Directors, for introducing this program.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER… number seven of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club on September 13 was…
•Vic Holsapple, retired from the military from a teaching career. Vic was introduced by his proposer, Wes Holsapple.

OKAY, SLACKARDS – WE’RE ABOUT READY TO GET TOUGH… the subject is dues. As in Rotary dues. Which were due on July 1. Which have not been paid yet by some of you. Fair warning: As of October 1, a ten-buck late fine will be added to what you owe.

COG CLUB REMINDER… If you came into the club since July 1, 2003, you are a member of the Cog Club, and are invited to a special breakfast meeting in your honor on September 23 at the University Club. You should have a letter from COG Chairman Royce Boyer. Mark your calendar to be there.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… I was recently reminded that we have almost completed the first quarter of our new Rotary year. Each week we have had excellent programs, and Bill Allison and his committee members are to be commended for their efforts. Barbara Dorr and her Community Service committee have exceeded all expectations with our Centennial Project/Barksdale Reading Institute. You still have time to sign up and get trained and be a part of our once-in-a-lifetime Centennial Project. Our first lady, Marsha Barbour, endorsed it highly! Another regular and important occurrence has been the introduction of high-quality new members, like our newest, Vic Holsapple. I challenge you to invite a potential new member to lunch. Business and community leaders will definitely benefit by becoming a part of a vibrant club like ours. Mark Saxon, Membership Chairman, and his committee are available to support your efforts in this area. - Yours in Rotary, Danny