September 21, 2004

NEXT MEETING, SEPTEMBER 27… we’ll continue with the Clarion-Ledger, this time hearing from editorial cartoonist Marshall Ramsey.

LAST MEETING, SEPTEMBER 20… Rick Cleveland of the Clarion-Ledger gave us what has become an annual review of the mad, mad state of football in Mississippi. Rick began by reading a poignant column he wrote recently about high school football in the state, then gave a brief review of the fortunes of the state’s three major universities (generally, they’re right about where they were expected to be, except USM, which is higher). Then Rick did what he really does best, respond to questions from the audience. Often humorous, usually incisive, always interesting, he provided us with a wealth of information from his unique perspective. Thanks once again to Program Chairman Bill Allison for arranging and introducing Rick.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS… has approved the following membership proposals. If no objections are received within seven days, they will be introduced to the club as new members:
¦ Hayes Dent, President, Southern Strategy Group. Hayes was proposed by Brad Prewitt.
¦ Cris Dockery, Vice President, Excell Companies. Cris was proposed by Peter Marks.

A MODEST REQUEST… that you will please either turn your cell phones OFF during our Monday programs, or put them on vibrate or something. It really is distracting to a speaker when a phone goes off and somebody in the audience has to try to get it from an inside pocket. Be kind.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS… just so you can mark your calendar:
¦ September 27: Marshall Ramsey, Clarion-Ledger editorial cartoonist
¦ October 4: Charlotte Tabereaux, MS Arts & Entertainment Center (also a brief message from Ambassadorial Scholar David Wylie)
¦ October 18: Molly Gregory, former Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar
¦ October 25: John Fair, Rotary District Governor

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… I have noticed over the past few weeks that many of you have been bringing guests (prospective new members) to our meetings. This is a great way to introduce them to our club and determine their interest in becoming Rotarians. Mark Saxon, Membership committee chairman, said it best when he reminded us that it’s up to all of us to help out in this important area. On another topic, all new members (since July 1, 2003) are invited to breakfast, fellowship and to learn more about Rotary this coming Thursday, September 23, 7:30 am, University Club. Finally, we are starting our Centennial Project/Barksdale Reading Program this week, and there is still time to sign-up and get trained, so if you have an interest, call Barbara Dorr. - Yours in Rotary, Danny