October 15, 2002

NEXT MEETING, OCTOBER 21… we’re scheduled to hear from George Dale, our state’s Insurance Commissioner.

LAST MEETING, OCTOBER 14… Britt Brookshire, President-Retail Operations for Brookshire’s, told us about his company and the plans they have for the Jackson area. They introduced their food stores in our market in May, after purchasing four former Albertson’s stores, and a lot of their people spent many weeks in our area making sure the promotion was done right. Britt is a grandson of the founder of Brookshire’s, which began in Tyler, Texas in 1928 and has since grown to more than 150 stores in four states. Britt, a former Rotarian in Texas, told us that the hallmark of his organization is customer service, and he and all his people are truly dedicated to providing it. They are also dedicated to being a part of the community, and he cited participation in United Way, Mistletoe Marketplace, and Stewpot Ministries, along with many others. Their “one percent program” will help all kinds of charitable causes in town. Thanks to Britt for the nice gift he gave to each member present, and thanks to Walter Michel for arranging and introducing this program.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… A special thank-you to all who participated in the Golf Tournament last week. Rick Trusty did a wonderful job as chairman, and we appreciate his dedication and hard work. I would especially like to thank Haden Hughes for “pinchhitting” for me, since I was unable to be there at the last minute. November is the time to place special emphasis on the Rotary Foundation. We want to encourage those of you who are not Paul Harris Fellows to consider becoming one, and those who are already a PHF to consider making an additional donation. PolioPlus is another important event for your consideration.-- Howard

ROTARFEST IS COMING UP… so be sure to mark your calendar! The date is Monday, November 11, a holiday when we won’t have a regular luncheon meeting. This is an event for all Rotarians, and will be a casual evening affair at the Costas Lodge. There is no cost to members, and no guests will be present. More details will be forthcoming at the next few meetings.

NOW WE KNOW HOW WALTER CRONKITE FEELS… when there’s news to tell, and you just can’t get all the details. The Rotary Golf Tournament was last week, and we understand it was a rousing success. But Chairman Rick Trusty was not available at press time, and we don’t have a list of all the winners. So we’ll postpone that listing until next week. (We hear, though, from a usually reliable source that old Jud had something to do with the results…)