October 26, 2004

NEXT MEETING, NOVEMBER 1… our speaker will be Chief Robert Moore of the Jackson Police Department.

LAST MEETING, OCTOBER 25… District Governor John Fair made his annual visit to our club, in the company Past District Governors Lee Duddleston, Jack Slater, Bob Berman, Jim Stanley, and Kay Steed. John reminded us of the centennial of Rotary International next February, and spoke of the goals he has for the District this year and how our club can help meet them. John made it a point to note that he supports our request for a Rotary grant for our International Project, and asked us to remember during this centennial year to celebrate the accomplishments of Rotary. Thanks to President Danny Williams for arranging this program, and to Assistant Governor Patrick Smith for introducing it.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR NOW… for November 8. That’s the date for our Fall Rotarfest. From just-after-work until about 9 p.m. on that day, we’ll meet at the Ethnic Heritage Center (just across the yard from our regular meeting place). No guests, no spouses, no program – just good food and good fellowship. And the club pays for it all.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS… numbers nine, ten, and eleven of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club on October 25 were…
•Cris Dockery, Vice President, Excell Companies. Cris was introduced by his proposer, Peter Marks.
•Michael Craft, President & Publisher, the Clarion-Ledger. Michael was introduced by his proposer, Rick Fountain.
•Alan Mann, General Director, Mississippi Opera. Alan was introduced by his proposer, Rick Fountain.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… I think the best description for today’s meeting is “blue ribbon”…definitely a 1st prize. Our quandary (the large tent) that we were concerned about actually provided many of our members some nice shade for their vehicles. The folks at the Mississippi Economic Council expressed their appreciation for our willingness to work with them on their upcoming event. We heard DG John Fair highlight the many activities, projects and goals that are underway in District 6820. We are fortunate to have a district governor that is so supportive of our club. He mentioned that we are thought of as the “flagship” club of our district. To me, this challenges us to become even better in the future. The continuity that DG John spoke of was well displayed by the attendance and continued support of our past District Governors. Please welcome our three newest Rotarians….Cris Dockery, Michael Craft and Alan Mann. Finally, remember to put the Rotarfest date on your calendar… November 8th, and you golfers will be hearing about our annual golf tournament plans shortly. - Yours in Rotary, Danny