November 23, 2004

NEXT MEETING, NOVEMBER 29… we’ll hear from Chief Phillip Martin of the Mississippi Band of Choctaws.

LAST MEETING, NOVEMBER 22… Dr. Phil Walker, from the Ridgecrest Baptist Church, encouraged us to act on faith to fully receive the blessings of the season. He stated that a beautiful part of life is passing on blessings to others; and that after being around people that have passed on blessings, we will then each feel blessed and thankful as well. Thanks to Stuart Kellogg for introducing this program.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS… has approved the following membership proposal. If no objections are received within seven days, he will be introduced as a new member:
•Dr. Warren Jones, Executive Director, Mississippi Medicaid. Warren was proposed by Mary Fortune.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS… number fifteen and sixteenof this Rotary year. Introduced to the club on November 22 were…
•Tom Schweitzer, General Manager, Marriott Hotel & Resort. Tom was introduced by his proposer, Bobby Welch.
•Herb Ivison, President, Southern Management Group. Herb was introduced by his proposer, Rick Fountain.

ELECTRONIC ROTAGRAM? Of course. Nearly one hundred of our members get their Rotagram by electronic mail on Monday afternoon shortly after it goes to press. If you’d like to add your name to that list, send an e-mail to jrotary@bellsouth.net It’s as simple as that!

ROTARY MENTOR SCHOLARSHIPS… are wonderful things. And they’re supported completely by our raffle. Respond soon to Jennifer’s letter, so we can continue to make a real difference in people’s lives.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… I sense the excitement of the holiday season beginning to take hold. Most of us are truly blessed and we will be able to reflect on these many things during the next few weeks. Sample ballots for our officers and directors were distributed at today’s meeting - plan to vote December 6th. Walter Michel wrapped up a terrific effort in collecting a sizeable sum for a soldier gift box that will be delivered through our own Col. Brad MacNealy, who is Iraq. Also, we heard about the huge impact of our Mentor Scholarship program when Deshun Martin, one of our previous Scholars, told us of the importance to his life, and in particular his mentor, Billy Carter. Alan Moak, Jennifer Hall and I encourage each one of you to be a part of our only official fund raising project. Our goal is 100% participation. Last but not least, I would like to welcome our two newest Rotarians….Tom Schweitzer and Herb Ivison. Please introduce yourself and make them feel welcome. Happy Thanksgiving, Danny