November 30, 2004

NEXT MEETING, DECEMBER 6… our speaker will be James Cummins, with Wildlife Mississippi.

LAST MEETING, NOVEMBER 29… Chief Phillip Martin of the Mississippi Band of Choctaws gave us some insight into the great economic, educational, and community development strides made by the tribe in recent years. Beginning with a contract to make electrical harnesses for GM, the Choctaws have done a remarkable job of entrepreneurship, to the point where they are now the second largest employer in the state. And it’s not just their two large casinos, either, even though those are the most visible parts of their business. The tribe has outstanding hotels and a championship golf course, as well as a water park and other resort amenities. (Chief Martin didn’t say so, but his leadership was largely responsible for all this progress.) Thanks to Mary Fortune for arranging and introducing this program.

ELECTION NEXT WEEK… at our December 6 regular meeting, we’ll elect six new Board members (from 12 nominees), a new Vice President (from two nominees), and a new President (only one candidate, as is our custom), to take office next July. Be sure to vote!

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY… is set for Monday, December 20. It’ll include a holiday feast, kid’s buffet, entertainment by the Brick Street Barbershop Quarter, an unforgettable visit by Santa, and other treats. Chair Chris Grussaute tells us that entertainment will be first on the program, so Rotarians without kids will have an opportunity to slip out when Santa arrives (an approved slip-out!). We’ll have a special $5 price for a kid’s meal. Remember to bring your family with you to Rotary on December 20!

CHRISTMAS CHARITIES… is our term for the gifts and visits we make to two local nursing homes. Chair Lee Paris notes that the visit this year will be prior to our regular meeting on December 20th. And you can contribute toward the gifts through the special box at the back table at any meeting.

ROTARY MENTOR SCHOLARSHIPS… are supported completely by our raffle. Thanks to so many who have already responded to Chair Jennifer Hall’s letter. If you haven’t yet, please do.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… I’m happy to announce that Barbara Dorr’s Community Service Committee applied for and won a $1,000 District Simplified Grant. The purpose of the funds will be to purchase books for our Centennial Project through our partnership with the Barksdale Reading Program. If you are interested in signing up for this program’s January semester, contact Barbara. Be sure to thank Walter Michel, Van Jones, and Bobbie Campbell for raising funds, shopping, and shipping our soldier “goodie boxes”. Your contributions will help our military men and women know we appreciate their efforts. Lee Paris called our attention to our Christmas Charities effort, which will help the elderly in local nursing homes. His committee will be collecting funds over the next couple of weeks. Several events coming up….Vote for club officers and directors on December 6th, COG Club (new members since July 2003) lunch on December 9th, and Children’s Christmas party on December 20th.. Yours In Rotary, Danny