December 2, 2003

NEXT MEETING, DECEMBER 8… speaker to be announced. (Editor’s Note: Program Chairman Bill Allison had an excellent speaker lined up for this date who had to cancel for reasons beyond his control. That happens sometimes. At press time, another speaker had not committed. But if you trust Bill, come with expectations for another great program.)

LAST MEETING, DECEMBER 1… Linda Berry, with LBA International, has done a lot of consulting work with members of the military. She spoke with feeling about the sincerity and dedication of our military leaders, and reminded us that they need and deserve our admiration and respect, now more than ever. Thanks to Bill Allison for introducing this program.

THE ROTARY SPOTLIGHT…swung around on December 1 to shine on Dr. Tony Mawson, with Jackson State. Congrats, Tony.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBER… number 13 of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club on December 1 was…

ROTARY ELECTIONS… will be held next Monday, December 8. We’ll elect a Vice President (future President) and six Directors. Come early and vote!

CHRISTMAS CHARITIES… Chairman Lee Paris reminds us to mark our calendar for December 23, 9:30 to 11:30, to take gifts and Christmas cheer to two nursing homes – The Bond Home in Madison and the Community Nursing Home in Jackson. We need your help in three ways: First, join us for the trip, and bring your family. We’ll leave from the Ag Museum parking area. Second, you can help fill Santa’s box with the items on the yellow sheet. In case you didn’t get one, some suggestions are: cologne or aftershave, bath towels, VCR tapes, costume jewelry, large print Bibles, snacks, soap, and so forth. And, finally, you can help financially. A number of members have already made donations, and we’ll have another opportunity at next week’s meeting. Checks may be made payable to Rotary Christmas Charities.

CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PARTY… is scheduled for December 22, in just three weeks. Our River Hills caterers will provide a hamburger plate for the kids for just $4, and we’ll also have our regular buffet. Karen Crews and her committee have a lot of activities planned, including Santa and the Mississippi Girls Choir. This later date (when school is out!) should enable us to bring more of our kids and grandkids. Make your plans now.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… Some observations and reminders: 1) The Cog Club is utilizing their reserved table – back row, middle of the room. Speak to our new members seated there. 2) Last call for the luncheon in Starkville on December 16 featuring Rotary International President-Elect. See Bill Dawson for reservations and transportation. 3) Please put cell phones on “silent” mode during meetings. 4) Watch for upcoming information on Mentor Scholarship prizes approved by the Board on December 1. – Haden