March 15, 2005

We will NOT MEET next week, on March 21.
We hope you enjoy your Spring Break.

NEXT MEETING, MARCH 28… John Burwell will tell us all about Harbor Walk.

LAST MEETING, MARCH 14… Dr. Jim Shamblin, Vice President of Rotary International, told us about a Rotary effort to combat AIDS in South Africa. Jim, who is a Rotarian in Shreveport with a long history of work with Rotary International, traced for us the history of apartheid, which is a major reason for the appalling number of AIDS and HIV-Positive cases. Jim spoke of an ongoing Rotary effort to set up clinics in several African countries to fight AIDS, and of other efforts to support orphans and vulnerable children and to help restore hope and stability to thousands of African children whose lives have been turned upside-down by this deplorable disease. Thanks to Bill Allison for introducing this program.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS… number 25 and 26 of this Rotary year. Introduced to the club on March 7 were…
•David Saunders, Head Football Coach at Millsaps College. David was introduced by Mickey McCardle, subbing for David’s proposer Rick Fountain.
•Barry Burks, with Ross & Yerger Insurance. Barry was introduced by his proposer, Mickey McCardle.

YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS… has approved the following membership proposals. If no objections are received within seven days, they will be introduced as new members:
•Scherry Gilliland, Chief Development Officer, Mississippi Children's Home Services. Scherry was proposed by Bill Dawson.
•Johnny Donaldson, Vice President, Private Client Group, BankPlus. Johnny was proposed by Lee Bush.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER… Thanks for another great “turn-out” for our program. One thing I was reminded about today was how our membership in Rotary is truly an international experience. First, we had an opportunity to meet numerous Rotary members from the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada area. We exchanged banners with representatives from 5 different clubs. Next, we had the opportunity to learn about the HIV/AIDS virus, and some of the programs that Rotary is involved with, primarily in South Africa. Rotary is an organization that facilitates the opportunity for fellowship with others, both locally and internationally, as well as opportunities to serve our fellow man. Finally, please join me in welcoming our two newest Rotarians, David Saunders and Barry Burks. Enjoy your Spring break next week! Yours In Rotary, Danny