Today's program was one of the most interesting and thought provoking we have seen. Cdr. Mark Gough is a Navy Officer, who was assigned to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to head up a training detachment. He told us a little bit about the role of the Navy in helping to train the Royal Saudi Naval Forces. He told us a lot more about Saudi culture, and how there is a huge number of young Saudis growing up right now, with less respect for western culture and more enthusiasm for fundamental Saudi culture. Many of their parents we in the generation which was allowed to study in the US. The parent generation views us in a more favorable light.
Due to a restriction in visas and exchange student programs, more and more Saudis have sought higher education in Europe, Beirut, Jordan or other countries. I hope you were there Thursday for Mark's talk. If you missed it, you really missed a good one - just ask the 20 or so folks that had questions for Mark as he finished up! The good news is that organizations like Rotary have sponsored international exchange groups, and at least we are contributing to a more peaceful dialogue.
Since I've gone on with my editorial about the program, let me just give you the rest of the meeting notes in condensed format.
Groaner - Roger Nicholson - a bunch of good one-liners!
Prayer - Kevin Ryan - nicely done!
Pledge - Don Gregory - great to have you back, Don! Our hearts are with you.
4 Way Test - Bobbye Carroll - Thanks, Bobbye!
Happy Dollars - Lots of them today, the most Notable was Jerold Hall with 3 Happy Dollars for the SubWest Scholarship Boat Show which will be held at CORDOVA MALL this year!! More details soon.
Birthday Dollars - Huntley Johnson and Tim Couch both came through with there EREY contributions to help stamp out polio. Way to go guys!
Visitors and Guests were introduced by Courtney Peterson. Charlie Haas had Jennifer Chism as his guest, and Al Swan had his Fiance as his guest! We had 4 visiting Rotarians; Judge Terry Terell, Vince Currie, Dan Livingston, and Leon Hirsh.
Woolly - Skip Dennis fleeced us again with a question about the recent historic inauguration of President Obama. Skip says someone else will be the Woolly next time, wonder who???
Raffle - Only 19 cards remaining, and $553 in the pot! Betty Wasson won the drawing, but did not pull the lucky card. Thanks for rolling your $10 consolation prize into the pot for next time!
Contributions - The club had a chance to get double credit (take pressure off for next year), by making its $5,000 Take Stock in Children contribution early. Our own Laverne Baker is instrumental in this effort, and she and Dick made an additional contribution to make this happen! Many Thanks for your leadership and generosity, Laverne and Dick Baker!
Membership - The board had a stand-up meeting after the regular meeting, and approved Mark Smith and Charlie Stokes. We hope to welcome them into the club next week!
Reminders - RSVP by Monday, January 26th with Alecia Overman if you want to go to card night. Sounds like a very good time, I hope to see you there!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
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