Today's meeting was a wonderful reunion of some members who have been away for holidays or other, more sobering reasons. We were glad to see all of you again! The meeting got started with Bill Sheffield helping to define the meaning of the word Groaner (I can't remember the joke - but it has something to do with a piano concert and it sure did bring the groans). Greg Threadgill then added dignity to the meeting with a beautiful opening prayer, Jay Overman lead us in the Pledge to our Flag, and Rick Lambert lead us in the 4 Way Test.
Greg then gave a few happy dollars to commemorate the sale of his company, his alleged "retirement" and the birth of his baby girl, Emma Greer! There were lots of other good Happy Dollar stories, but I don't think any of them matched Greg's trifecta. Johnny "sure I'll help out the Sgts. at Arms" Fayard then came up to introduce our visitors and guests. We had three visiting Rotarians, Richard Peterson from Pensacola North, and RP Doyle and Jeff Lewis from the Downtown club. We had four fine guests today, Pastor Joe McNulty - guest of John and Jill Stein, and 3 others who are my guests; Mark Smith, David Williamson, and Charlie Stokes - who are all managers of local Wal-Mart stores. They know Tracy Dickerson and are interested in getting involved in the same manner that Tracy did. You may remember that Tracy was New Rotarian of the year for SubWest last year, so we welcome their participation!
Skip Dennis was our Woolley Booger today, and wasted no time fleecing the group for the benefit of the Rotary Foundation. I think he busted us for our New Year's Resolutions. Thanks, Skip...
The raffle is getting pretty significant these days, with the pot approaching $600. Wendy Simon had the correct red ticket (again!), but did not pull the Ace of Spades. She generously rolled her $10 consolation prize back into the pot. Thanks, Wendy.
This week's program was Dr. Jill Stein, who is in charge of all the Navy ROTC programs on college campus' in the US. Jill had some very interesting information about the changing political acceptance of ROTC programs in general, and reflections about the unique nature of the future officers of our Navy. Jill is a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow, and she let us know that she represents Rotary to others when she travels on NROTC business. Made me stop and reflect - do I wear my Rotary pin and tell others about Rotary?
Next week's program is a highlight of our Military Month special. We will hear first hand accounts of combat on the ground in Iraq. I appreciate John Stein's hard work at setting up interesting and diverse programs for us this year. We have neglected our military brothers and sisters in recent years, and with two wars going on right now, this is a very timely topic. John has gone the extra mile to book some Rotary specific programs and SubWest specific programs in the near future. Here is a partial list of what we have to look forward to:
05 Feb - Bill Cadwallader -- Infant Mortality and Maternal Health - This is a medical doctor who is going around the country, giving these lectures on behalf of RI. He is addressing the very topic that RI President DK Lee is focused on this year. I am really looking forward to hearing what he has to say.
19 Feb - Mardis Gras Party
28 Feb - Harold Furkois - Veterans Upward Bound
05 Mar - Gulf Power a "After the Storm"
02 Apr - Core Values Awards
07 May - no meeting - CROP Ethics in Business Awards
28 May - Laura Hill - Festival of Five Flags
25 Jun - Change of Command
See you at SubWest!
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment