March 26, 2004

Posted March 30, 2004

 This one goes out to Donna who do and Duffy who don’t.

 Please contact Mary Joan Pugh or Rebecca Redding to register for Family of Rotary Day at the the Zoo.

It’s not too late to register for District Conference in Asheville; contact President Mike for details.

 NOOOOOOO MEEEEEEETING ON APRIL 9!

Randolph Chorale will present its spring concert at First Presbyterian Church on April 4 at 7:30.  It’s free (joyous news to Rotarian hearts) and beautiful (joyous news for the human race).

 See you Friday!

 Philip

IN GEAR—March 26—Those who attended this meeting were treated to another delicious meal composed of a stir-fry over rice, chicken breast, carrots, peas, green salad with fruit and an Oreo-vanilla pudding.  The mood music created by Joy Menius at the grand piano included “My girl” and other great tunes.

            Past President Allen Oliver served again as presiding officer.  He led us in the Pledge of Allegiance after greetings were exchanged among those in attendance.  Before delivering the invocation Elizabeth Cox offered some facts about the Pledge.  The phrase “under God” was added to the Pledge by act of Congress during the term of President Eisenhower.  Francis Bellamy composed the original pledge in 1892 and it was first recited in public at the World’s Fair on October of that year, the four hundredth anniversary of Columbus’s discovery.  The phrase “under God” was used by President Lincoln in his speech at Gettysburg.

            Treasurer Ed Clayton welcomed guests. Reid Pollard was the sole visitor from Randolph Rotary Club.  Elizabeth Hussey was the guest of John Menius.  (Elizabeth is the proud mother of that fabulous musician who entertains the crowd each week.)  Ed reminded those that pay dues by the quarter that next Friday, April 2, the dues should be paid and he urged all Asheboro Rotarians to sign up to participate on April 3 in the District 7690 Day at the Zoo.  Our club is the host for this event!  Call Mary Joan Pugh or Rebecca Redding.

            Student guests were welcomed and introduced by PDG Sam Cranford.  A senior at Southwestern Randolph High School, Heather Gallimore is the daughter of Elaine and Tommy Gallimore.  She is a member of the Beta Club and enjoys playing softball, basketball and volleyball.  Heather plans a career in pediatric dentistry.  Casie Hunt is a senior at SWRHS and is the daughter of Phyllis and Mark Hunt.  She is a cheerleader and a member of NV-THS and the Beta Club.  Casie anticipates a career in nursing.  From Asheboro High School Chuan Tsay is a senior and the son of Mei and Toyo Tsay.  He is a member of the track team, Quiz Bowl team, SAVE, and Key Club.  Chuan will attend NCSU to study business management.  Katie Ward is an AHS Senior and the daughter of Judy and Felix Ward.  She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, Key Club and Latin Club.  She has participated in volleyball, track and FCA.  Katie is active at First United Methodist Church where she has worked on local and international service projects.  She is a part-time employee of CVS Pharmacy.

            President Elect Mary Joan Pugh gave each Rotarian a paper that describes the work of each standing committee.  She asked that we study these and indicate to her our preference for committee assignment.  This same paper asks for suggestions for club projects during 2004-05.  If you did not do so last Friday, please return your preferences to Mary Joan on April 2.  Failure to state a preference does not relieve a member of responsibility to serve on a committee!

            A very interesting new member talk was given by Richard Garkalns.  He claimed valid credentials for Rotary membership because when he and his family immigrated to the United States in 1949 they first worked on a farm.  Richard is proud that he earned citizenship in 1956.  He is also proud that he is the husband of Susan (to whom he has been married for thirty-four years), the father of Jeremy (a policeman) and the father Jamie (a student at Appalachian State University).  Richard is now a partner in Mid State Insurance Agency.  He has worked with several members of Rotary in various community projects.  His hobbies include cooking, wine tasting and stained glass artwork.

            Bob Mason and John Revell were “pinned” for attendance at the District Conference.  Past President Allen announced that the Group Study Exchange Team has arrived in Mexico.

            The program was presented by the Club Bulletin Committee, Philip Shore, Editor.  Reporter Allen Holt introduced the speaker.  Ms. Beverly Stevenson is the Artistic Director of the George Washington Carver Community Enrichment Center, the old Sunset Theatre.  She is a native of Richmond County who was the first black marshal of her high school.  She earned a B.S. in Psychology from Pembroke State University, did graduate work in educational psychology at A&T State University, and completed graduate studies at Loyola College of Baltimore.  For twenty-five years she has done psychological counseling with Youth Services in Rockingham, NC and at Johns Hopkins Hospital and new Hope Treatment Center in Baltimore.  In 2000 Ms Stevenson was trained in New York City to be a fine arts dealer.  She currently works at the Association of Happiness for All Mankind in addition to her work with the Sunset Theatre.

            Ms. Stevenson feels a special enthusiasm for promoting live entertainment at the Sunset because she saw a Broadway play before she ever saw a movie.  She sees the development of the Center at the Sunset Theatre in three phases: 1. Past and Purpose, 2. Plan and Program, 3.Possibilities and Participation.  In the past the theatre has been a beautiful building and it is full of nostalgic memories.  It is being rejuvenated by a group that is African-American; but it cannot belong to one group only; it is for all to enjoy.  A church congregation is no longer meeting there.  The heating system does not function; but there is a working air conditioning system.  The seats have been recovered, so that the place looks better inside than outside.  The Center is functioning as a multipurpose theatre today.  The Plan and Program for the Center will draw people to celebrate history, art, music, dance and literature.  It will add to the strength of the community as a center for tourism.  Ms. Stevenson’s goal is to “rally the forces” to achieve those purposes.  Coretta Scott King has been invited to come and help celebrate the fortieth anniversary (April or May) of integration of restaurants in Asheboro.

            Asheboro is growing more global; the Carver Center will participate in that growth.  The Possibilities and Participation will not happen without the support of everyone.  Rotarians and all citizens are urged to participate.  John Ferree and Archie Birkhead have shared special memories of time spent at the Sunset Theatre.  New memories will be created with programs like “Romancing the ‘40’s”, Randolph Star Search, and “The Sunset Radio Show” which were staged in March.  The theatre has 420 seats and can be leased for private productions.  “Have A Seat” is the title of a campaign to raise $350,000 to refurbish the theatre.  Some grant money may be found from historical preservation and arts foundations; but all of Asheboro is asked to contribute.

            Past President Allen thanked Ms. Beverly Stevenson for telling us about the George Washington Carver Community Enrichment Center.  The meeting was adjourned.

Written by Bob Walker

March 19, 2004

Posted March 23, 2004

Question:

How did the man survive in prison without food and water?

 He ate the dates off the calendar and drank from the bedsprings.

 Here are a few snacks:

 Family of Rotary Day at the NC Zoo.  April 3

 District Conference in Asheville.  April 22-25.  Register for the conference at the District Office and make hotel reservations at the Renaissance on your own.

 District Assembly at GTCC.  May 13.  Register through President Mike

 Don Allred’s installation as District Governor.  June 17 at Pinewood Country Club.  This event will take the place of regular meetings at Troy, Liberty, Randolph and Asheboro Clubs.  Register to attend. 

Phil

IN GEAR—March 19—We gathered for this meeting under sunny skies and with the promise that all ACC teams would advance in the NCAA Tournament.  The delicious AVS lunch included meat loaf, chicken pie, green beans, corn, potatoes, a green salad with fruit and assorted desserts.  This reporter chose banana pudding, but Archie Smith ate two servings of the strawberry not-so-short cake.  Joy Menius entertained the gathering with some great piano selections such as “Ain’t Misbehavin’”

            President Mike Freeland presided and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance after greetings were exchanged among Rotarians and guests.  Stan Beck raised an invocation, giving thanks for the change of seasons and the beautiful day, for God’s love and mercy, for the time that Rotarians share and for God’s presence among us.

            Sergeant at Arms Prithvi Hanspal introduced guests.  Jane Crisco attended with husband Keith Crisco.  Doctor Sood, from northern Virginia was the guest of Ranbir Singh.  Visiting Rotarians of the Randolph Rotary Club were:  Maggie Anderson, Ed Bunch, Ed Gavin, Steve Hedley, Helen Keyes, Susan Milner, and Barbara Wolfe. 

Student guests were welcomed by Candie Rudzinski.  Kimberly Miller is a senior at AHS and is the daughter of Ramona and Darrell Miller.  She is president of the Spanish Club and the Art Club and participates in the SAVE, Literary, and Key Clubs.  She is a member of the Student Council, National Honor Society and the Park Street Players.  Kimberly and two friends operate their own company, MOCKIJ.  She is leaning toward Hollins University and a major in psychology and criminal justice with the purpose of a doctorate in forensic psychology. 

            Elizabeth Brim is an AHS senior, the daughter of Jeannie and Randle Brim, and the sister of Joseph Brim.  She is Cadet Squadron Commander of the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps.  She participates with the Drill Team, Color Guard, Art Club, SAVE Club and Bible study group.  She hopes to attend NC State University and major in bio-medical engineering.

            President-Elect Mary Joan Pugh discussed several items of club business.  Asheboro Rotary serves as host for the district “Family of Rotary: outing at the NC Zoo on April 3.  Only Don Allred and Jaci Betts have yet indicated their intention to attend.  Everyone is urged to participate in this event.  Please call Mary Joan or Rebecca Redding to volunteer.  For the 2004-05 year Mary Joan asks that members be thinking about preferences for committee assignment, suggestions for 2005 Centennial project and ideas for an international service project and for community projects.  She described how $2.25 of weekly dues is used for scholarships, Paul Harris Fellow matching funds, RCC Foundation and other causes.

            A new member talk was given by Vee Knott.  Vee introduced herself as the mother of a Rotarian, the sister, the sister-in-law and the daughter of a Rotarian.  Her grandfather C.C. Cranford was a charter member of the Asheboro Rotary Club.  She enjoys advising clients from her position with the Wealth Management Division of First National Bank.

            Lee Malpass reported that Carolyn Cox is now recuperating at Clapps Convalescent Nursing Home after a period of treatment at Randolph Hospital.

            President Mike announced that the June 18 meeting of Asheboro Rotary Club will be suspended in favor of attendance at the June 17^th Installation of Don Allred as District Governor of District 7690 at Pinewood Country Club.

            Pat and Naomi Kilpatrick were presented a certificate of appreciation from Rotary International.  This was to honor them for promoting “world understanding and peace; during their yearly trips up the Amazon of Brazil.  Philip Shore, Mary Joan Pugh, Ted and Carol Matney and Don Allred were given their District Conference pins to wear at that upcoming event. 

            The Rotary Information Committee presented the program.  Committee Chairman Allen Oliver introduced Keith Crisco to speak about “International Trade”.  Keith was described simply as the “Chairman of the Board of Trustees of that university that is playing for the national championship in basketball”.  (It might also be said that he is owner and chairman of Asheboro Elastics and is an active member of this club.)

            Keith began his remarks by saying that international trade affects all of us—manufacturers, retailers, service companies, and consumers.  In recent years the Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush administrations—across party lines—have promoted free trade and globalization of commerce.  But, in the speaker’s opinion, not enough attention has been given to “State Department issues”.  For 200 years we have been influenced by the assumptions that cheap labor attracts business, that people are better off if they have more money, that there will be less conflict in the world if trade were globalized.

            Today there are seventeen trade agreements under discussion with foreign governments.  We must remember that we, the consumers, drive the world economy.  We want lower prices for consumer goods; but we also want higher salaries and wages.

            Asheboro and Randolph County are greatly changed by the globalization of manufacturing and trade.  Textiles and furniture have been severely impacted.  Companies must, and are, diversifying to meet the challenges.  Asheboro Elastics has moved offshore with distribution centers.  Keith will go with a delegation to China next week to explore trade issues between the US and China—and, perhaps, to develop some business for Asheboro Elastics.  The businesses of Randolph County cannot rely on past practices and old politics.  The “genie” is out of the bottle.  New ways of competing, new kinds of industry and commerce must be adopted.  Bonnie Renfro’s organization (Randolph County Economic Development Corporation) is doing good work in that direction, and should be supported and strengthened.

            CAFTA, the agreement for free trade with Central America is an alternative to the pressures from Asia.  Some believe all free trade is bad; but many favor this agreement.  If it gets to congress it will, most likely pass.

            Questions from Rotarians elicited further remarks.  Cheating on quotas, especially by China, is common, but our customs agents can only inspect one ten-thousandth of imported goods.  If agreements are ratified, quotas will be eliminated in the World Trade Organization in 2005; and duties will be eliminated in 2011 or 2013.  The strength of the US lies in its freedom—its freedom to innovate—to complete with new products and new services.

                President Mike thanked Keith for a very informative program and adjourned the meeting.

Written by Bob Walker

March 12, 2004

Posted March 16, 2004

 

Greetings!

A new member candidate:

Robin Johnston

RCC Foundation Executive Director

Sponsored by Dick Heckman

Classification: Nonprofit Foundation

 If there is any disagreement with this nomination please make your concerns known to Secretary Mary Joan Pugh in writing with in one week.

 The health front:

 Gerry Thomas is making headway (slowly).  He values your calls, visits, and notes.

 Carolyn Cox is in Clapp’s after surgery.  Please send her a note.

 See you next Friday!

 Philip

IN GEAR—March 12—A great crowd was in attendance for this joint meeting of Randolph Rotary Club and Asheboro Rotary Club.  The always pretty piano music of Joy Menius was absent, but everyone enjoyed the conversation and fellowship.  The tasty AVS lunch included roast beef, chicken, cauliflower au gratin, Irish potatoes, green salad with fruit and chocolate cake.

Past President Mac Whatley presided in the absence of President Mike Freeland.  Reid Pollard represented President Sandra Allen of the Randolph Rotary Club.  The meeting began with an exchange of greetings among Rotarians and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.  Sandy Grey raised the invocation.

Sergeant at Arms Prithvi Hanspal introduced guests of Asheboro Rotarians.  Felix Ward was the guest of Allen Oliver.  Beth Allred attended with her father, the august Don Allred.  Lucy Yates was the guest of Lonnie Keogh.  Robin Johnston came with Dick Heckman.  Preston Asbill came as Neal Griffin’s “shadow”.  Sarah Nealy attended with her father Bill Neely.  Amy Peraldo came with husband Larry Peraldo.

Randolph Rotary held its attendance prize drawing ($800 in the pot for a prize of $400) but no one drew the lucky number.  So the prize grows larger for their next meeting.

   Candie Rudzinski introduced student guests from Southwestern Randolph High School and Asheboro High School.  Caroline Craven is a senior at AHS and the daughter of Debbie and Dennis Craven.  She participates with the Latin Club, Key Club, Student Council, yearbook, and soccer team.  She enjoys playing the guitar and will enter UNC-Wilmington next fall to study pre-pharmacy.  AHS senior Stephanie Hasty is the daughter of Sherry Compton and Gene Hasty.  She plays varsity soccer, is a “Big Sister” at Boys and Girls Club and is a member of FCA, Key Club, and Latin Club.  Stephanie will attend Mars Hill College.  Clinton Vereyken is a senior at SWRHS and is the son of Janice Hill and Peter Vereyken.  Clinton is a member of the Beta Club, Science Club, and National Vocational and Technical Society and will attend NC State to study accounting or engineering.  SWRHS senior Dustin Walker is the son of Denease and Doug Walker.  He is class president, yearbook editor, a member of Beta Club, Science Club, and SADD.  He works part time at AVS and will enter NC State next fall to study landscape architecture.

   Reid Pollard announced that Randolph Rotary will not meet at AVS on March 17 but will meet in the Stedman Education Building at the NC Zoo.  Also a new member orientation lunch is scheduled for 12 noon on March 30 at Olde Town Deli.  This meeting can be claimed as a make-up.

The program was introduced by Cooper Thornton.  “Trees Asheboro” is a local, citizen-based tree support group that adheres to the standards of the International Association of Arboriculture.  The organization was formed by Owen George and Tim Womick.  Owen was born in Raleigh and reared in Asheboro.  He attended Asheboro public schools and graduated from NC State.  He attended the University of the Andes while a Rotary Ambassador to Colombia.  He has worked in San Francisco, New York, and Taiwan.  Currently Owen teaches language at Randolph Community College.  Tim Womick moved with his family to Asheboro when he was in high school.  Within six months he was elected president of the student body—cowboy boots, spurs, long hair and all.  He has been a restaurateur in Asheboro and in Highlands, NC.  He has planted a “trail of trees” while running across North Carolina.  And, working, for a couple of tree trusts, he has promoted urban arboriculture across the United States by speaking to many school groups and civic clubs and by planting saplings and tree seeds.  He spoke to the fourth oldest Rotary Club in New York State and to one of the smallest Rotary Clubs in Texas.

Owen and Tim spoke with passion and commitment about “Trees Asheboro”.  Formed in Owen’s driveway one Sunday afternoon, this non-profit agency has as its mission to educate and to inspire residents, business leaders and municipalities through tree plantings that beautify Asheboro.  The first planting was an oak tree placed in Frazier Park on November 9, 2003.  In January an oak and a red bud tree were planted in East Side Park with the help of students from AHS and youth from the Boys and Girls Club.  On Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday a cutting from a tree in Selma, Alabama was planted with 150 residents in attendance.

            The support of FNB Corporation has been very helpful to “Trees Asheboro”.  In English and Spanish bookmarks promoting trees will be distributed to the 4000 students in Asheboro City Schools with their next report cards.  (These bookmarks were available to Rotarians too).

            Trees are important in urban environments because 80% of our population lives there.  Trees clean the air, reduce the hot temperatures of summer, produce much needed cellulose and provide the basis for many jobs.  The challenge of “Trees Asheboro” is to preserve and care for the trees we have and to add to our urban forest with well-chosen species.  Tim told of an occasion in the District of Columbia when a common interest in trees transcended the barriers of age and language and culture.  It happened at an elementary school in the low income section of Anacostia, where a forestry delegation from Senegal were present for a talk and tree planting by Tim.  As they prepared to plant a seedling from one of George Washington’s trees, Tim squeezed a ball of soil and put it into the hand of a young girl and said “Trees are good.”  The little girl repeated, “Trees are good.”  And a Senegalese in broken English repeated, “Trees are good.”

            Allen Oliver reported that he enjoyed working with Tim and Owen on recent city projects.  On March 19, Arbor Day, at 3 pm in the North Asheboro Park, a tree will be planted to honor Asheboro’s first mayor, Thomas More.  It will be a Johnny Appleseed tree, the cutting taken from one of John Chapman’s original trees.  Thereafter, trees will be planted to honor the twenty-eight other mayors of Asheboro.  Everyone is urged to attend the March 19^th event.

            Past President Mac congratulated Owen and Tim on their good work and thanked them for an inspiring program.  The meeting was adjourned.

Written by Bob Walker