May 21, 2004

Posted May 25, 2004

 

 Greetings!!

Hope everyone had their banana with hepatitis vaccine for breakfast.

 (You had to be there to get that one and if you weren’t there, why not?  Recitify the situation this week.)

 Notes:  At the back table for the next couple of weeks, people will be there to collect our annual $100 as well as for the Coronation Gala at Pinewood Counttry Club on June 17 (Please, people, let’s get Don installed properly or the serviceman –Ed Clayton–will have to come back.)

 Rooms for the 2005 International Conference are going fast–check with Sandra Allen for latest block booking information.

 Please ask your spouse if you can go to the 2005 District Conference in Charleston–he/she would appreciated the advance warning and might want to go too and we/us will appreciate your attendance–we’re going to have a good time.  April 28-May 1, 2005 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and the North Charleston Convention Center just a few miles up the road from one of the most fascinating cities in the the United States.

 Our program for June 4 (presented by the Vocational and Recreational Fellowship Committee) will be Lucy Yates, the Randolph Nightingale.

 See you Friday!

Philip

 

IN GEAR—May 21—Past President Mac Whatley opened the meeting with an unrestrained sounding of the gong.  The sound brought cessation to all conversations about recently graduated children and grandchildren, all discussion of gambling raids executed by the city and county constabulary and all talk of business and society. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  Just before Dick Heckman raised the invocation, PP Mac urged us to think about Evan Minier who passed away this week.  Evan joined the Rotary Club of Asheboro in 1969.  He was a Past President (77-78) and a good friend to all.

            Dick Heckman requested that in this season of commencements and new beginnings for students leaving high schools and colleges that we observe a moment of silence to express in our own fashion a prayer for the success of students newly graduated and the challenges they will face in our imperfect world.

            Sergeant at Arms Prithvi Hanspal introduced our guests.  Past President of Asheboro Rotary Bob Phillips (93-94) was guest of Dale Lambert.  From the Randolph Club we had John Ogburn, Michael Trogdon, Susan Milner and Alison Gaither.  No student guests today.

            Elizabeth Mitchell gave her new member speech.  She was born in Scotland and has lived in England, France, and South Africa.  She came to Connecticut in 1980 and wended her way southward so that in 1997 she was living in Chapel Hill.  Elizabeth has two children, Sara (21) and Caleb (17).  Sara is a student at UNCG and Caleb attends Virginia Wesleyan in Norfolk.  Elizabeth worked with the Triangle United Way in Chapel Hill.  After that organization downsized she began working with the United Way of Randolph County.  She became executive director about a year ago.  She is an avid Scottish Country Dancer and she is interested in all literature, particularly poetry.   She said that in Scotland, one is never far from farming; her experience birthing lambs qualifies her for membership.

            Announcements:  Don and Pat Allred spent a week in San Francisco eating seafood and chocolate before leaving for the Rotary International Convention in Osaka.  Mary Joan Pugh will be leaving shortly.

            It’s time to finish up the “One hundred dollars, every year” campaign.  Half the club has responded.  Wilbert Hancock will be collecting for two more weeks. 

            JUNE 17^th: the installation of Don Allred to the office of District Governor with pomp and grand celebration at Pinewood Country Club.  There will be no meeting Friday, June 18.  The price is $30 per person.  Richard Pugh will be collecting payment the next three weeks.  Please do not let it deter you from coming that Ed Clayton is in charge of the goings on.

            Sandra Allen informs us that she has a few more rooms available in a block reserved in Chicago for the International Convention in 2005—but they are going fast.

Call Sandra Allen at 498-3559 for details.

            Asheboro and Randolph Rotary Clubs are the signature sponsors for “An Evening Under Australian Stars”, Saturday, June 12, 2004.  $65 per person.

            Since PP Mac is in charge we are going to learn more than we want to know: On May 21—1881—Clara Barton Founded the American Red Cross; 1924—Leopold and Loeb committed the murder that brought them notoriety; 1956—detonation of the first airborne H-bomb over Bikini Atoll; Susan Lucci finally won a Daytime Emmy Award.  President Mike, where are you?

            Dick Heckman introduced the program on behalf of the RCC Committee.  The topic for today is the Biotechnology Program at Randolph Community College.  RCC in collaboration with Alamance Community College will be adding this program to their inventory this fall.

            North Carolina is the sixth fastest growing state in the union.  Randolph is one of the fastest growing counties in North Carolina.  Between now and 2017, our area will experience 31% growth in young people completing high school.  Growth in jobs requiring an associate’s degree will outstrip growth in jobs requiring other levels of preparation.

            Biotechnology will produce the jobs of the future.  What does it take to be successful?  Asheboro City Schools, Randolph County Schools and RCC are working together to keep students in school.  Dick introduced our two speakers: Ann Cutter and Dr. Donna Perry.  Ann Cutter has taught at UNCG and Piedmont Community College.  She has won the RCC excellence in teaching award.  Ms. Cutter has a BS from Guilford College and an MA from UNCG.   Dr. Perry received her Ph.D. from Syracuse University.  She specialized in Cell Science Studies.  She worked in Marseilles and did research in sequencing and cloning at UNCCH.

            Dr. Perry spoke first.  She first defined Biotechnology as the use of gene science to create new products from plants and animals.

            Biotechnology provides improved foods, medical advances and enhances our environment.  Biotechnology creates longer shelf life in food products; better tasting food; and enhanced nutritional value.  Advances in medicine include new forms of insulin reliable, inexpensive sources and research will lead to the creation of bananas that contain hepatitis vaccine.  The environment will be enhanced by decreased use of pesticides.

            Biotechnology is a billion-dollar industry in North Carolina.  Success stories in the field include Embrex in the Research Triangle Park with poultry applications.  BioResource International in Raleigh utilizes chicken feathers to make feather meal.  Syngenta in Greensboro.  Arrow International in Asheboro makes catheterization products.

            The job outlook, Dr. Perry said is strong.  Biotechnology is one of the top fastest-growing sectors.  Today there are few jobs in Randolph County, although there are jobs in the surrounding counties.  In the future, the goal is to recruit industries to come to Randolph County.  Salaries will begin at about $28,000 and cap out at about $42,000, commensurate with experience.

            The curriculum and competencies for the Biotechnology Program include emphasis on biology, English, chemistry, statistics in the first year.  In the second year (at Alamance Community College) students will take genetics, microbiology and study immunology.  The final summer of the program will entail cooperative work experience.

Competencies comprise emphasis on “TheThree R’s,” interest in science, attention to detail and being a team player.  Also students need to develop mechanical skills, the ability to work in a highly regulated environment, and accept shift flexibility.

            Dr. Perry indicated that we can help the Biotechnology Program to be successful by educating students about biotechnology; by encouraging students to take advanced courses in science and math; by volunteering in schools; and by referring students to RCC.

            Ms. Cutter then spoke briefly about what the students will learn at Alamance Community College.  Topics include the calibration of machinery, assay techniques, and clean-room techniques.

            PP Mac thanked Dr. Perry and Ms. Cutter for an interesting program and adjourned the meeting.

Cloned by Philip shore

May 14, 2004

Posted May 18, 2004

—————-0O0—————– 

Greetings to all Rotarians!

 It was learned, sadly, this morning that Evan Minier has died.  Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.  Because the print edition of The Tarwheel is prepared separately from the electronic version, this information is not included in the print edition (nor in the body of this version).  So please be sure to pass the word so that everyone knows.

 Our world-traveling delegates to the International Conference will be on their way to Osaka by the end of this week.  Turn a thought their way too.

 See you Friday!

Philip

IN GEAR—May 14—Let’s go backwards today!  President Mike Freeland called Rebecca Redding, chairwoman of the Family of Rotary Committee (other members are Mary Joan Pugh and Patrick O’Hara) to introduce our program.  Rebecca told us that today we will hear from the outbound Group Study Exchange team members who were in Mexico from March 20-April 18.  Inbound team members from the state of Chihuahua attended the District Conference in Asheville.  The inbound team was from District 4110.  Rebecca said that we should begin now locating team member and team leader candidates for the GSE swap with Germany next year.  (A GSE team leader MUST be a Rotarian; a team member CANNOT be a Rotarian.)

            Speaking to us are Katrina Thompson a Winston-Salem police officer sponsored by the Reynolda Rotary Club; Sara Coulter a 7^th grade teacher from South Asheboro Middle School sponsored by Asheboro Rotary Club; and Todd Saunders a police officer in Burlington who was sponsored by the Alamance Breakfast Rotary Club.  Katrina spoke first.

            She first thanked God for allowing her to realize her life’s purpose; her family, particularly her husband, who held things down while she was gone; Jaci Betts and Cookie Billings for their support; and District Governor Bob Newton and District 7690 for all their help.

            Katrina is assigned to the Domestic Violence Youth and Family Services aspect of the Winston-Salem Police Department.  The GSE team was her first exposure to Rotary.  She was deeply impressed by the numerous things DG Bob did for the team.  He allowed the team to meet in his conference room at work and he, with his wife Donna, opened his home to team members and their families to help everyone get to know each other better.

Katrina began her story at Aguascalientes on the date of their arrival, March 20.  The team was greeted with open arms and warm hearts and that remained the constant attitude during their stay.  When she first saw their itinerary she began to realize how intense emotionally and physically this experience was going to be.  The team visited a wide variety of businesses and institutions, many sponsored by Rotary. 

            It was the little things that made big points to Katrina (and to other team members).  When she found she had to brush her teeth with bottled water, she found that the drinking water she took for granted at home would have been a luxury in Mexico.

            Katrina said that she was eating so much that she didn’t learn much of the language.  They traveled to eleven cities during the trip.  Everywhere, Rotarians and their families repeated the phrase, “Mi casa es su casa”

            Katrina’s reason for going to Mexico was to be able to assist Hispanic citizens.  In her work area she serves mostly Mexican families.  “We don’t know what’s wrong and they are afraid to tell us,” Katrina said.  She used her time and her perspective as a police officer to learn why many Hispanic people have such little confidence in their law enforcement officers.  Her observation was that some Mexican officers were having as much trouble surviving as the people they were serving.

            Katrina will share her experiences and newfound understandings with colleagues as well as apply what she learned in her work.  She exhorted Asheboro Rotarians to continue to support the GSE program because it changed her life.

            Sara Coulter was our next speaker.  Deep emotion was not far from the surface when she spoke.  Each of the team members looked at the trip from their occupational viewpoints.  As a teacher Sara kept a keen eye on the schools and education.  Her purpose in going was to break away from stereotypical thinking.  She had had the idea that all Mexicans had brown skin and dark features.  What she found were many people as fair as she was.  This was due to European ancestry rather than from Native American forebears.

            She wants to open hearts and minds to change negative perceptions.  What she learned was that 12% of Mexican children finish high school; 7% go on to higher education; and a fraction of a per cent go further on to obtain advanced degrees.  Many parents of children living in the U.S. cannot read either Spanish or English.  During school visits she found deplorable conditions.  Little classroom equipment or supplies.  Many children work rather than attend school.  Life, she found, is about survival and education is a luxury.

            To conclude her presentation Sara read from a student essay about being thankful for the advantages of living in the United States where it was possible to have cereal and ice cream as a normal part of daily life.

            Todd Saunders,  a Burlington police officer took the podium.  He said he had never known anything about Rotary until one of his superior officers asked him if he wanted to take the journey to Mexico.  Because he had been cultivating language skills for some time, he readily agreed.  He thanked Asheboro Rotarians for the opportunity to meet and travel with “like-minded people”.  He expressed the desire to better himself as an officer protecting and serving in a community with a large Hispanic component.

            Through four Mexican states and eleven cities he enjoyed the companionship of the Team and the experiences of travel.  Like Katrina he was surprised by the simple things—choice of music, for instance.  One of the Rotarians giving the team a ride to the next city shocked Todd by having U2 on the stereo rather than something more ethnic.  Todd realized then and there that we have to stop ourselves from allowing ourselves to pre-judge people.

            With a story representing Mexican philosophy of life, Todd closed his presentation.  He said that the Mexican mode of thought is that you’re not really living unless your are enjoying life.

            Katrina popped up to tell one quick experience: visiting law officers, whether at home or abroad, often swap uniform patches, much like Rotarians swap banners.  In Aguascalientes, she offered to swap with the head of the local constabulary and he replied that he didn’t have one to swap.  But that he did have something to give her.  He gave her his badge.  This sent home again the message of friendship fostered by GSE visits.

            President Mike thanked the team and the meeting was adjourned.

            The beginning of the meeting was like this: no piano playing today so all we had was chin music but there was lots of that.  Janet Harllee gave the invocation after we greeted one another.  She thanked God for the beautiful day, the time together and asked for guidance in service.

            Talmadge Baker aspired to the high position of Sergeant at Arms du jour. He presented Shelley Lympany, guest of Jaci Betts.  Shelley was on last year’s GSE team to Nigeria.  Alison Gaither and Ed Bunch were visiting from the Randolph Club.

            Kathy Homiller introduced student guests from Asheboro High School.  We were pleased to have Pallie Nardali and Alexandra Gibson with us.  Talmadge gave each an Object of Rotary t-shirt.

            President Mike called on Mary Joan Pugh for a report on District Assembly.  Mary Joan said that the eight attendees got some good ideas for next year. We’ll put them to use in support of Don Allred during his year as District Governor.  The assembly delivered all the required information but it had a decidedly light touch—that’s our Don.

            Cooper Thornton announced a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls’s Club.  Soprano Lucy Yates and pianist Sofia Chandley will team up to entertain at the Gatekeepers House on Sunday, June 6.  $50 per person.  Two seatings, brunch and supper with food prepared by Tim Womick.

            Mike announced the Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association dinner on May 18.  Mike has the directions and times. 

            John Revell announced the United Way Evening Under Australian Stars.  Asheboro and Randolph Rotary Clubs are the signature sponsors.  June 12, 6:30-9:30, $65 per person.

            There will be no meeting Friday, June 18 because it will have been held on Thursday, June 17, at Pinewood Country Club in celebration of the coronation of Don Allred as District Governor.  $30 per person.  (Does NOT include dues.)

            Talmadge reminded us that Rotary Foundations are still being accepted at the back table.  Don’t make Wilbert resort to stronger measures.

            Then the program—see above.

Out of order by Philip shore

May 7, 2004

Posted May 11, 2004

 Hello Everyone–

 Please keep Carolyn Cox in mind.  She is at Clapp’s.  I bet she’d value a card or a visit (phone calls don’t work too well at Clapp’s).

Please keep Evan Minier in your thoughts.  He has been very ill.

 Better start getting ready to keep our international travelers in mind as they journed to Osaka pretty soon now–and that’s a long way to tip a rary.
 
Allen Holt informed me that he had seen a ‘39 Henweigh this past week.

 Be sure to ask him about it.

 See you Friday!

Philip

IN GEAR—May 7—    T’were dreadful dull at the head table.  Past President Mac Whatley asked this reporter to join him and Jim Finison because it is so lonely at the top.  No pretty girls at all.  Plus the head table this week was on ground level with the mere mortal Rotarians and it was in the middle of the room towards the left-hand side. 

   After finding solace in Joy Menius’s music (For Your Eyes Only, I Love You Just The Way You Are, and the themes from Batman and the Pink Panther, among other selections) and pineapple cake, PP Mac proved that even disoriented he could make the room ring.  A mighty thwack with the gavel stopped mastication wherever it had broken out.

   Our room erupted in friendly chatter and activity when Mac invited us to greet someone we had not yet spoken to.  While we were jabbering and shaking hands a group of splendidly dressed young people formed up into two rows.  As we quieted Mac presented the Park Street Ensemble to sing our National Anthem.

   With clear tone and exquisite enunciation the group of sixteen singers sang this most difficult of songs.  Lavish applause followed their rendition.

Mac led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Neal Griffin raised the invocation which concluded with thanks to God for “all your love and truth”.

It was a delightful surprise to have Carole Gilliam introduce our guest.  She is studying the art of Sergeancy-at-Arms because in a scant three weeks we’ll have a change of regime.  Her introductions were a lot better than Ed Clayton’s.  She didn’t call anyone names.  Steve Hedgepeth, Ann Grey, wife of Sandy Grey, Gail Crawford, wife of Rick Crawford, and Beverly Beck wife of Stan Beck were our invited guests.  Reid Pollard, Linda Brown, and Alison Gaither were Randolph Club Visitors.  From the Summit Club in Greensboro Steele Smith was visiting.  The prizewinner for long distance visitor went to Laura Bregles of the White Sands Club in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where the first atomic bomb tests were made.  She was positively glowing.

Sam Cranford introduced our student guests from Asheboro High School.  Courtney Maness is a member of the Key Club.  She is on the Quiz Bowl Team.  Her hobbies are riding at Shiflett Stables and she loves to read and write.  Courtney has already taken her Senior Boards. Her topic was culinary arts. Sam rearranged her choice of colleges somewhat; he said she planned to attend the University of North Carolina (AT RALEIGH).

Richard Lee Jordan plays clarinet in the band and enjoys reading and writing.  His Senior Boards topic was vampires.  PDG Cranford wondered where he dug up a mentor for that subject.  Richard will begin college at RCC and transfer to UNCG where is plans to follow a course of study that will lead to a career in clinical psychology or in high school counseling.

President Mike Freeland is in Oklahoma attending flight school.  We hope he learns enough to fly back.  Since we were missing Tax Talk, PP Mac took full advantage of the low rostrum to give us something we have been missing as much as Tax Talk and Culture Time combined: Today in US history.  May 7 has been a busy day throughout the ages:  1945—VE Day.  1833 and 1840—Brahms and Tchaikovsky respectively, were born.  1915—sinking of the Lusitania.  1954—French forces concede defeat at Dien Bien Phu and more and more and more.

Mac informed us that he is working on a picture book of Randolph County.  To that end he solicited photographs from the membership depicting events of the 20^th century.  The book will go to press in June.  He said he had enough photos of the 19^th century.

May birthdays:  Doug Aitken, Don Allred, Linda Cranford, John Grey, Dick Heckman, Denny Jennings, Maxton McDowell, John Redding, and Dan Thomas.

Steele Smith of the Summit Club made an announcement of interest to Asheboro Rotarians.  He promoted a cruise to Bermuda that emphasizes Rotary fellowship.  The dates are September 26 through October 2 with ground transportation from our area to Norfolk part of the package.  There is a Rotary fundraising aspect to this trip.  For full particulars, call Kay Allred at 800-446-9313 or email kallred@cruiseone.com.

The program today is the responsibility of the Music Committee, John Grey, Chairman.  Since John was out of town, Jim Finison filled in as introducer.

Jim announced that the Park Street Ensemble is the honors vocal ensemble of Asheboro High School.  This year’s group is made up of one sophomore, four juniors, and eleven seniors.  This year the Ensemble has performed at the opening ceremony of Randolph County Special Olympics; a meeting of the Randolph County Retired School Personnel Association and for senior adult groups at First United Methodist Church and Balfour Baptist Church.  They also performed the National Anthem for each AHS Varsity basketball game.  The group was selected to perform the National Anthem at the NC High School Athletic Association boy’s championship basketball game at the Dean Smith Center.  The Ensemble is directed by Delores Crutchfield, who holds Bachelor of Music and Master of Music degrees from UNCG.  A native of Statesville, she has taught for twenty years, is the accompanist for the Randolph Chorale and is married to Robert Crutchfield.

            The young people sang two songs without introduction.  The first was a madrigal entitled “You Stole My Love”.  Madrigal singing was a popular medieval home entertainment.  The Ensemble performed the piece crisply and with great vigor.

The second song was in a tongue not English, not Latin, simply not identifiable.  It was smooth and beautifully done.  At its conclusion Deloris told us it was a Maori folksong.  She then introduced “Simple Gifts” an American folk song as arranged by Bob Chilcothe of the King’s Singers.

The Ensemble performed as a true ensemble; the sound was that of one voice.  It was obvious that great care had been given to balance of voices, tone maintenance, dynamics and diction.  This was true of all selections.

After Mancini’s “Moon River” Delores put in a plug for her end of year choral concert at AHS:  Thursday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m..  The band concert will take place the following Thursday, May 27, also at 7:30.

The program concluded with two spirituals, “When I Get To Heaven” and “Ezekiel Saw the Wheel”.  Delores commented that she loved going to work because she enjoyed the company of these young folks.  She said threatened their parents to do something to fail the eleven seniors so she’d get to keep them.

PP Mac thanked Delores and the Ensemble as Rotarians rose in tribute to the program.  Philip Shore announced that Sheila Kerrigan would present the second in the Randolph Arts Guilds Creativity series, Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m.  There is no charge for the program.

Wilbert Hancock reports that members need to keep bringing in their annual Rotary Foundation donations.  Money needs to be turned in by the first of June.

PP Mac then adjourned the meeting.

 Phil Shore fecit.

April 30, 2004

Posted May 4, 2004

 Greetings! 

Don’t forget the District Assembly on Thursday, May 13, at Guilford Technical Community College from 9 am to 1 pm, including lunch.  The Club will pay the $25.00 registration–if you hustle your buns and register NOW! Today! In the Next Five Minutes!  President Elect Mary Joan encourages all board members and committee chairs to attend. 

Charleston in 2005!

 If you want Rotary to have a stamp honoring the Centennial, write your U.S. congresspeople within the time frame listed above.

See you Friday–Philip

IN GEAR—April 30—Beautiful sunshine greeted members of the Asheboro Rotary Club as we gathered for our weekly session.  Joy Menius took us on a musical journey, from a “Bridge Over Troubled Water” to “Chattanooga Choo Choo.”  As usual, the repast was overly sufficient, with baked spaghetti, chicken crunch, green beans, stir fry vegetables, and – a Southern favorite – bread pudding for dessert. 

            President Mike Freeland once again was at the helm.  Our customary call to order and invitation to greet each other provided opportunities to share a handshake and a smile.  Following our Pledge of Allegiance, Rev. Everett Thomas offered our invocation.  Offering thanks for the beautiful and all its opportunities, he offered further thanks for this gathering of men and women, dedicated to service.

            Ed Clayton ascended the podium to introduce our guests.  Jim Foster is returning to Asheboro from Asheville, and we are very glad to welcome him back into the fold.  Mitzi Graves, guidance counselor from Asheboro High School, and Judy Freeman, guidance counselor from Southwestern Randolph High School, were introduced as part of our program from the scholarship committee.

            Candy Rudzinski introduced our student guests from Asheboro High School.  Kathryn Reaves is a senior and the daughter of Ross and Karen Reaves.  As one of four children, she enjoys horseback riding and plans to attend Meredith College in the fall.  Walter Palumbo, son of Richard and Susan Palumbo, has completed classes at Randolph Community College.  At Asheboro High School he has been active in the band, History Club, and National Honor Society, but his strongest activities have been in the areas of JROTC.  Walter has attended Cadet Officer Leadership School, served as a Squadron Commander there, and received the prestigious Mitchell Award from the Civil Air Patrol.  He has received awards from American Legion, American Veterans, and AFJROTC.  Additionally, Walter has obtained his private pilot’s license.  He plans to attend UNC Charlotte and become an Air Force pilot.  Mitzi Graves later shared that Walter has received a full ROTC scholarship to UNC Charlotte toward this goal.

            Mournfully, President Mike announced that there were so many announcements that he would not have time for Tax Talk.  Every offering a silver lining, he did have a topic and if anyone was so bereft that they needed it, he would be glad to share after the meeting.

            Bill Walsh presented his new member talk.  As the grandson of an Irish immigrant, Bill received his education in upstate New York.  In 1986 he ventured into Greensboro to begin his own physical therapy business, Hand and Rehabilitation Specialists of North Carolina.  Satellite businesses in Eden and Asheboro followed.  Bill serves as national president of the American Society of Hand Therapists and will be traveling a great deal in June in this capacity.  Bill was exposed to Rotary through a church acquaintance and was impressed by Rotary’s dedication to service.  A valid farm connection can be drawn through Bill’s great grandfather, a sheep farmer in Ireland.  This connection will be reaffirmed this summer as Bill and his wife travel to Ireland in celebration of their 30^th wedding anniversary to visit the farm, still operated by Bill’s relatives.

            In other announcements:  Yadkin Valley Rotary will sponsor the 3^rd annual Wine Festival on May 15.  Registration is free, but there is a $10 charge for wine tasting.  Mike has registration information.  Jaci Betts presented the club with an Asheville Rotary Club Banner.  Speaking of Asheville, Mike recognized that seven members of Asheboro Rotary attended the District Conference in Asheville last week.  We should all make plans to attend next year’s conference in Charleston, April 28-May 1.  Randolph Rotary Club was recognized as recipient of the Gold Club Award.  President Elect Mary Joan Pugh announced that next year we are to win that honor.  It is attainable through activities in each of four areas, and she has already outlined goals for next year to help us acquire this status.  Twelve clubs will be recognized as Gold Clubs, and we can make our own Don Allred proud as District Governor by achieving this level of recognition.

            President Mike asked us to remember Evan Minier and Janet Harllee, both of whom are in the hospital.

            May 13 is the District Assembly at GTCC in Greensboro.  Don Allred will be presiding.  Wilbert Hancock reminded the membership that our goal is $100 from each member for the Rotary Foundation.  Wilbur will be at the back table each week until June 1 to collect our contributions.  When all have contributed, we will receive a banner for sustaining membership in the Foundation.

            Our program was introduced by Jim Rich, chairman of the Scholarship Committee.  Asheboro Rotary provides $6000 annually for scholarships to students selected through three criteria:  academic achievement, citizenship, and financial need.  Members of the scholarship committee include Bob Croft, Huntley Bossong, and Kaye Bryan.  Jim thanked the counselors of Asheboro High School and Southwestern Randolph High School for their assistance in recognizing recipients.  Mitzi Graves shared with the assemblage that 210 seniors at Asheboro High School have varied post graduation plans, and 195 of those students’ plans include post-secondary education of some kind, representing 37 different schools.  Mitzi thanked the organization for helping these students fulfill their dreams.  The AHS scholarship recipients then addressed the audience.  Catie Cummings plans to attend UNC Chapel Hill to pursue a degree in medicine.  She eloquently recounted her misgivings about her chosen path, but an experience of delivering Thanksgiving meals to needful families strengthened her resolve to pursue this profession and make a difference in the lives of the needy.  She thanked the organization for the scholarship, which will help her focus on academics rather than funding.  Ben Tonkin leaves next week to participate in the national Mock Trial Team competition in Florida.  As a future Duke student, Ben will pursue the sciences or medical research.  He, too, is grateful for the financial assistance.

            Judy Freeman expressed her thanks to Asheboro Rotary Club for providing scholarships for three students at Southwestern Randolph High School.  She shared that increasing enrollment is a challenge at her school, but bright spots include SWRHS’s victory over Asheboro in football this year.  Ashley Blackwell is captain of the girls’ soccer team and runs cross country track.  She works closely with Special Olympics, but this year she devoted 750 hours of service to raise over $2000 and run a marathon for the Leukemia/Lymphoma Foundation.  Ashley will attend NC State University to major in biology and chemistry with a mathematics emphasis.  Her studies will include a junior year in Australia.  Erica Needham founded the Independent Film Club at SWRHS.  Active in marching and concert band, her interest in film will take her to UNC Wilmington to major in film studies.  Susan Patterson participates in several organizations at SWRHS and works as an intern at Randolph Hospital, where she has earned Nurses Assistant certification.  Her dedication to school is exemplified by her having only one absence from school in grades 7-12.  Susan will attend Garner Webb to major in nursing. 

            President Mike thanked the scholarship committee, its chairman Jim Rich, and wished good luck to each of the students.  There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned.

Duly noted by Denny Jennings