February 23, 2005

Posted February 29, 2005

————–oo—————–

IN GEAR—February 23—A report on the enormous celebration of Rotary’s 100^th Birthday.

              Imagine 900 of everything.  Place settings, glassware, cutlery, ten to a table, tables decorate with blue and gold balloons.  Imagine almost a hundred people taking care of 900 people’s dining needs swiftly and silently, as the biggest gathering of District 7690 Rotarians ever assembled in one place focused its attention on the watchwords of RI President Glen Estess, “Celebrate Rotary”.

            On each seat there was a list of 7690 Centennial Projects—forty clubs, ours among them, did great things in their community in honor of the Centennial.  There was also a brochure showing the charms of the Embassy Suites Hotel in North Charleston for our Centennial District Conference, April 28-May 1.  Stapled to the brochure was a slip with the Conference website where information and forms could be found.

            There were no agendas or lists of activities.  Only those who had speaking parts had any idea what was going to unfold.  The sound of happy diners noshing away was about ten times the sound we make when we greet fellow Rotarians at the beginning of our meetings.  And you know we are loud.  Terry Vuncannon had the sound in the one room formed by Ballrooms A, B, and C at the Koury Convention Center adjusted so that clarity without blaring was achieved.  Terry will be doing sound in Charleston, too. 

            The table decorations were provided by our own Jaci Betts and they gave the horizontal plane a vertical lift of color and elegance.

            The meeting was planned and run by District Governor Nominee Mitzi Ellis.  She kept the pace brisk and the interest high.  Food was served just before she called us to order.  Some of us didn’t know whether to wait or eat, but we mostly got the message that would be an insufferably long meeting if we waited.

            Reverend Dr. G. Howard Allred, the father of Governor Don Allred, gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Assistant Governor Terry Titus read a Happy Birthday Rotary proclamation provided by the 109^th Congress of the United States.  In it Rotary was cited as the first and one of the largest nonprofit service organizations.  It declared February 23, 2005, as Rotary International Day and recognized on hundred years of service.

            Don took the podium to speak briefly about the shelter box project.  In the immediate aftermath of the tsunami disaster he consulted the operating officers of District 7690 to get matching funds for the purchase of shelter boxes.  $20,000 was designated as matching money.  Don proudly announced that the clubs have contributed more than $129,000.

            Greensboro Mayor Keith Holliday came to the stage to commend Rotary on its longevity and its effect on the Piedmont Triad, not just Greensboro.  He thanked us for bringing quality to life in our area.

            A three minute video of Rotary International President Glenn Estess, Sr., contained a message about Centennial Projects and Partnerships.  He encouraged us to set an example of service.

            Mitzi Ellis came out to discuss the Blanket Project.  This was a district project with a goal of making two blankets out of provided materials.  The success of the project was visible onstage—one hundred blue and gold blankets, two from each of the fifty clubs were piled neatly across the front of the stage.

            Then the meeting took a nosedive.  Don Allred and Philip Shore performed as Don and Phil, The Elderly Brothers, singing, “Now and Forever, It’s Rotareeeeee.”  After that Philip put in a plug for the Centennial District Conference. 

            The next presentation struck exactly the right tone for the day.  A gentleman came out onstage and introduced himself as Paul Harris.  Paul seemed youthful despite his advance age and he was very proud of how a simple idea to provide social and business contacts aside from religion and politics had developed to cover the world.

            The first meeting was, of course, February 23, 1905, in Chicago.  Paul didn’t become president until the third year.  The second club was organized in San Francisco in 1908.  By 1910 there were sixteen clubs.  In 1912, Great Britain and Canada had clubs and Rotary became Rotary International.  Today there are 1.2 million Rotarians in 31,000 clubs in 166 countries.

            Paul told us about the history of the Rotary Foundation.  A donation of $26.50 began it and by 1928 there was over $5,000.  $1.3 billion has been disbursed from the Foundation for worldwide humanitarian and educational use.  $500,000,000 has been spent on polio eradication.  209 countries and areas of the world are now polio-free.

            Before he left, Paul exhorted us to “Enjoy Rotary”.

            Next up was Brooks Bristow who sang big band versions of two songs-“I’ve Got The World On A String, Sitting On A Rainbow” and “Chicago, Chicago, That Toddling Town” a reference to the site of the upcoming International convention.  Great pipes!

            Don had the lights lowered and a birthday cake with one hundred candles was brought out.  In order to provide enough air to blow them out, he invited all PDGs to join him.  During the singing of Happy Birthday to Rotary, the PDGs successfully extinguished the candles. Dessert was served and final remarks were made.

            Don thanked Jaci and Arborgate Florist for the decorations and the Koury Group for hosting the event so beautifully.  Mitzi Ellis also deserves kudos for bringing together so large and diverse a meeting with such poise and attention to detail.  We were out ten minutes early and on our ways to homes and workplaces.

            A grand celebration indeed!

Philip Shore

February 18, 2005

Posted February 22, 2005

 

IN GEAR—February 18—After a splendid piano concert by Joy Menius, President Mary Joan Pugh called on Captain Jason Hughes to return thanks.  Jason asked blessings on us as representatives of the community to use our gifts, talents, actions, attitude, goals and mission as Rotarians to the betterment of our world. 

            Sergeant at Arms Carole Gilliam introduced our guests.  Susan Foley, better half of our speaker Bob Foley, was the guest of Lonnie Keogh.  A claim was made that J.D. Murphy, brought by his brother Tom, was the better half of all Murphy siblings present.  From the Randolph Club, Bob Wright and Kenn Clark joined us. ‘  

            Mini Singh introduced the single student guest today, Katie Martin.  Katie is the daughter of Dwight and Deborah Martin.  She has lived in Asheboro for fourteen years.  She has two sisters.  Katie is active in Young Life and Spanish Club.  She plans to attend NC State in the fall.

            President Mary Joan reminded us that next Wednesday, February 23 is 100^th Anniversary of Rotary.  Our celebration at the Koury Center will be the largest gathering of District 7690 people ever—926 have registered.

            For her Green Talk President Mary Joan suggested that car-pooling was a means of conservation.  Any one who wants to car pool should meet at AVS at 10:45.

            District Conference early registration will expire Monday, February 21 although registration is open through March 21.  To get a vivid picture of what is awaiting you in Charleston go to www.rotary7690conference.org.  Forty-six Asheboro Rotarians and spouses are planning to go.  Go for Don; stay for Fun!

            Happy Birthday to: Stan Beck, Steve Eblin, Rebecca Redding, Duffy Johnson, Lonnie Keogh.  Special whoopee to Pauline McKee and Mike Miller whose common birthday is February 23.

            The March 4^th meeting will feature Rotarian speakers courtesy of the Membership Development Committee, Tom White, Chairman.  March 11^th is a joint meeting with the Randolph Club.

            President Mary Joan introduced our newest member.  Ben Morgan is a lawyer practicing real estate law.  He was sponsored by H.R. Gallimore who joined him at the podium.  President Mary Joan gave him a copy of the Object of Rotary and to bring Ben in we recited the 4-Way Test.

            Allen Oliver, chairman of the Rotary Information Committee introduced the speaker for the Youth Committee, Candie Rudzinski, Chair, on this day when the Rotary Foundation Committee, Wilbert Hancock, Chair has the program.  Allen said it worked out well because he was able to present the club with two plaques earned by the basketball team sponsored by Asheboro Rotary through Asheboro Parks and Recreation.

            Bob Foley was born in Pittsburgh and grew up in Cleveland.  From his early years he was active in athletics, as a basketball player and track star.  He has been coaching for twenty-eight years.  He has coached teams from Cleveland, Kansas City and Italy.  While with Kansas City his team won the ABA championship.  Among his other activities he serves on the board of the Naismith Foundation.  His wife Susan is with us today.  They have two sons, Brendan and Bryan.  Recently Bob helped bring the Harlem Legends to Asheboro for two games to raise funds for the Boys and Girls Club.

            Bob thanked Asheboro Rotarians for their support of the fundraiser.  He said he would be talking about basketball, coaching, the Naismith Foundation and youth sports today.

            Much of his talk was about success and what is required to achieve it.  “Make the most of time.” was his first rule?  Dedicate yourself and work hard.

            Basketball was invented by Dr. James Naismith in 1891 in the YMCA.  By 1894 the game was played in China.

Despite exponential growth of interest in the game over the years, from the ‘60’s through the 90s, free throw and field goal scoring percentages have decreased.  Bob asked why?

            Because of changes in the game, social and economic.  Pure basketball is a team sport not a “me”-sport.   Basketball has become a big business.  The three point shot has changed the game too.

            An organization such as the Naismith Foundation wants to see the purity return to the sport.  Bob predicted that it wouldn’t be long before some kid drops out of high school to into the pro leagues.

            Another sign of change is that the athletic director, the basketball and football coaches make more money than the senior staff at colleges and universities.

            “It’s just a game.  Exciting but not all that important.”

Bob said.  “Society places a big emphasis on winning or losing, but it’s a temporary fascination, we start again tomorrow.”  He noted that people don’t remember who won from a year ago.

            Foley commented on success in coaching.  One basic need is good players.  Then the trick is to play the right players and simultaneously play smarter and harder together.

            Train the player to the system not the system to the player. And practice fundamentals: do common things uncomonly well.

            Bob said there are only three things you can control in a game: Effort, Emotion, and Enthusiasm.

            The Naismith Foundation is trying to get the message out to highschoolers and junior highs that there is a right way to play.  That even at their young ages they are role models. 

            Bob’s advice to the young player who want to excel sell the Nintendo.  His opinion that many youth today want to get to the final destination without making the trip.

            His guidelines to change the game of basketball back to a purer state: Change the very young players.  Put respect in their lives.  Make the players responsible for their actions.  In summing up he said, “Players play; Coaches coach; Parents parent.

            Bob fielded a few questions (including one about his livelihood—he works at Technimark in the off season) and we were then adjourned.

            No basketball players were harmed in the preparation of this newsletter. 

——Philip Shore

February 4, 2005

Posted February 8, 2005

 

IN GEAR—February 4—After a few choice hit tunes on the piano, after enthusiastic applause for pianist Joy Menius, and after the Pledge of Allegiance, Rob Reese unleashed a strong and complicated request for blessing that praised the beauty of the day, the food, our club and Rotary International for the good work it does, was thankful for freedom that we often treat cavalierly, and called for assistance to the hungry, the homeless, the sick, the oppressed and those with no hope.  Our club not only has beautiful dinner music, exceptional programs, but also thoughtful and universal invocations.

            President Mary Joan Pugh called on Sergeant at Arms Carole Gilliam to introduce our guests—this did not take long (Where are they?).  With us today was DGE Phil Morris of the Furnitureland Club and Bob McCrae from the Randolph Club.

            Lee Malpass introduced two student guests from Asheboro High School:  Andrew Edwards and Kristin Marley.

            Andrew participates in cross-country, swimming and tennis.  He is a member of Park Street Players, Young Republicans.  He is vice president of Key Club and treasurer of both FCA and National Honor Society.  He plans to attend Campbell University to major in trust/investment management.

            Kristin is equally involved and talented.  She is a member of the National Honor Society, the Literary Society and she is president of the Swing Dance Club.  She is on the cross country and track team.  She works part-time and teaches Sunday School.  She will be attending NCSU, enrolled in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences to major in Nutrition.

Kristin just completed her Senior Project on the topic of catering.  Rotarians Richard Garkalns and Philip Shore were privileged to hear her presentation and sample her cooking.

            President Mary Joan told us that Allen Oliver was absent today because he was bringing his wife Wendy home from a bone marrow transplant.  We all wish the Olivers well.  Don Durham announced that Ken Gobel has some health difficulties.  Our good thoughts go out to Ken.

            PDG Wilbert Hancock announced that the club has raised $8,305 for Shelter Boxes and $8,820 for our annual RI donation.  Wilbert also took a moment to encourage club members to attend the Centennial District Conference in Charleston—he said that the Conference is the highlight of the Governor’s year.

            Carol Matney reported that 34 Rotarians and spouses had registered plus 10 maybes.

            Don’t for get the Centennial Birthday Bash at the Koury Center on February 23–$15 per person (paid in advance, please—we need the registration and $$$ by next Friday).  There will be no Friday meeting that week.

            Jim Culberson reported that everything is prepared for the in-coming Group Study Exchange visit in April.  Guest homes have been arranged (DG Don will be housing a two star admiral, the team leader.  Hope everything is ship shape and that the Admiral likes the cut of Don’s jib.)  Other members are a lawyer, a marketing specialist, a metallurgist and a scientist.

            With regard to our options on food service: another possible plan has come forward involving The Exchange as a location with Quotables as a food source.  Discussion and voting will take place next week.

            President Mary Joan turned the podium over to Owen George to introduce our guest speaker, Nora Leiva.  Nora is a native of Santiago, Chile.  She is a participant in the Visiting International Faculty (VIF) program.  VIF teachers work in the US on a three-year contract.  Owen told us that Nora is a “beloved” teacher at Liberty Elementary.  She teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) to kids and parents.  She taught in Chilean public and private schools for twenty years.  She also taught at the US Embassy.

            “Our daily lives are increasingly international,” she said.  People, places, products and opportunities present themselves more frequently.  International institutions play a key role.

            VIF has been providing teachers and cultural exchanges since 1987.  Currently there are 1800 VIF educators in the US. 

            Experiences in this program are unique but with commonalities that extend the breadth of understanding.  Nora feels that she has an affect on the minds and lives of the people with whom she works.

            This is not Nora’s first experience with living in the US.  She came here as an exchange student in 1974 through AFS.  The friends she made then, she still has now.   A whole second family of parents and sibs.

            On this contract she brought her three children with her (21, 18, and 11 are the ages of the two older girls and youngest brother.)  Now they, like she, have friends in many parts of the world.  Nora lists personal contacts in the US, Canada, England, the Philippines, Ecuador, Guatemala and Venezuela as her friends.

            In the US she is the cultural link between the school and her students.  Many of her students are Mexican.   Although the Mexican students represent a Spanish speaking culture, her Chilean Spanish and cultural outlook is very different.  She feels that she has learned much from her students.  But she hopes to open her student’s eyes beyond borders.  “In this era of terrorism, this new generation will promote international understanding,” she said in conclusion.

            President Mary Joan gave Nora a pen made from recycled wood in thanks and adjourned the meeting.

            Written internationally by Philip Shore

January 28, 2005

Posted February 1, 2005

 

IN GEAR—January 28—We were privileged again to be swathed richly in favorite music from expert hands—Thanks, Joy Menius!  Elizabeth Cox raised an invocation that pointed both to our human frailty and the strengths Rotary demonstrates.  Her thoughtfulness was thought provoking.

            President Mary Joan Pugh called Sergeant at Arms Carole Gilliam forward to introduce our guests.  Andy Martin, looking thoroughly at home with us, came as a guest of Lonnie Keogh.  Visiting Randolphians were Tom Pugh and Ed Bunch.  Student guests were introduced by JohnToledano the Younger.

            Our two Southwestern Randolph High School guests were Brett Hoogkamp and Jordan Peoples.  Brett is very active in sports.  He plays football & basketball and runs track.  He is a member of Beta Club.  He enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He plans to attend Averitt University to play football and major in Athletic Training. 

            Jordan Peoples is also an athlete.  He plays varsity soccer and tennis.  He, too, is a Beta Club member and is secretary of the Spanish Club. His college plans are not settled yet but he is thinking of UNC or NCSU.  He has always wanted to be a Navy fighter pilot.

From Asheboro High School we welcomed Jordan Groseclose and Darren Brennan.  Jordan participates in Key Club, SAVE, Spanish Club, and FCA as well as playing football.  Its State in the fall of ‘05 for him and there to major in Civil Engineering. 

            Darren Brennan is a member of SAVE, Key Club and is interested in cars and golf.  He plans to attend Appalachian or NC State.  To all our guests, welcome.

            President Mary Joan congratulated Richard Garkalns on the recent merger of Mid State Insurance with Neely & Lisk to form Insurance Associates of the Triad.

            Be sure to sign up (and pay for) the big birthday bash at the Koury Center on Wednesday, February 23–$15 per person and a bargain at that.  No Friday meeting that week.

            If you plan to go to the Centennial District Conference in Charleston, April 28-May 1, check in with Carol Matney and see if there’s still some subsidy $$ left—otherwise early registration is $165.  (Late registration is $195.)  Need forms or information?  Visit www.rotary7690.org/DC2005.stml.  The forms there have the mistakes ironed out and are ready to print and use.

            HAPPY BIRTHDAY! to Linda Carter and George Bain.

            Gale Thomas reported about the meal situation.  With AVS planning to go up about a dollar a week, he looked into alternatives on our behalf.  The only food service facility that offers real competition to AVS is Pinewood Country Club who is again interested in our business.  The savings offered by Pinewood are 17 cents per week compared to AVS.  Gale said this offer is offset by there being no sound system or dais at Pinewood.  He asked us to think about choosing between Pinewood and AVS or if we wished to stay at AVS to consider an alternating salad/desert plan that would save us some money.  Or just to pony up a dollar and keep what we have now.  We vote next week.

            Jerry Hill announced that 8 people signed up for Lunch Buddies.  We should be seeing some middle-school guests soon.  Don’t forget the shadow projects at SAMS and NAMS in March.

            Past President Jaci Betts presented a banner from the Cochabamba Rotary Club in Bolivia (where Butch and Sundance went to try their luck) to President Mary Joan. 

            Green Talk:  With regard to warming up your car—DON’T Turn it on and go.

            Past President Russ Williams, Chairman of the Public Relations Committee, introduced our speaker Rod Hackney.

Rod is a 1974 graduate of the UNC School of Journalism.  He worked ten years with the Greensboro News & Record.  He came to the NC Zoo in 1987 where he is the head of Public Relations.  He appears on television on such programs as Zoo Files and NC Now.  His remarks today will deal with the special challenges of Public Relations work at the Zoo—including ethical challenges.

            Rod began by saying, “Russ assumes I have ethics.”

            Rod spoke about the economic impact of the Zoo in the Piedmont.  With tourism becoming NC’s top industry, the Zoo is a star.  About 15 million people have come through the gates since the opening of Africa twenty-five years ago.  Last year the Zoo admitted 676,000 visitors.  This year ought to top that. It was estimated several years ago that the dollar impact for our area was $35 million.  That estimate has changed to $50 million.

            The annual budget is $13.1 million.  Of that the Zoo has to generate a substantial portion for its own support.  To that end, Rod works to keep visitors informed, aware, coming.

            Despite being a state agency, there is no money for marketing.  The NC Zoo is a competitor with major theme parks and attractions that can afford to budget 10% of the revenue for marketing.  Annually the Zoo Society provides $400,000 for marketing.  Thus the Zoo spends an equivalent to 3% on marketing.

            But a big job is done with small resources.  That comes from cultivating relationships with the print and broadcast media that give more bang for the buck.  Media coverage is very valuable—one official drawback is that it is Zoo policy not to use the animals for promotion.  So, no personal appearances on distant shows.  Also the natural zoo habitats don’t guarantee a sighting of the desired animal—another drawback for showbiz.

            The Zoo Files series airs on eight area stations and on 230 CBS, ABC, and Fox affiliates in the southern US.  Each Zoo Files costs $50,000 to produce but receives about $400,000 in airplay.

            In the print media Tom Gillespie’s Zoo Tales runs in 26 newspaper.  Rod’s office issues 2-3 releases each week and prepares a monthly tip sheet with 6-10 Zoo stories that encourage other writers and journalists to write their own stories.  Rod stated that the Zoo Public Relations Department had a reputation for cooperation and honesty that went a long way in cementing solid relations with the media.  Their operating philosophy is not to hide information but to offer it.  “If we know it, they know it” is how Rod expressed it.

            President Mary Joan thanked Rod and presented him with a pen made of recycled materials.  The gift pleased him.  We were set loose to what might be a snowy weekend.

            Recycled by Philip Shore