March 18, 2005

Posted March 22, 2005

 

IN GEAR—March 18—10:45 at the corner of Dixie Drive and Zoo Parkway—CVS parking lot.  The electronic sign is welcoming Asheboro Rotarians and NC Zoo Horticulture Staff.  “Happy Arbor Day” it proclaims to the world.

About 25 Rotarians, Zoo staff and CVS employees have gathered for the dedication of the first installment of a beautification project sponsored by Asheboro Rotary, Trees Asheboro, and the Department of Transportation.  Four large trees and several smaller ones have been planted to make Dixie Drive on the way to the Zoo a bit more palatable.  Cryptomeria, Savanna Holly and Smoke Trees are what have been planted.

            President Mary Joan Pugh called the gathering to order and quickly turned the meeting over to Mayor David Jarrell.  Mayor Jarrell spoke about the project as a “win-win” situation for the city because it beautifies, it’s educational, and it betters the environment.

            A round of applause was given for the Zoo staff who planted trees in yesterday’s rain and snow.  Tim Womick then spoke.  He thanked Trees Randolph, Randolph Trees, the Zoo, Asheboro Rotarians and gave lavish praise to CVS for their willingness to partner.  Donnelle Lewis, assistant manager of CVS said that her company was proud and pleased to work with the Zoo.

            In conclusion, Tim challenged the gathering to plant more trees and less grass, to beautify, to clean the air, and to green up our community.

            Twelve noon—Oh, joy! Joy’s back. Joy Menius’s piano has been silent long enough.  President Mary Joan called us to order.  A small but happy crowd today—the effect of March Madness? Jerry Hill raised the invocation.  He thanked God for bringing us together, for Rotary, that we would do what you would have us do.

            Sergeant at Arms Carole Gilliam had a lot of work today.  Janet Hughes was guest of Dick Heckman.  Bob McCrory, NC Zoo arborist, guest of Asheboro Rotary Club.  Debbie Cole and Harriett Reid came with Jerry Hill.  Lynette Garner was guest of Mac Whatley.  Visiting Randolph Rotarians were Ed Bunch and Kenn Clark. 

            Mini Singh introduced student guests.  From Asheboro High School we welcomed Heather Coble.  Heather is president of the Literary Society.  She enjoys video games and writing poetry.  She is a regional finalist for Teaching Fellows but will not know if she received the scholarship until April 1.  She plans to go to UNC-G to major in Early Childhood Education and become a teacher.

            From Southwestern Randolph High School Kim Teague and Trevor Lambert visited with us.  Kim is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club and the Student Government Association, as well as working on the yearbook.  She enjoys golf and softball.  Her educational plans are to attend UNC-W to study business management.  Trevor plans on attending Western Carolina University with a major in marketing.  His interests include Beta Club, golf, and fishing

            If it seems quiet it’s because Ed Clayton and Prithvi Hanspal in Greensboro attending President Elect Training Seminar (PETS), a rite of passage for incoming officers.  Ed is getting his second helping; we hope it takes this time.

Mike Freeland took a turn as treasurer today.

            The Family of Rotary event at the Zoo takes place Saturday, April 2.  We are the host club; volunteers are needed.  Call Rebecca Redding to volunteer.  Event registration forms are at the back table.

            NO MEETING NEXT WEEK.  IF YOU COME YOU WILL BE LONELY.

            The Human Race will run March 19.  Run, walk or sponsor—those are your options.  Lots of Asheboro Rotarians are involved in this event.  Race starts at 10 am; registration at 9.

            Happy Birthday to Jim Rich, Carl Phillips, Jim Finison, Jaci Betts, and Carole Gilliam.

            GREEN TALK—Arbor Day!–President Mary Joan recapped the project dedication at Dixie Drive and Zoo Parkway.  Asheboro Rotary Club provided $2000 of the $5000 budget.  Mary Joan invited Mac Whatley to make a presentation. Recently the town of Franklinville planted 30 hybrid chestnut trees along the river to bring the chestnut tree back into our forests.  In 1904 an eastern fungus accidentally imported into the United States, ravaged chestnut trees so thoroughly that by 1950 there were virtually none left.  Hybrid, fungus resistant trees have been developed that give hope for the re-establishment of the species.  Mac presented 50 hybrid chestnut seed to Bob McCrory to plant on the Zoo ground.

President Mary Joan called Dick Heckman of the RCC up to introduce our program.  Dick introduced Tanya Beckerdite to give a summary of the economic impact that RCC has on our Randolph County Community.

            Dick first wanted to give an overview of the study Tanya will describe.  He said that the Community College must be accountable to the community.  88% of RCA’s funding is from public sources—State of North Carolina, County of Randolph, Federal, and tuition.  The remainder is from the RCC Foundation and other private sources.

            The study was administered by a company called CC Benefits.  It creates a model of the effect faculty, staff and students.  To a degree it is a socio-economic model.  

            Tanya then came to the podium.  She said the information gathering began spring, 2004.  About 1000 individuals provided information.   Payroll during the period was $10.2 million.  Faculty and staff wages and salaries added $2.9 million to the local economy.

            It is estimated that past students, over the 30 years since the founding of the Community College, have contributed $18.9 million to the regional economy.

            The defined economic region generated $1.8 billion in 2003 of which college operations and past students accounted for $41.7 million or 2.3% of regional earnings.

            Socio-economic benefits from RCC include improved health, reduced crime and reduced welfare/unemployment.  The conclusion to be drawn from these facts is that RCC is a sound investment from multiple perspectives.  Taxpayers are saved about $1 million per year.

            Students who leave with an associate’s degree will earn $244,594 than someone with a high school diploma.

            President Mary Joan thanked Tanya and Dick Heckman for their informative program and we were adjourned.

            Philip Shore wrote this!

March 11, 2005- Joint Meeting

Posted March 15, 2005

 

IN GEAR—March 11—The joint meeting of Asheboro and Randolph Rotary Clubs began with the ringing of the bell.  Presidents Mary Joan Pugh and Steve Rumbley were at the head table with our several speakers.  There was some speculation that the ACC noontime basketball game would keep the crowd down, but it looked to be a pretty full room.  No music today, but the conversations were spirited.  It is always fun when both clubs get together.

            Following the Pledge of Allegiance, John Grey raised the invocation.  He requested guidance from God in following “Your will in this world.”  John said that “Rotary is Your hand reaching out.”

            Acting Sergeant at Arms President Elect Ed Clayton (he filled in for awhile as Treasurer today too) introduced “extinguished guests” which included Herb Sendak (John O. Toledano) and Roy Williams (Alan Pugh).  Ed said Chris Paul had been invited but couldn’t come—a low blow.  Only one distinguished guest, according to Ed, Mike McNeely, guest of Pat Kilpatrick.

            Jack Marcus of the Randolph Club performed the Sergeant at Arms duties, but he claimed all the Asheboro Rotarians were their club’s guest.  Jack did the 50-50 draw.  Sara Morris was won the opportunity to pull a card and came away a loser (second week in a row).

            President Mary Joan called Lee Malpass up to introduce student guests from Asheboro High School.  Brett Wilson is a busy young man.  He holds down two part time jobs.  He is active in Boy Scouts as an Eagle Scout Candidate.  He is a member of the National Honor Society, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Environmental Club.  He played both JV and Varsity Football and Baseball.  Brett intends to attend UNC-Chapel Hill or Hampden-Sydney College and pursue a degree in Pharmacy.

            Theresa Otranto is a 7-year member of the AHS Band, and a 4-year track and cross-country runner.  She is vice president of the Swing Dance Club, secretary of the Literary Society, and a member of Spanish Club.  She is a member of Student LIFT and a representative of a regional youth advisory council.  She is also a CUOC volunteer.  Her future plans are to attend NC State University to major in Biology, followed by attending the UNC School of Dentistry.

            After a round of applause for all our guests, President Mary Joan wished a happy birthday to Asheboro City Schools on their 100^th birthday.  Human beings Richard Pugh, Jamie Stitt, and Mike Freeland also received a birthday wish.

            President Mary Joan reminded us about Rotarians who could use a card, a visit, or a call—Lee Phoenix, Ken Gobel and in our extended family, Maxine Pugh, mother of Richard and Alan.

            President Mary Joan congratulated Alan Pugh on becoming chairman of the Randolph County Republican Party, an honor, Alan quipped to his tablemates, not often escaped.

            In further announcements, the Human Race takes place during the morning of March 19—if you can’t run, then donate $$$.  This event supports many nonprofits in Asheboro and Randolph County.

            President Mary Joan reminded us of Family of Rotary Day at the NC Zoo on April 2.  Volunteers needed!  Registration begins at 8:30.  Lunch with DG Don Allred at 11:30.  $16 for adults; $14 for children.

            Registration is still open for the Centennial District Conference.  If you are going please be sure to let Carol Matney know.

            Green Talk:  Arbor Day.  In celebration there will be a Big Sweep Clean up on April 9.  The tree project at the corner of Dixie Drive and Zoo Parkway will kick off next Friday at 10:45.  Meet at CVS.  On the same day, the dedication of the Mayor’s Grove at North Asheboro Park will take place at 3 p.m.

            President Steve delivered the Randolph announcements.  He called Representative Arley Culp to the dais to read a joint resolution put before the NC House.  Arley said there are 25-30 Rotarians in the House.  Joint House Resolution extends congratulations to Rotary International on the occasion of its 100^th birthday.

            Today’s program comes from the Career Development Committee, Jerry Hill, Chairman.  Other members of the committee are Stan Beck, Denny Jennings, and Candie Rudzinski.  Jerry introduced Leslie Smith-Moore, the shadowing program coordinator at South Asheboro Middle School. 

            Leslie said she and her cohort at North Asheboro Middle School, Betheny Underdonk, viewed the program as an opportunity for middle schools to out in the community.  Kids find out about different career paths.  She commended all those who provided shadowing opportunities, including Mac Whatley and Rambir Singh.  Leslie introduced five students who participated in the program. Each one spoke in turn.

            Brittany Brothers shadowed Dr. Kimball at Asheboro Dermatology.  She learned about skin cancer and rashes.  She witnessed surgery and stitches being done.  All in all she was on hand while twenty patients were treated.

            Kevin Garcia shadowed at Randolph Animal Hospital.  He was there during emergencies, surgery, and two dislocated cat elbows.

            Morgan Nelson shadowed Mary Joan Pugh and May Auman at the NC Zoo.  She went to the greenhouses, to the commissary where food is prepared for animals, and to the animal rehab center where she got to see x-rays being made and visited with the two tiger cubs that were found recently running free in the piedmont countryside.  She said it was a wonderful experience and showed her that zoo work was not only feeding animals and cleaning cages.

            Tyler Delk shadowed John Grey at the Wooten Company.  He was shown various projects including the rhinocerous and elephant exhibits at the Zoo. Tyler hoped more businesses wuld participate in the program.

            Angie Bradley shadowed Joe Conrad, a registered anesthetist at Randolph Hospital.  She is interested in health care.  She learned how a patient is put to sleep and also about the technology in use there.  She looks forward to volunteering at the hospital.

            Leslie concluded the program by detailing where the students went on their shadow-jobs.  Twelve went to the hospital, twenty shadowed school teachers in Asheboro City Schools, seven went to RCC, one each went to the Courier-Tribune, First National Bank, and the Wooten Company.  Three went to the Zoo.

            By participating in the programs students become acquainted with work behind the career.  They learn the little things that are seldom taught outright such as appropriate dress and handshaking and other social skills.

            Leslie asked the gathered Rotarians to volunteer for the program next year.  President Mary Joan presented a pen made from recycled materials to Leslie and the meeting was adjourned.

Scriven by Peter Schlimiehl, the man who sold his shadow

March 4, 2005

 

Posted March 8, 2005

 

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It is the end of the regular season for college basketball, and Asheboro Rotary’s Social and Fellowship Committee celebrated by decorating each table with balloons in the school colors of each ACC school.

This wasn’t clear to all, however, and President Mary Joan’s revelation of the significance of the balloons caused much wailing and gnashing of teeth to those unfortunate displaced persons such as UNC alum Cooper Thornton, who found himself sitting at the Duke table.

[<Quelle horreur!> said the Dukies with alarm; "Holy <censored>" cried the hapless Carolinian. Of course, this was nothing to the anomie of the blue school grads who suddenly found themselves resident at red school tables, of which there were many- NC State, Maryland and Florida State being indistinguishable. Ah, the increasing divisions in modern society.]

Thanking Joy Menius for her usual piano forte, President Mary Joan recognized Sandy Grey for the invocation, and Sgt. at Arms Carole who spotlighted visitors Bob Wright, from the Randolph Club, and Asheboro native Baxter Luther, now a member of the Arlington Club in Jacksonville, Florida, but here today visiting his 97 year old father. Candi Rudzinski introduced student guests from AHS and Southwest high schools. Carrie Trogdon, daughter of John and Cindy, is a dance instructor and President of the Park Street Vocal Ensemble; even though she has already received a scholarship offer from High Point U, she hopes to attend Elon and become a doctor of physical therapy. Nick O’Kelley, son of Michael and Tammy, got a bright start as a French horn player in the band (as did your scribe), but has now fallen into the Presidency of the Teenage Republican Club; he will attend Catawba College in the fall and hopes to become a psychiatrist. Ryan Phelps runs cross country for Southwest and will be going to Liberty University to study for the Youth Ministry; Bryan Kearns lettered in SWR football and has been accepted into the NCSU School of Civil Engineering (and was happily located at a red table).

President MJP began a lengthy set of announcements by reporting that Linda Cranford was resting at home after surgery; she made a brief appearance at the United Way awards banquet Thursday night and is doing well.

Nine Hundred Rotarians flooded the Khoury Convention Center in Greensboro last week for Rotary’s 100th Birthday Gala; Jaci Betts created the decorations for all 90 tables. Phil Shore scattered the crowd there with his usual performance as an Elderly Brother, and went on to chew the scenery in the Sunset Theater for several nights as Oscar in The Odd Couple.

Not content with that week’s work, Phil is continuing to spit-shine the arts by running today’s annual Pottery Conference in Downtown Asheboro (which is why you all are reading Yours Truly, instead of the Mayor of Sunset Avenue).

Another Birthday Gala was announced: the 100th anniversary of the Asheboro City Schools, taking place Sunday at 2PM, complete with a birthday cake and an original musical composition written for the occasion especially for the AHS Wind Ensemble. [Your Historian must mention, for the record, that there was in fact education in Asheboro before the modern public school system was created by Governor Aycock in 1905. The Female Academy was built in 1839, on Elliott's Green (now the site of Randolph Bank) and in 1843 the Male Academy was built on the Fair Grounds, now the site of Carolina Bank. The town's first brick school was built in 1908 on the site of the Male Academy, and was expanded and stuccoed in 1923. Asheboro Graded School, as it was called, became Fayetteville Street School when the present high school opened in 1950, and housed the Seventh Grade until 1968, when it closed and was demolished.]

Next Week (3-11) is our second annual Joint Meeting with the Randolph Club. We will hear more about the 8th Grade Shadowing Project and the Lunch Buddies Program. On 3-18 Robin Johnson will present a program on the economic impact of Randolph Community College. That same day is NC Arbor Day, and the Club has donated $2000 towards a tree-planting project at the intersection of Dixie Drive and Zoo Parkway that will be unveiled that afternoon. The Week after that is Good Friday, and Rotary takes a holiday.

On April 2nd, the Club is the Host Club for the second annual Family of Rotary Day at the NC Zoo- volunteer with Rebecca Redding to handle the turn out! The District Conference in Charleston looms on the horizon after that; 46 members got the early bird discount, but anyone who signs up now must pay $195. And the Scholarship Committee is soliciting high school nominees for our four slots to the Rotary Leadership Camp this summer- see Jim Rich.

Our Program was put together by H.R. Gallimore’s Membership Development Committee, and featured the flip side of a ‘New Members’ talk. Wayne Thomas and Archie Smith were on hand to reminisce about their years wielding the club gavel.

Wayne Thomas, at the podium “because the Carolina Table filled up too fast,” revealed that he has been a Rotarian for more than half his life. His dad Dan sent him into Basic Training in the car business right after college by buying a Siler City dealership and posting Wayne there to sink or swim.

Wayne had the good sense to join the Siler City Rotary Club, sponsored by his banker. In 1980 he came back to the Chevrolet place and joined our club, sponsored by David Elliott. He married Brenda soon thereafter and honeymooned in the British Virgin Islands, where the only passport he needed was his Rotary lapel pin. In 1985 fellow Rotarian Tom White announced he was leaving the shoe business and Wayne hired him to sell cars- something he is still diong for Wayne 20 years later. Wayne ascended to the head table in 1988 after Governor Jim Martin pulled Alan Pugh out of our presidential lineup; Wayne still remembers that Alan was the reason Wayne ended up at the International Convention in exotic Philadelphia instead of the next one in Tokyo. (For his sins, Alan Pugh also was exiled to a Red Table).

Wayne’s Dirty Secret that Now Can Be Revealed was that, in 1985, it was indeed he who made the Fateful Decision to sponsor Don Allred for membership.

His lesson: share Rotary with your friends; you never know who may Rise to the Top.

Archie Smith, on the other hand, has been a member of Asheboro Rotary longer than Wayne has been alive. Archie alleged he wasn’t sure he could ‘talk about the Olden Times,’ as it was hard for him to remember 2weeks ago, let alone 50 years ago. Much has changed about Rotary in 60 years says he; members in the 40’s wore coat and tie even when the meetings were held at the Piedmont Grill, on South Fayetteville Street across from Vaughn Pugh’s stables (for younger members, Henry James Barbecue is on the present site of those stables). The well-dressed man always had his fedora.

(And women, known as ‘Rotary Anns,’ attended only at Ladies Night!).

Archie said his most vivid memory is from 1969, when John W. Clark, owner of Randolph Mills in Franklinville, dropped dead from a stroke while waiting in line to pay for a Friday meeting at the Masonic Temple.

Archie was President in 1953, and on either side of him were Hank Klepacki and Jimmy Croom. None of them had been able to use the club’s $500 to go to their International Convention, so the Club finally packed the lot of them off to the 50th Anniversary Convention in Chicago. Ten or twelve Asheboro Rotarians went on this road trip, including Frank Redding Sr., Cleve Thayer, and Joe Ross. The whole crew stayed at what is now the Windy City’s Conrad Hilton, with so many rooms they were told it would take

8 years to sleep a night in each bed. They attended the ‘Chez Paris’ night club on the top floor of a skyscraper one night to hear Nat King Cole, and upon leaving Jenny Croom, Hal Walker’s sister, asked the elevator operator to take them to “the Conrad Hilton, please!” It was unclear whether this was before or after Jimmy Croom visited the big city liquor store to ask “is there any discount for the clergy?” The tone of the trip evidently continued on the flight home, when after a layover at Louisville, the plane turned around and picked up a wayward passenger who’d missed the flight because he’d been in the airport bar.

Respectfully submitted by your obedient servant, Mac Whatley.