February 27, 2004

With heavy snow falling and more on the way tomorrow, we have decided to cancel Rotary for tomorrow, Friday, February 27.

We want you to be safe and come back next week with your extra dues and your $100 for Rotary Foundation contribution.

Committee chairs will please call members of their committees to be sure everyone knows. 

Remember the District 7690 Family of Rotary Day at the Zoo–April 3rd from 9-5.    For more information and to volunteer your services (above self)–call Mary Joan Pugh or Rebecca Redding.

 
Be safe–see you March 5!

 Philip

February 20, 2004

Posted February 24, 2004

 

Family of Rotary even in April–did you get a registration form in the mail last week?

This is our project–Call Rebecca Redding or Mary Joan Pugh to volunteer your help.

Time to pony up for the Rotary Foundation!  Every Rotarian Every Year!

See you Friday!

Philip

IN GEAR—February 20—Oh my goodness! The oldie-goldies were flowing from Joy Menius’s piano even while the elderly folks at this reporter’s table talked about celebrating their fortieth high school reunion.  Why, the songs Joy was playing were new when they were in high school, and before: Volare, Stranger On the Shore, Love Is Blue, The Shadow Of Your Smile.

            Two of the folks at the table were fresh from the Rotary New Member Orientation held this morning.  They seemed remarkably well adapted. 

            President Mike Freeland gonged a sunny day gong and had us greet someone we hadn’t yet spoken to.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, Linda Cranford gave an invocation that expressed thanks for life and health, the promise of Spring and the new beginnings to come.

            Because Prithvi Hanspal was undergoing Treasurer hazing at the back table, Ed Clayton was loosed on the guests. He badgered Robin Johnson, guest of Dick Heckman and Doug Knowles, guest of Prithvi Hanspal.  Brian Byrd was the sole Randolph Rotarian.

            Sam Cranford introduced a talented group of student guests from Southwestern Randolph High School and Asheboro High School. Justin Luck, from SWRHS, is a member of Beta Club.  He plays bass guitar and enjoys watching and playing sports, listening to music and surfing the Net.  In the fall he will become an accounting major at the University of Miami. Holly Hewitt also of SWRHS is the captain of the basketball and track teams, president of the student body and a member of Beta Club.  She received a nomination to the US Military Academy and has also applied to UNC-C.  The SWRHS students were accompanied today by Advisor Susan Yow.

            Ashlee Mead of AHS is a member of the Spanish Club, the National Honor Society, the Key Club and Student LIFT.  She plans to attend UNC-CH or NCSU, with a possible major in the art field.  Susan Waugh is also a member of the National Honor Society.  She is a member of the Latin Club and the Student Council.  She also participates in the Student LIFT program.  She plans to attend UNC-CH.

            We received two new members into the club today.  Elizabeth Mitchell introduced Wayne Jarrell of the Bank of the Carolinas.  Talmadge Baker seemed especially pleased to bring his friend J. Harold Holmes into the club.  Harold is a Vice President of Randolph Bank & Trust.  He was the first county manager and is currently Chairman of the Randolph County Commissioners.  As Talmadge said, Harold has never lived on a farm himself, but he married a farmer’s daughter.

            President Mike reminded us of the time to make our annual donation of $100 to the Rotary Foundation.  “Every Rotarian, Every Year–$100”

            Don and Pat Allred have been in Anaheim, CA, this week learning how govern district 3690.  They have been e-mailing their experiences to the officers.  Making international friends (our exchange destination next year will be Germany), learning about the program for the Centennial year and getting a bit of a look at the California area have been fascinating to them.  Hope he took lots of slide film.

Dick Heckman introduced Lee Hudgins of the Small Business Development Center at Randolph Community College by first asking if we were familiar with the “No child left behind” concept.  In North Carolina, Dick said, the watchword is “No adult left behind.”  A recent article about the future of North Carolina’s economic stability indicates that not only is the recruitment and development of big business important, but maybe even more crucial is the development of small business.  In practice, a combination of the two is the best answer.

            Randolph County is in the forefront of planning for the economic future.  A recent survey of targeted industry clusters indicates that our area might best be suited to businesses related to 1.Distribution and logistics, 2. Transportation equipment, 3. Medical equipment, and 4. Design. A grant from the Duke Endowment allows our county to study these indicators and to take steps to implement them.  The goals of the Randolph County Program for the Rural Carolina are twofold: to increase income and to build leadership and infrastructure to support the changes we know must come.

            Lee Hudgins at the Small Business Development Center works with these issues each day.  Lee has an MBA from Cornell and worked for several years with Arthur Andersen. 

            Lee said that Randolph County has the lowest rate of growth of new businesses in the Piedmont Triad Region.  Fifty per cent of new businesses fail in the first four years.  Of those, 17% fail for reasons other than business causes.  Had Randolph County had a normally successful growth rate, thirty-seven new businesses would have been created.  What does it take to gain 37 successful businesses?—it takes a number twice as large to achieve it.

            Successful new businesses share several characteristics: owners with previous ownership experience, more than one owner, more than one employee.  The Small Business Development Center tries to provide knowledge and expertise to its clients to create successful new businesses.  The SBDC has a resource room that is open to the public—appointments preferred, but walk-ins are welcome.  The resources include books, videos, and online assistance, plus a staff willing to listen and share.

            Since July Lee has worked with fifty startups; six are now open and running with twenty-two jobs created.  How does the SBDC help: by offering courses, by letting people know the necessities of business, by keeping in touch with businesses that succeed, by maintaining confidentiality about the clients’ situation.

            Lee asked for questions.  One member asked why the Center didn’t do anything for tourism, which is one of our largest businesses.  Lee said that the Center doesn’t work directly with tourism but instead determines how best to capitalize on it.

            Do you listen to ideas from inventors?  Yes, the Center helps to identify patentable ideas and offers advice on how to market the ideas.  Do you have individual investors who are interested in backing ideas with potential?  Banks and lending institutions, yes, but no individuals.

            Once launched is there still support from the SBDC?  Not formally, but the staff keeps in touch. 

            President Mike thanked Lee for his informative program and adjourned the meeting.

                Writ by Philip

February 13, 2004

Posted February 17, 2004

 New Member Proposal:    Frank Williams

F.T. Williams & Associates (Ergonomics and Material Handling Consultant) Retired Goodyear Tire and Rubber

Classification:  Consulting

Sponsor:  Mike Freeland

 Any concern about this nomination should be made in writing to Secretary Mary Joan Pugh within one week or the candidate will be considered accepted for membership.

 Please remember to make your annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation.  Every member is asked for $100.  These funds are retained by RI for three years before any using any of them.  After three years a portion comes back to our District to support our programs. 

 See you Friday!

Philip

IN GEAR—February 13—Rotary February 13—Happy Valentine’s Day!  Joy Menius kept the love songs flowing with Love Is Blue and Unchained Melody among others.  Manicotti, porkchops, congealed salad, fried squash, and a raw vegetable salad were complemented by a red velvet Valentine’s cake.  The mood was festive: for the first time since the Cretaceous Period the sun was shining and coats were not necessary.  Good Rotary friends stood up to greet each other followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  Denny Jennings provided our invocation.  She thanked God for this beautiful world with its wonderful opportunities for us and our colleagues and friends to fulfill the Rotary service ideal.  She asked that the program give us insight into

our neighbors and the world.

            Carole Gilliam was deputy substitute supernumerary Sergeant at Arms for the day.  She introduced our guests:  Barbara Mills (Wife), Ginny Dunn (Daughter), and Maggie Dunn (Granddaughter), all guests of Barron Mills; and Wayne Jarrell guest of Elizabeth Mitchell.  Ed Bunch was the sole Randolph Rotarian today.

            President Mike Freeland looked very distinguished in his US Air Force Reserve uniform (he had a meeting later).  He did not utter a word about Tax Talk.  Mike had several announcements.  It’s time to get Rotary District Conference registration forms in for the early bird rate.  Remember the Club will pay the tuition!  He requested a short board meeting after adjournment.  Allen Oliver called for a meeting of the Rotary Information Committee (Lonnie Keogh, Kemp Foster, Gene Johnson, and Stan Beck).  Next Friday at 11:15 a.m. at AVS any new members who came into the club during Past President Mac Whatley’s term or during President Mike’s term so far will celebrate a new member orientation.

            Mike announced that it is time to make our annual contributions to the Rotary Foundation.  This is called the Rotary Foundation Sustaining Membership.  Our goal is $100 per member.  Checks can be given to Ed for this.  Next week Prithvi Hanspal is going to take a practice run at being treasurer.  President Mike asked all members to wear name badges to assist Prithvi in getting used to this new role.

            Election results: the slate of board members and officers presented to the club were ratified unanimously.  Bill Batten’s last minute write-in campaign, though valiant, did not succeed.

            President Mike introduced Diane Frost, Superintendent of Asheboro City Schools and Chairperson of the World Community Service Committee (Ralph Kilpatrick, Rob Reese, Jute Ramsey, and Mike Miller).  She in turn introduced Dr. Joy McLaughlin and Juan Rios of the Latino Coalition to provide our program.  Joy is the Coordinator of the English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Asheboro City Schools.  Joy is a graduate of Leadership Randolph.  She ahs been instrumental in bridging the communities that live and work together in Asheboro.  Her project to match Donna Lee Loflin School with Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church for tutoring won the Governor’s excellence award.  Joy is a Director of the Latino Coalition.

 

            Juan Rios, a native of Panama, has lived in Asheboro for five years.  He has worked with Smart Start in family service, has taught ESL, worked with the AIM Club in Randolph County Schools, serves on the Red Cross Board of Directors, took part in the initial Common Visions Photography Project and was a speaker at the statewide World Vision Convention.  Juan is the executive director of the Latino Coalition.

            Joy began by asking us to imagine what we would experience if we moved to a new country.  Money matters (banking), cultural differences (family responsibilities), literacy (in English and Spanish), what to do if a family member dies, emergencies (how to tell agencies what happened and give a location), court and legal matters, finding a doctor, what is it to be a student with no green card.

            The needs of the Latino community were apparent but there was no structure to bridge the gap.  At a state level meeting two years ago as communities experience rapid growth of Latino populations, an assessment of needs and how to organize to meet them began.  Joy met Juan at this meeting.

            Juan came to the speaker’s stand to relate his experience and to thank us as representatives of the community for helping him to make Asheboro his home.  Juan said he knew some English when he came and that helped but it did not solve all the problems,  “The journey hasn’t been that easy” he said, but there have always been people to help.  “This is a time to say ‘Thank you’.”

            Juan quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: “We cannot walk alone.”  Through these words he explained to his students at Asheboro High School how we have to work together to achieve our goals. 

            Everything has been a learning experience Latinos are not just one group of people with the same cultural backgrounds.  It is a very diverse group with different nationalities and different approaches to life.

            Juan expressed amazement at how much there was to do to found an organization such as the Latino Coalition.  By laws, articles of corporation, grants, applying for 501 c 3 status—it’s all a part of the learning experience.

            Agencies that have helped the Latino Coalition in its infancy are Randolph Community College, Randolph Hospital, Merce Clinic, Asheboro and Randolph County schools, Randolph Partnership for Children and various churches.  Juan reported the good news that next week the Latino Coalition will receive a $25,000 grant from Hispanics In Philanthropy to obtain 501 c 3 status, to do strategic planning, and to become an established nonprofit in Randolph County.

            The Latino Coalition works with United Way, Fall Festival, UNCTV Literacy Project, the Armadillo Fiesta at RCC and agencies in Durham, Raleigh, and Forsyth County.  In conclusion Juan invited Rotarians who would like to join this effort to attend monthly meetings at RCC North Fayetteville Learning Center on 2^nd Wednesdays from 5-6:30. 

            There were many questions: Is there a way, or a network, to locate a Latino person with a four-year college degree for employment?  Juan said not at this time.  He commented that residency is expensive and not easy and should be handled through an immigration attorney.  Why have Latinos come in such large numbers to North Carolina?  Because it’s a nice place to live and the education system is strong.  How can we bridge the gap?  Cultural awareness is the first step, Joy said.

            The job picture has changed; are workers still coming?  Not in the same numbers but they are still coming.  They are by and large in the 18-25-age bracket, working age rather than elderly.  Joy cited the statistic that Latino students make up 26% of the Asheboro City Schools population.

            The final remarks were a discussion of how long it took to get a green card and citizenship.  Juan said the whole process can take as long as twenty years.

            President Mike thanked Juan and Joy for their presentation and adjourned the meeting. 

Writ by Flip

February 6, 2004

 

Posted February 10, 2004

 

 

Greetings!

 See you Friday–

 Don’t forget:  Asheboro Rotary will pay for your District Conference!

 Check with Mike for details–we want to support Don the very best we can.

 Philip

IN GEAR—February 6—As we dined on barbecue and chicken with dumplings, black-eyed peas, corn, and coleslaw the conversation danced around Brunswick stew (evidently there are stew wars similar to disagreements about barbecue styles) and Mardi Gras (which comes on skinny Wednesday this year).  President Mike Freeland gonged the meeting to attention and after greeting friends we recited the Pledge of Allegiance.  Tom White offered a prayer that asked for “wisdom and guidance as we attempt to practice Service Above Self.”

            Sergeant at Arms Prithvi Hanspal introduced our visitors.  Today we had Kent Kinnear, guest of Phil Koonce; Robin Johnston, guest of Dick Heckman; and Wayne Jarrell, guest of Elizabeth Mitchell.  From the Randolph Club we were glad to see Laura Douglas and Ed Gavin.  From the Stratford Club in Winston-Salem, we welcomed George Fleetwood.  Guests of the Club are Addie Luther and Frank Williams.

            Kathy Homiller introduced a table full of student guest, four from Southwestern Randolph High School (escorted by Judy Freeman) and two from Asheboro High School.  From SWRHS we met Kathleen Hall who is active in all musical activities at school and is a member of the Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra, and the Youth Praise Band at First Presbyterian Church.  She is also a member of the High IQ/Quiz Bowl Team, the cross-country team and Future Teachers of America.  Kathleen has been accepted by the UNCG School of Music for a double major in music education and oboe performance.  She is a regional finalist for the NC Teaching Scholarship.  Brittany Allred is a member of Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club, and National Vocational Technical Honor Society.  Outside of school she is involved with PETA and is an employee at Rollabout Skating Rink.  She plans to attend Meredith College to major in biology and minor in Spanish.  She aspires to medical school after college.  Daniel Peoples of SWRHS participates in Mock Trial, Beta Club, High IQ/Quiz Bowl, Anime Club and enjoys reading, drawing, and movies.  His goals are to attend UNCW, become fluent in Spanish, become involved in the film industry, and travel to exotic locations.  Diana Gaona has lived in Asheboro for eight years.  She is active in Beta Club, AIM Club and does babysitting on the side.  She plans either to attend UNCG or UNCC to obtain a Masters Degree in Computer Information Systems.  She is planning for success in her career.

            Jessica Brantley, from AHS plays basketball, volleyball and participates in academic and service clubs.  She plans to attend NCSU or UNCCH.  Kaitlin Dean is a member of Spanish Club, National Honor Society, Band, Key Club, Greensboro Symphony Youth Orchestra (in flute) and Girl Scouts.  She will attend UNCCH to obtain a degree in Pharmacy.  We are proud to have these distinguished student guests.

            President Mike did it again; he called out some names and told the people to stay standing.  Stan Beck, Bob Croft, Steve Eblin, Bryan Jones, Pauline McKee, Mike Miller, and Rebecca Redding may have though it was the firing squad or they were being volunteered for something, but Mike just wanted to honor their birthdays.

            Tax Talk was largely by-passed, thank heaven, but President Mike did inform us that the IRS after a period of relative lenience, had begun again to crack down on their examinations of returns (the bad news) but the first caught in the new regime were some of their own people (the good news) for exaggerating their Schedule C deductions.

            President Mike turned the program over to Phil Koonce, who presented the program on behalf of the Group Study Exchange Committee (Jim Culberson, chairman, Jaci Betts, Rebecca Redding, Prithvi Hanspal, Ranbir Singh, Tom White, Mac Pugh, and Phil Koonce).  Phil began by saying that about four years ago Addie Luther spoke to our Club about the need for a Boys and Girls Club in Asheboro.  In February of 2002 the Boys and Girls Club formally opened its doors at Eastside Community Center.  Phil stated that this organization could have a broad influence in our community.

            He introduced April Thompson, the Unit Director of Boys and Girls Club of High Point, who is in charge of the Asheboro club as a branch of High Point’s.  She was born in Maryland and went to high school there but was recruited to play basketball at Greensboro College.  She graduated from GC in 1997 and has worked with the Boys and Girls Club since.  She is the recipient of numerous awards, most recently the All Staff Professional of the Year.  She is currently working on her Master’s Degree.

            April first showed a minute-long video featuring Denzell Washington that gave an overview of the Boys and Girls Club philosophy and method of operation.  B&GC strives to be there for the young people at the most dangerous time of the day: from 3-8 p.m.  That’s why the B&GC is open from 2:30 to 7 daily providing a safe place and guided activities as well as a lot of fun.

            69% of members come from single parent homes; 66% do not belong to any other organization.  The very low fee of $2 is easy for most homes to afford.  B&GC is site based and aim to culture respectful, caring citizens who attend school and do their work.

            To that end B&GC offers programs in the arts, in career preparation, sports fitness, and health.  Club personnel tutor in school and afterwards.  Each school day 50-60 kids receive assistance.  B&GC emphasizes planning for the future by sponsoring field trips to colleges such as Clark Atlanta, High Point University, RCC, Georgia Tech and Greensboro College.  In the World of Work tour members visited The Courier-Tribune, Wachovia Bank, a Seagrove Potter, and the World of Coca-Cola.

            Kids spend time in the real world by visiting Asheboro Rehab to spend time with adults.  Younger kids assisted at Happy Hills Kennels.  The Keystone Group composed of teen members, planned, implemented and raised funds for the trip to Atlanta so that members had little out-of-pocket expense for the trip.

            The list of activities is varied and exciting with programs in health and life skills (HIV/AIDS information, training in practical finances); writing contests, digital photography, soccer, basketball and tennis.  Our guest Kent Kinnear has helped develop the tennis program.

            April concluded by saying that in the future B&GC of Asheboro will maintain the current program and implement innovative new experiences with emphasis on college planning and educational awareness.

            President Mike thanked April for her enthusiastic and informative presentation and adjourned the meeting.

            He urged Rotarians to mark the ballots left on the tables to elect the slate of officers.  After checking for write-in candidates, Elizabeth Cox, Larry Peraldo, Gene Johnson, and Kathy Homiller were elected as directors.  Officers for 2004-05 are Mary Joan Pugh, President; Mike Freeland, Vice President; Ed Clayton, Secretary; Prithvi Hanspal, Treasurer; and Carole Gilliam, Sergeant at Arms

Philip Shore scripsit.

January 31, 2004

Posted February 3, 2004

 

 

Greetings:

This cover note contains information about three nominees for membership.  Please take time to read it.

Kelly Garner, Area Manager for Ablest Staffing.  Classification:  Human Resources. Sponsor:  Jerry Hill.

Wayne Jarrell, Vice President/City Executive of Bank of the Carolinas.  Classification: Banking.  Sponsor:  Elizabeth Mitchell.

J. Harold Holmes, Randolph Bank and Trust Co.  Classification:  Banking.  Sponsor: Talmadge Baker.

These candidates are proposed to you for your consideration.  Written objection to their becoming members of Asheboro Rotary Club should be received by Secretary Mary Joan Pugh within two weeks.

Announcement:  THE FAMILY OF ROTARY COMMITTEE IS HOSTING A DISTRICT EVENT THIS SPRING.  A FAMILY DAY AT THE ZOO WILL BE HELD IN APRIL (REGISTRATION FORMS WILL BE SENT OUT IN MARCH TO DISTRICT 7690 CLUBS).  VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! FOR THIS FIRST-EVER EVENT.  CONTACT REBECCA REDDING OR MARY JOAN PUGH FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.

IN GEAR—January 31—The ground was still showing patches of white from the snow and sleet of last Sunday’s storm, but it was warm and cozy inside AVS.  The melodies coming from the piano blended with the conversations at the tables.  The weather and the upcoming Super Bowl between the Carolina Panthers and the New England Patriots generated lively discussion.  As is his duty, President Mike Freeland called us to order, allowed a bit of ‘meet and greet’ time, and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Dale Lambert led us in a prayer in which he expressed thanks for the men and women of our Armed Forces who bravely defend our freedom. 

The prayer took on a special meaning when Dale, who is the Executive Vice President and General Manager of Randolph Electric Membership Corporation (REMC), asked his guest, Kelly Ritter, to stand for an introduction.  Kelly is a lineman with REMC in their Robbins district.  His National Guard unit was called to active duty in September 2003.  They have been in training since that time for a mission in Iraq and will leave at the end of February.  Kelly is a Staff Sergeant in Alpha Company and a fine young man who will represent his country well, Dale said.  Asheboro Rotarians rose to pay tribute to Kelly with a standing ovation and extended applause.  It was one of those moments when one can put a face with a cause.  Our thoughts and prayers go with Kelly and we hope he will pay us another visit when he returns home.  (Kelly is featured in the February 2004 edition of Carolina Country magazine Watts Working section, page f.

Sergeant at Arms Prithvi Hanspal introduced our other guests including Eric Jennings, husband of Denny Jennings, and Doug Knowles, guest of Prithvi Hanspal.  Ed Bunch was the lone visitor from the Randolph Club.  We welcomed these guests with applause and smiles all around.

 President Mike passed his Tax Talk baton to Bob Mason who gave it an attorney’s slant about changing the definition of income.  Perhaps the two of them could get together and put it in writing for the rest of us!  Mike said the necessary ballots for us to vote on club directors and officers for the coming year were not ready this week.  The vote will take place next week instead.  Bill Batten asked why we needed to vote if only the number of directors needed were listed on the ballot.  Is this standard for other clubs?  Mike answered that our by-laws call for such a vote. Other names can be added to the ballot from the floor, he said.

 A reminder of our Rotary District Conference in Asheville, April 22-25, was noted by President Mike.  He said the early registration deadline is February 23 and we want to send our information in prior to that time.  Contact Mike about the Club subsidy of the Conference.  Mike announced a brief meeting of the Board after the club meeting.  He also announced that Allen Oliver has a program available.  Interested committee chairpersons should contact Allen.

 Dale Lambert, Chairman of the Rural/Urban Committee, came forward to introduce our guest speaker, Robert Caldwell.  Robert has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of NC Grange Mutual since 1980.  He began his career with the Grange in 1963, following his graduation from Wake Forest with a B.B.A. degree in Business/Public Administration.  In 1991 he completed the Agribusiness Seminar from Harvard Graduate School of Business.  Mr. Caldwell represents the company on numerous national boards and committees.  He is a life-long member of the North Carolina State Grange, serving as Legislative Representative to the NC General Assembly from 1973-1976.  Robert has been married for 38 years to wife Dale and they have three children and three grandchildren.  He is very active in First Baptist Church, Greensboro.

 Mr. Caldwell came to the podium to speak to us about Agriculture in and Urban Society.  He immediately took notice of Bill Batten (must have been the Wake Forest Vibes) and shared “Wake Forest friendly humor” throughout his talk.  He also incorporated a bit of magic into his presentation to emphasize a point or two!

 We are part of a changing rural society according to Mr. Caldwell.  We now have more urban than farm residents, although agribusiness remains the number one industry in our state.  Things will never again be like they were when he was growing up on the farm.  Ten years ago he discovered that his was the only farm left in their township.  He has been working with the Piedmont Land Conservancy to preserve a portion of this farm and highly recommends this to anyone with an interest in preserving the land in its natural state.  As we face urban sprawl we must look for new ways to keep natural areas intact.

 Fifty years ago when he would go to various meetings with his father, people were not talking about food safety; they were talking about meeting the needs of people for food.  Food safety only becomes an issue when there is an abundance.  The recent outbreak of Mad Cow Disease in the United States is an example of how our country makes people aware of problems and shares information.  This is not the case every place in the world.  Mr. Caldwell did a bit of magic with three separate ropes which he used to represent the farming community, the business community, and the environmentalists.  He linked the ropes together to show that we must work together to meet the needs of each group.  His next magic trick involved water which he poured into a small cup.  He then placed a card over the tophe cup and turned it upside down—over President Mike’s head.  He spoke about equalizing pressure; however Mike appeared to be under quite a bit of pressure, although he didn’t get wet.

 “We must be careful that agriculture doesn’t go away,” Robert concluded.  “We must never forget the people who are critical to society.”

 Presdent Mike thanked Mr. Caldwell for coming to speak to us and presented him with some Randolph County clay in the form of a pottery clock.  He asked for questions for Mr. Caldwell.  John Menius had one relating to a golf team that John was on with the speaker at Pinehurst many years ago!

Written by Elizabeth Cox