May 27, 2005

Posted May 31, 2005

IN GEAR—May 27—Back in our own digs again after last week’s visit to Keith Crisco’s elastic plant.  Joy Menius tickled the ivories today.  After the Pledge of Allegiance, David Roudabush raised the invocation.   Sergeant at Arms Carole Gilliam introduced two visiting Rotarians:  Jeannine Thompson from the Bakersfield (California) Club and Kenn Clark from the Randolph Club.

            President Mary Joan Pugh reminded us about how prominently Asheboro Rotary has been in the news this week with the dedication of the Rotary stage cover at Bicentennial Park (before a record setting crowd of almost 1500—most of them were there for the concert) and the Senior Boards at Asheboro High School which has had strong Rotarian support since the program began five years ago.  Mary Joan also let us know that if we weren’t involved with the Lunch Buddies program we were missing out.  This is the twice-a-month lunch date with a 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grader who needs an adult to rely on.

            Tom White reported that the collections for the Boys and Girls Home donation from the club were lagging behind other year’s totals.  He said he wouldn’t be at the back table any more but he did leave envelopes ready for dropping a check into and mailing.  Checks should be made out to Boys and Girls Home of North Carolina.

            June 13^th—installation of District Officers at the High Point Country Club.  $30 per person.  This is when District Governor Don Allred will hand over the operations of District 7690 to DGE Phil Morris.  (Their District Conference will be in Myrtle Beach, by the way.)

            Next week Linda Cranford of the Social/Fellowship Committee has arranged for Bob Williams of the Courier-Tribune to tell us some of his best tales of Asheboro.

            Peggy Morrison still needs photos and info sheets for the September fundraiser.

            There will be a brief board meeting at the conclusion of the session today.

            Jaci Betts reported briefly that the GSE team is still having a great trip.  They will return next Wednesday at 6:30.  We look forward to hearing from them in the near future.

            Green Talk—Ozone: turn engine off if you’re going to stand more than a minute.  Check tire pressure.  Properly inflated tires save fuel (and cause better tire performance—John Revell added).

            Jaci Betts had decorations and a special cake for DG Don Allred’s birthday—our beloved leader went to Summerfield instead.  Thankfully the red, white, and blue balloons passed for Memorial Day decorations too.  Happy Birthday to Don, to Linda Cranford (also absent) and Maxton McDowell.  We sang mightily!

            Before turning the program over to the Club Bulletin Committee, Attendance Chair Maxton McDowell let us know that we need to come early and often—April attendance, 73%.

            Philip Shore introduced Wendi McMillan of Siler City to the gathered Rotarians. Wendi is a Rotary World Peace Scholar.   She is a K-8 teacher.             She has been in the Army, has traveled extensively and lived abroad for a number of years.  She has a degree in linguistics and a Masters Degree in English as a second language.  She has been married for almost three years.  She enjoys languages, calligraphy, and fitness.

            Wendi brought to the podium two rather thick tomes.  They were her dissertation from the University of Bradford (UK) and an extensive research paper.  Her dissertation was on the ethno-nationality of the Carpatho-Russines.  She threatened to read them for the program.  With a quick God Save the Queen to Elizabeth Mitchell  (Wendi met many of us in Charleston), she began by saying that she was impressed by the friendliness and activism of members of our club, based on the earlier remarks by Mary Joan.  She promised to give us an account of her thoughts and experiences as a Rotary World Peace Scholar.

            The University of Bradford, on the Yorkshire Dales near Scotland, is one of seven Peace Centers.  The program lasts two years.  The first twelve months were dedicated to obtaining a Masters Degree in conflict resolution studies while second year was an opportunity to do research on anything that interested her.  She chose to study neurotoxins.

            Study trips were a big part of the program.  She went to Ireland.  Others went to Sierra Leone and Sri Lanka.  Taking study trips proved to her how small groups can effect big changes.

            She and her husband John had been married only a few weeks when she began the program.  Wendi said it was the perfect opportunity to study conflict resolution.

            She also simply enjoyed living in England observing its social and political customs.  The openness of Prime Minister Time in which the PM answers questions and defends his decisions in Parliament to the cheers and jeers of the peers.  She thought that unimaginable in the US.

            Aside from class work what stuck with her most was her associations with her class of 90 students from 30 countries.  Peace studies is a very broad topic, not just a narrow little subject.  Embarking on the course of study she found herself to be an optimistic skeptic.

            What is peace, she asked us to ask ourselves.  Is it the absence of war?  The time after war when resources are stretched to the maximum during recovery?  The cold war—a time not of armed conflict but nervousness and stockpiling of weapons?  She mentioned that there are more surveillance cameras in London than anywhere else in the world.  She mentioned Peace Walls—thirty-foot walls topped with glass and concertina wire.  She mentioned life in an abused environment.  She mentioned “full fledged democracy” that imprisons without charges.

            Global security means better sharing of resources and the practice of little things that add up to big savings in the environment—the things Mary Joan said about ozone and tire pressure for instance.

            Conflict exists at all levels.  Conflict resolution has to be practiced on multiple levels.  200 million refugees in the world.  80% are women and children.  90% are civilians.  The bottom line is humanity.  With regard to Memorial Day, she asked, what country’s fatalities are more important?

            If you are interested in promoting peace (and as Rotarians we are…) she suggested being informed from multiple sources; asking questions; discover what drives you—passion or money; appreciate everything and everyone.  Actions on a daily basis have an important effect.  Volunteer time is better than a simple monetary donation.

            Global connectedness is more apparent every day.  It’s never too early to promote peace.  With her final words Wendi thanked us for putting the World Peace Scholar into her life.  She took several questions from the floor.

            Jim Culberson informed the club that Ken Gobel is doing very well and will soon be coming back to our meetings.  President Mary Joan declared the meeting adjourned.

May 20, 2005

Posted May 24, 2005

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IN GEAR—May 20—If you weren’t here, then you missed a unique opportunity to get an insider’s view on one of the industries that has been essential to the growth and development of Asheboro and Randolph County—textile manufacture, more specifically, the making of elastic products.  We were the guests of the Keith Crisco family and the Asheboro Elastics work family at Plant #3, an enormous workspace part of which was set up to make us feel right at home.  Our Rotary banner, flags, a head table and a rough equivalent of AVS was set up for our dining pleasure. 

The joint was jumping when we entered.  All the knitting machines were going many of them operating so quickly that it except for the rattle and hum, and some overall vibration they looked like they were sitting idle.  Once we began eating, the machines were turned off and the silence was deafening.

            One of the main topics of conversation today was the destruction of a downtown building by a truck left sitting on a slight hill without the brake engaged.  President Mary Joan Pugh called the meeting order.  We said the Pledge of Allegiance.  Bonnie Renfro, Chair of the Trade and Professional Committee gave the invocation. She thanked God for the gift of work to us and the privilege to devote ourselves to it.  She asked a special blessing on the young people who are graduating at this time of year, the workers of tomorrow.

            Sergeant at Arms Carole Gilliam introduced a familiar guest, Alison Gaither sister of Al Laprade.  President Mary Joan reminded us about the dedication of the Rotary stage this Sunday at 6:30.  She made a call for all Rotarians to be there for the dedication and the concert that follows.  (The big Rotary gear wheel looks great on the stage, by the by.)  Part Time Party Band along with 2Can will be the entertainment of the evening for picnickers and lounging lawn lizards.

            The Club Bulletin Committee has program responsibilities for May 27.  Rotary Peace Scholar Wendi McMillan will be the speaker.

            The installation of District Officers will take place on June 13 at the High Point Country Club at 6 p.m.  $30 per person.  Let Mary Joan know if you want to go.  This will be the conclusion to our Don’s year as District Governor and maybe he’ll come back and spend Friday noons with us again.

            Happy Birthday, Dan Thomas!!

            Kathy Homiller’s father passed away.  Please remember Kathy at this time.

Rotary Moment: Congratulations to Pat and Naomi Kilpatrick on the receipt of an individual grant to go to Brazil.

            Green talk for the day was the vain hope that people carpooled to the meeting today.

            Bonne Renfro introduced Keith Crisco.  Keith welcomed us to Plant #3.  He said this particular plant was a phenomenon.  Three and one half years ago it wasn’t here and since it’s creation it’s been busy 5-6 days a week, three shifts—in an industry under dire economic pressure.

            Asheboro Elastics began from absolute zip in 1986.  Last year AE produced 500 million yards of elastic.  Enough to go around the world 26 times at the equator unstretched.  SPOINNNNNNG!

            This plant specializes in knitted elastic for various uses.  The same machines can make them all.  For home furnishings, fitted sheet elastic, mattress tape, industrial elastic, medical elastic with latex rubber or latex-free Lycra. Through acquisition AE has entered the woven elastic business.  Some brand names that use AE products are Carrhart, BVD, Fruit of the Loom, Oshkosh (Bigosh).

            AE has offshore plants too.  There are 11 distribution facilities in Caribbean America.  Keith said that the company had been able to grow Asheboro jobs by working in the Caribbean.

            How?  By solid customer relations.  By lasting in the industry when other businesses are folding.  By using good people.  By buying the newest and best equipment.  By keeping the eye on the ball.

            After his remarks, employees of the plant led tours of the facility.  We saw the Muller crochet knitting machines in operation.  Each machine setup represents the investment of about $30,000.  The one our group saw was making boxer shorts elastic.  The efficiency of the factory operation is one of the clues to its profitability.  One employee tends nine machines.  There are 53 knitting machines in Plant #3.  The machine efficiency itself is 96%.  The orders are customer driven.  When a job is completed, preventive maintenance is taken, mostly by technicians in-house.  We saw natural rubber being added into the knit.  We saw J-box packaging devices.

It was a little after one when the tour got back to go again.  Keith said that his business was volume oriented—he can’t handle small orders.  When asked about the Caribbean American Free Trade Agreement, he said that opinions were divided 50-50 by those in his industry. 

Asheboro Rotary extends its thanks to Keith Crisco and Asheboro Elastics for a great meeting. 

Knitten by Philip Shore

 

Bicentennial Park—6 o’clock, Sunday, May 22, 2005.  Almost 500 people present half an hour before the first concert of the summer season.  Allen Oliver is the MC.  He welcomed the band 2 Can.  2 Can specialized in Jimmy Buffet cover songs.  After their set, Allen called David Smith up to the stage to thank the sponsors.  Allen told the crowd, which had swollen to more than a thousand that David was largely responsible for the concert series.

            David passed the thanks onto the sponsor.  First National Bank and Community Web/Ready Telcom, the two signature sponsors have strong Asheboro Rotary ties.  David took pictures of the crowd from the stage.

            Allen introduced Mayor David Jarrell to make some remarks.  Mayor David welcomed everyone and said that this evening was the culmination of a long-time dream to have the whole of Bicentennial Park filled with people enjoying a concert.  He recalled the transition of the last 8-10 years from the time when the Park area was a rubble strewn waste property through the time when the Downtown Redevelopment group bought the property adjacent to Sunset Avenue through when Progress Energy and Time-Warner Cable provided funding for the stage up to now when the Asheboro and Randolph Rotary Clubs along with Progress Energy and Rotary District 7690 Matching Funds gave $40,000 for the beautiful new stage cover.

            At the conclusion of his remarks, Rotary Presidents Mary Joan Pugh and Steve Rumbley gave a mighty yank on a cord to uncover a large Rotary Seal gracing the center of the proscenium.  With that, the Part Time Party Time Band began its concert on a newly covered stage before the largest gathering ever in Bicentennial Park

May 13, 2005

Posted May 17, 2005

 

IN GEAR—May 13—Rick Morgan took over for Joy Menius at the piano today.  He treated us to his own arrangements of a wide variety of show and movie tunes ranging from “Memory” out of the show CATS to “Younger Than Springtime” from South Pacific and all points in between.  When President Mary Joan Pugh called the meeting to order Rick received a tremendous ovation from the crowd.

Rev. Everett Thomas raised the invocation.  Because of the program emphasis he gave thanks for music and musicians as well as Rotary and the fellowship it provides.

            There were no visitors or visiting Rotarians today.  John Toledano, Jr. introduced our student guests from Asheboro High School, Alex Lizardo and Lisa Hatley

            Alex is a member of the Student Council, the French Club, the National Honor Society and Quiz Bowl.  He has also worked with the Park Street Players.  Alex plans to attend UNC-Chapel Hill (although John Jr. tried to talk him into going to State).  After undergraduate school Alex intends to go to medical school.

            Lisa participates in color guard, band, the National Honor Society and has a part time job with Thomas Tire.  She plans to attend NC State University to become a veterinarian.

            President Mary Joan welcomed Lee Phoenix back.  Tom White is at the rear table collecting money for the Boys and Girls Home.  Keith Crisco described how next week’s meeting would work.  We will meet at Asheboro Elastics Plant # 3 for our meal and a tour.  He promised that at the end of the session we would know how Fruit of the Loom holds our pants up.  From Asheboro: take 220- to Pineview Street, turn right, go to stop light and turn left.  After the cemetery on the right take Waketa Drive on the left.  Plant 3 is the second building on the right.  From AVS go north on 220 Business to cemetery on right, with Waketa on left.

            On Sunday, May 22, at 6:30.the Rotary Stage Cover will be dedicated at the first concert of the summer season.  Bring your family, chairs and a picnic to enjoy the fun.  Performing will be Part Time/Party Time Band.

            Allen Oliver announced the National Junior College Baseball Tournament going on at McCrary Field the next couple of days.

            Because Music Committee Chairman John Grey could not be with us today, Committee Member Jim Finison introduced our program, the Randleman High School Choral Ensemble under the direction of Anne Shirk.

            The Ensemble is a mixed voice group selected by audition.  It is made up of 10^th, 11^th and 12^th graders.  They perform from a wide repertoire of classical, spirituals, musical theatre and pop music.  The group sings at the Veteran’s Day Celebration every year at the Randleman Wal-Mart.  They recently sang at Carowinds Music Festival and received an Excellent rating.

Director Anne Shirk has been teaching at RHS for fifteen years.  She received her Master’s in Music Performance from Syracuse University and recently completed the National Board Certification.  She sings with the First Presbyterian Church Choir, Randolph Chorale and the Grace Notes.

Today the group of twenty-two singers performed six numbers:  “Adoramus Te”, a renaissance song called “Three Ravens”, “Someone To Watch Over Me” by George Gershwin (student conductor Tom Donohue) “What A Wonderful World” (student conductor Kyle Warren), a do-wop number called “Goodnight Sweetheart, Goodnight” (student conductor Mandy Gossett, solos by Paul Chaisson and Tom Donohue), and a spiritual entitled “Down To the Water To Pray” (solo by senior James Evans). 

The audience enthusiastically applauded the performance.  President Mary Joan gave Rick and Anne pens made from wood recycled from a furniture factory. 

President Mary Joan reported that the board meeting at President Elect Ed Clayton’s home was a fitting start on his year.  Jaci Betts said she had received a post card from outbound GSE team member Stacey Walker.  They are having a wonderful time meeting princes, touring castles, eating rich foods, and taking boat tours.  Elizabeth Cox congratulated Jaci on her recent ribbon cutting of her new Frank Horton and Associates office.

The Farm-City Cookout will be next Tuesday at the Lloyd West Farm on NC 22 near Coleridge.  Contact Barry Foushee at the count Extension Office for full details.

Liberty Rotary will have a fundraising golf tournament at the Ferguson Farm Golf Course on June 10 beginning at 1:30.

Happy Birthday to John Redding III.

President Mary Joan noted that it was good to see Bob Morrison at the meeting.  She said Ken Gobel is still ailing and would appreciate a card, call or visit.  Peggy Morrison announced that the Fundraising Committee would meet Friday, May 20 at 11 am, prior to the trip to Asheboro Elastics.  From the donors of vacation sites she asked for their information by June 1 to meet a printer’s deadline.  Photos in digital format please.  With the last of the announcement we were adjourned.

Writ fast by Philip Shore

May 6, 2005

Posted May 10, 2005

 

IN GEAR—May 6—Joy Menius got us off to the right start with an extensive selection of popular songs on the piano—Thank you, Joy!  After the Pledge of Allegiance, Philip Shore gave the invocation.  He asked that we be good examples for the students with us today and that they be good examples for us.  Ed Clayton was honorary Sergeant at Arms.  He introduced Rob Ainbinder, guest of Mary Joan Pugh, and three visiting Randolph Rotarians, Aaryn Slasky, Reid Pollard, and Ed Bunch. Ed reminded next year’s Board of Directors to meet at AVS to go to District Assembly Wednesday, May 11:  Departure time 0809.

Tom White is manning the back table to collect donations for the Boys and Girls Home.  Please give Tom a check.  Randolph Rotary will not meet this Wednesday—no makeups.  Happy Birthday to Denny Jennings and Dick Heckman.

            President Mary Joan took a few minutes to talk about District Conference and our Asheboro Rotary year.   She recognized Ed Clayton for his service in planning the District Governor Installation; Mazie Fleetwood for being in charge of the Rotary Against Drugs Speech Contest, Philip Shore for organizing the District Conference, Jim Culberson for organizing the hosting of the GSE inbound team, and Carol Matney, Asheboro Rotary District Conference Committee.  President Mary Joan also noted Ted Matney, Bonnie and David Renfro, Sam Cranford, Rick and Gail Crawford, Cindy and Kip Schroder as well as Steve and Diane Frost.

            The list of accomplishments for this year is extensive: The Centennial Project (covering the Bicentennial Park Stage), Peggy Morrison’s organizing efforts for our September fundraiser, Rotary Volunteers Pat and Naomi Kilpatrick, contributions to the Foundation and Tsunami Relief totaling more than $17,000.  (Tip of the hat to Wilbert Hancock.)  Cooperative project with Trees Asheboro.  Big Sweep.  Shadowing Day.  Lunch Buddies.  International project: to build a chemistry lab for a Ugandan school.  Rotary Youth Leadership Camp.  Great attendance at official Rotary functions such as District Assembly, District Conference, Leadership Training, PETS.  Russ Williams was lauded for producing an endless stream of news releases during the year.  The revitalization of the Interact Club at Asheboro High School.  Great support from the home club of DG Don Allred.

            President Mary Joan introduced Dr. Jim Rich to present the program.  Jim reported that Asheboro Rotary gives $6,000 annually to students from Asheboro High School and Southwestern Randolph High School.  The criteria are academic achievement, citizenship and financial need.  Applications are screened by guidance counselors.  Jim and committee members Huntley Bossong and Kaye Bryant received four requests from Mitzi Graves of AHS and Judy Freeman of SWRHS.  This year’s recipients are Christie Deaton and Amanda Rich from SWRHS and Sarah Buck and Brett Wilson from AHS.

            Judy Freeman described the year at SWRHS as one of much activity.  With 1230 students in a facility originally designed for  800, space is at a premium.  This year all sophomores took the PSAT to be considered for Advanced Placement courses.  The school worked to reduce dropouts and to increase attendance.  A parent-teacher-student organization was begun this year.  SWRHS was state champion in wrestling.  There will be a 2-3 day orientation camp for incoming ninth-graders from SWRMS and Uwharrie Middle School.  Other achievements included the production of Beauty and The Beast and a student being accepted at the US Air Force Academy.  Judy concluded by thanking Asheboro Rotary for the scholarships.

Amanda Rich is very active in sports—Captain of the Ladies Varsity Tennis Team.  She is vice president of Farm Career and Community Leaders of America in which she led a food drive that brought in 3500 cans of food.  She is a member of the Beta Club in which she participated in the talent program, which went to state level.  She is a Girl Scout having won her Silver Award and the Leadership Award.  She participates in the Vocal Ensemble and was in Beauty and The Beast.  She will be attending Meredith College to double major in fashion design and marketing along with business.  She plans to get a Masters Degree in Business from UNC-Chapel Hill.  After her education is complete she plans to go to New York to open her own design business.  Amanda attended Rotary Youth Leadership Camp, a memorable experience for her.  She thanked Rotarians for their support of her education.

            Christie Deaton is also very active in sports—basketball, softball, and volleyball.  Her family is one of her main interests.   She belongs to SADD, MBHC, FCA, is treasurer of Beta Club.  This summer she will attend UNC-Wilmington, getting a head start on her career choice—nursing with a minor in Spanish.  Christie was very appreciative of what the Asheboro Club did for her.

            After thanking Rotarians for their support of the years, Mitzi Graves, guidance counselor from AHS, remarked on the similarities between activities at AHS and SWRHS.  The tennis team is getting a lot of notice.  Music Man was a big hit, as was the Jazz Concert.  She said the International Club is doing great things on campus.  Like SWRHS, AHS will have a camp for incoming ninth-graders called Freshman Fanfare to welcome the new students and make them feel more connected.  In order to provide extra support and nurturing for the ninth-graders, a freshman academy is under consideration.

            Sarah Buck spoke without notes.  She told of her experience with Park Street Players and Mock Trial, both of which have influenced her greatly.  She will be attending Campbell University to pursue a pre-law course and to continue her participation in the Pep Band and wind ensemble.  She is active in missions.  This summer she will go with an adult group to Honduras on a building mission.  Sarah expressed gratitude to Asheboro Rotary Club.

            Brett Wilson was a man of few words.  He will attend Hampton-Sydney College and will be playing football there.  His sports at AHS have been football and baseball.  He won the Scholar Athlete Award, the Team Before Self Award (sounds familiar to Rotarians), and is a member of the National Honor Society.  He is currently working on his Eagle Scout award.  Brett too thanked the Club.

President Mary Joan thanked Jim Rich and the Scholarship Committee for doing such a fine job.  And the meeting was adjourned.

            Writ by Flip