Jonesboro University Rotary
N E W S L E T T E R
Thursday, February 23, 2006
President Glenn Bowers called the meeting to order;
President-elect Rusty Clark led the prayer;
Jerry McClurg led the pledge to the flag;
Beverly Hills Edens introduced guests.
Vocational Minute
Jayni Blackburn got everyone’s attention, (especially Jim Mashburn’s) when she threw out the first pitch, and second pitch….and third pitch and finally knocked over the milk jugs and won the prize. Jayni is the queen of getting one’s attention. She is also the queen of: marketer, PR director, external affairs, internal affairs, newsletter editor, etc. at Mid South Health! Systems on Browns Lane in Jonesboro. She also coordinates the annual golf tournament and serves on several boards through her business relations involvement. She and husband Ron are active in Blessed Sacrament Church in Jonesboro.
Super Senior
Josh Fletcher introduced Tiffany Jones to the club. Tiffany is a super senior from Brookland High School and is the granddaughter of Jim and Helen Mashburn who accompanied her to the meeting. Tiffany has scored 27 on the ACT and loves ho! rses and bowling. She will speak from the well this Thursday morning.
Matt Harmon is a SS from Bay High School. He is #3 among 5 children. He has a 24 on the ACT and carries a 3.4 GPA. He is big on public service and is active as SC president, Art Club, Science Club, Mock Trial Team, Year Book Editor, Newspaper staff, Quiz Bowl and is recycle chairman. He plans on attending ASU and pursuing a criminology degree. If this fails, he could pursue a career in comedy in that he was quite a standup act Thursday with everyone enjoying his delivery.
New Member Induction
Rhonda Irving was introduced to the club by Dr. Joe Stallings. Rhonda is an RN and serves as nurse manager at AHEC. She is married to Allen and she is an avid NFL fan and has attended 5 Rolling Stones Concerts through the years.! Rhonda loves dogs, old people and little kids. Welcome to Rhonda.
Pot-O-Gold
Chair Pam announced that we are near sold out on the tickets. If you know of someone who wishes to have a shot at the $10,000.00, then get their carcass in gear and purchase a ticket before they are all a mere memory.
Good News
Beverly Edens collected good news.
· Greg Arnold traveled to Vail, Colorado to ski; he caught the death of flu. So within the last 2 weeks, Greg has survived the slopes, the crud and Valentines Day.
· Joe Stallings chipped in $5.00 for his good news. Joe dedicated the poem, “Lanyard,” by Billy Collins, former poet laureate of the United States, to his mom, to Donn, and to Mrs. Mixon. It was intended to be comical (I believe) but it was a little h! eavier than lighter, but Joe still got his money’s worth on the good news. All Donn gave momma was a dang lanyard.
* Jim Steel is a “Man of Steel!” He proved again that you can’t keep a good man down. Jim was grounded for a few days by a blood clot in the leg. He thinks he proved that it didn’t go to the brain. Best wishes for a full recovery, Jim.
Announcements
Dosha Cummins announced that the March 30 meeting will be devoted to a report and program about the Chris Carlisle Park. There are several updates which need to be reported. Mark this date on your calendar. Further, James McDaniel and Brad Barnett are coordinating the planting of some 37 trees by eagle scout candidate Jack Teague. Jack must do the work and make it all come together. Our guys are seeing that plans are made and followed.
The Jonesboro-Metro Club is looking for applicants for the Gary Schuchardt Memorial Scholarship to ASU. There will be 2 scholarships awarded and they are valued at $1000.00 each ($500.00 per semester) and there are some guidelines. The deadline for applying is April 1.
Program
Donn Mixon introduced Dr. Dick Freer, professor of Social Work at ASU. Dr. Freer earned degrees at Anderson University, Michigan State, and Case Western University. His topic was “Children: The Unseen Victims of Adult Incarceration.”
Dr. Freer is an advocate for children and is the father in a blended family consisting of wife Rosemary, 5 children and 1 grandchild.
There are 3.6 million parents incarcerated in the federal prison system. 58% of the affected children are under age 10 and are children of color. 90% of foster children have a parent in jail or prison. Dr. Freer posed the question: What rights should children have? 1. visitation, 2. access to counseling and 3. a chance to speak with their parents.
Dr. Freer encouraged URC members to mobilize their churches and civic organizations to get involved and assist any children in the community who need to visit their moms or dads who are incarcerated.
Four Way Test
Brad Barnett led the 4-Way Test: First, Is it the truth, Is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, will it be beneficial to all concerned.
This Week’s Program
William and Joanne Allen, former volunteers with Peace Corps in Afghanistan prior to the Russian Invasion, will share slides, keepsakes and views on their experiences. See you Thursday, 7:00 a.m.
