Jonesboro University Rotary
N E W S L E T T E R
Thursday, May 25, 2006
President Glenn Bowers called the meeting to order;
Jayni Blackburn led the prayer;
Dan Trevathan led the pledge to the flag;
Pam Kail announced the alleged visitors and make ups
Vocational Minute
Jack Elam began his business following an all-expense-paid-plus-stipends to the Southeast Asia community of Vietnam. The year was 1971 and Jack’s intentions were to clean carpets 3 days per week which would allow him to loaf 4 days a week. Things were falling into place along that line until May 27, 1973 came along and a killer tornado pretty well flattened much of Jonesboro including Jonesboro High School. Jack has been full time in the restoration business since then. Jack operates Elam Enterprises and Silver Moon Trailers in Jonesboro and is a very busy person.
Blue Badgers
Rhonda Irwin and Greg Phillips exchanged their blue badges for shiny new blue ones on Thursday.
Multiple Paul Harris with Sapphires
Brian Clem was awarded a Paul Harris with a single sapphire to signify a multi-Paul Harris Award in his name. Leon Carlisle was recognized as a PH with 3 sapphires.
St. Louis Cardinals
Sandy Puryear distributed packets containing 5 tickets to be sold by URC as a fund raiser for the St. Louis Baseball Cardinals. Last year we led the district in ticket sales and earned over $2600.00 for those sales. Deadline to sell the tickets is June 29.
Jayni Blackburn announced there is a drive to secure names for persons who wish to ride a bus to St. Louis. There must be at least 40 passengers and the cost is $45.00 round trip. The bus will depart early on the morning of Sunday, July 16. The Cardinals will host the Los Angeles Dodgers.
25th Anniversary for URC
President Glenn put out an APB for information pertaining to the history of our club. If you ever served as president of the club, or received ROY or SAS, let Glenn know. Also, if you know the current address of Bill Bobbitt, Jack Erker, or John White, contact Glenn so he can contact them. This year’s end of year celebration will be held Thursday, June 15, 2006 at the Jonesboro Country Club. We will celebrate the anniversary and a successful club year.
Program
Hajo Dembowski, a youth exchange student from Germany, spoke to the club about his beloved Germany and his experiences here at Jonesboro. Hajo completed his Junior year at JHS. Germany is twice the size of Arkansas and has 82 million inhabitants vs. the 2 million+ living in Arkansas. Famous Germans range from Albert Einstein to Martin Luther to Beethoven. Mountain peaks extend past 10,000 ft. Hajo’s parents are both physicians, and it was his Rotarian father who encouraged him to become involved in the student exchange program. Hajo has gained 20 pounds thanks to the fine Southern cooking and proclaimed Jonesboro a difficult city to ride his bike. He wishes to earn his pilot license in the near future. His coat weighs a lot.
Good News
· Rita Reed announced her hubby Dennis is retiring as 4th grade teacher from Hillcrest Elementary. He has been teaching 34 years and will begin a new endeavor with Adult Ed.
· Rob Delaney’s daughter has been named Co-Captain of the Nettleton Junior High Dance Team. They have been dancing a lot lately: particularly at the Memphis Redbirds game. The team will host a golf tournament Saturday, June 24 at the Links, to raise funds.
· Donn Mixon’s son John graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Architecture with a Master degree and delivered the commencement speech.
· Debbie Patton’s son-in-law is a member of a BBQ team which won 2nd place in the Rib Division of the recent Memphis in May World Barbeque Contest. Hmmmmm.
· James McDaniel’s sons, Patrick (8th) and John (9th) are students at McArthur Junior High School and made a haul at last week’s Award Ceremony. John the ninth grader won Best of Show in English, math, science, history, band and P.E. along with ice hockey. Patrick was also awarded academic awards.
· Greg Arnold gave kudos to Chef Jim Steele and all who participated in the recent Boston Butt Sale for URC. John Frankel declared his butt as the best butt yet!
· Jayni Blackburn celebrated 29 years of wedded bliss with hubby Ron in NY City! Also, the Mid South Health will host their annual golf tournament on June 9. Sign up to win over $6000.00 in prizes.
· Jake Morse’s grandson is a first grader and recently received the Top Reader Award. Grandson is reading at the fourth grade level!
· Sam Wright and wife Debra celebrated 15 years of marriage last week.
· Ashley and Chris Pagan are following on the heals of Sam and Debra as they recently celebrated 4 years of wonderful marriage.
· Josh Fletcher’s scholar son spelled purffectckly all year long except for one stinking word. For this, the first grader was awarded Top Speller. Also, on an emotional note, Josh told the club of his return to a childhood destination of summer camp at Camp Barnabus, Missouri. He told of seeing the host couple who are 84 years old and the new direction of the camp. The encampment is now a camp for kids with special needs much like our Rotary Centennial Park at Craighead Forest.
Four Way Test
Leon Carlisle 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.
Next Week’s Program
Dr. Beth Hood from ASU will speak about the future of a research park in Jonesboro.
It has been a pleasure to serve as your newsletter editor for May. Rick.
