Rotary Roundup
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Jonesboro-University
Jonesboro, Arkansas – August 25, 2005
Prayer: Bob Rubenstein
Pledge: Brad Barnett
District Governor Marilyn Hummelstein visited the club. She brought with her an extensive Rotary background and her goals for the upcoming year.
Four key issues for the year:
- Literacy – Nearly ½ of the world’s population cannot read. The problem hits home in our state and nation. Adult illiteracy costs Arkansas $23 million annually in related costs. The District will continue the dictionary project.
- Water – 6,000 people die each day due to water-relate issues. We don’t hear this a lot in our area, but drought is a real concern here. Pollution and poor irrigation practices should be studied.
- Public Image – here in Jonesboro, we receive great publicity with regard to our clubs. Not all District clubs enjoy this. All Rotarians are encouraged to look at the District Newsletter and Web Site.
- Membership – Each club world-wide is asked for an increase in net membership of just one. The trend in the District and country has been declining membership. Retention as well as recruitment is important.
Rotary needs to work on continuity. World-side, there will not be another major initiative until the Polio Project is complete. In the District, there is also an emphasis on continuing the positive direction that has been started from past District Governors.
The District is hoping to establish new clubs. Marilyn sees the opportunity to start three new clubs.
There will be a District Interact Club meeting on October 1. Some clubs are very active, others are not. This should be a great opportunity to share best practices. Schools without clubs are invited to send attendees.
Medical supplies network – when we have the opportunity to upgrade medical equipment locally, there is a need for the old equipment in other parts of the world. Our goal is to try to establish the network by spring.
Marilyn thanked our club for their involvement and the contributions to the District. Jake Morse will continue to monitor the polio efforts and chairs the finance and nominating committee. Ken Stacks is district conference chair and is on the membership committee. Others from the club with District responsibilities include: Jerry Smith, Donn Mixon, Jack Sample, Len Fry, Mike Webb and Jesse Stafford.
A quick link to Marilyn’s Bio is: http://www.yourwebpress.com/sites/rotaries/6150/view.php/id/48
Vocational Minute
Cheryl Davis is an Account Manager with Office Interiors of Memphis. She partnered with this company back in January after 20 years of human resource management. She is actively involved in commercial interior design and sales.
Good News
Joy Vaupel’s son will be coming home from Iraq.
Joe Stallings is celebrating his 37th anniversary.
Bert Price spent a road trip with his son. It was a great family trip.
Brian Gibson moved his daughter back to Austin. It was quite a working trip with little sleep.
Jay Clevenger relocated his IT area to the Colonade.
Bob Troutt moved his daughter to the University of Arkansas. He now has a license plate with “house divided”.
Glenn Bowers will be going to England and Spain over the next couple weeks.
Leon Carlisle thanked Joe for reminding him about his anniversary for all of these years. His immediately follows Joe’s.
Announcements
GSE Team
We are in need of members for the GSE team. It will be a one-month commitment. Please look at the people you know and inquire if there is any interest. See Joe Stallings for details.
Fowler Center
Pam Kail passed out brochures for the Fowler Center’s upcoming year’s schedule. It looks to be an exciting year.
Credit Cards
There are offers for a Rotary Master Card available. Instead of receiving airline miles, donations are made to Rotary International.
Committees
We need people for the social committee and dictionary project. For the social committee, contact Glenn Bowers. For the dictionary project see Tamara Jansen.
District Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament
Jake Morse, Andy Grumbles, Jay Clevenger and Mike Webb attended the District Golf Tournament held on August 19 at the Red Apple Inn in Heber Springs. They finished second in their flight.
Back Packs
We need backpacks brought to the next club meeting. These are for the food project for the school kids that don’t have enough to eat over the weekends. Rusty Clark is heading the effort. If it easier for you, Rusty will take cash contributions and purchase the backpacks himself.
Web Site
Leon Carlisle explained to everyone on how to set up their entries on the directory on the web site. You must go to club member log-in on the left side of the screen. Log in with your first initial (of the name you go by) and last name. For password, it will be 12345. You will then need to go in and change it. Make sure to include your e-mail address and phone number. You can also add photos. If you don’t have a photo, we will take them in a later meeting.
Proposed New Member
Nate Herget has been proposed for membership by James McDaniel. Nate is employed by Jonesboro Insurance Agency.
Visiting Rotarian
Sam Hummelstein from the Jonesboro Rotary Club (Noon).
Make-Ups
Tamra Jansen
Josh Fletcher
Jaye Clevenger
Ken Stacks
Attendance: 50/65 or 76.92%
