R O T A R Y R O U N D U P
Jonesboro University Rotary meeting
Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005
Mr. Rusty Clark, presiding in absense of President Glenn Bowers
James McDaniel led the pledge to the American Flag;
Jay Clevenger led a powerful prayer, asking for Almighty God's almighty help to the victims and families in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Amen.
PROGRAM
Jonesboro Public School Superintendent Steve Singleton spoke to the club about the upcoming millage vote for the District. The JPS District is asking voters for a 7.86 millage increase. The breakdown: Safety/Security: 1.65;
Teacher Quality and Salaries: 3.71; Science/Technology: 1.50; and Operations Expenditures: 1.00.
A similar millage vote was did not pass in 1995, and it has been 20 years since the last millage increase was voted in. Supt. Singleton termed the vote an INVESTMENT in the future of the students. He also asserted that he was present at the club, stumping for the tax because of TEACHERS.
Chris Barber, steering committee chair, was also present to help any questions concerning the millage vote. Several members of URC are actively involved in the effort: Jane Jamison spoke about the technology angle; Sandy Puryear, Rusty Clark, Donn Mixon and others in the club or effected, directly or indirectly, with the vote results. Several yard signs and placards were distributed on Thursday. If you wish to have one, contact any of the persons named above. They can get one for you.
NEW MEMBER
Nate Hergett was inducted Thursday as the newest member of URC. He was introduced by James McDaniel and it was noted that Nate's father, Harry, was in attendance. Harry Hergett was the first president of URC, many years ago.
Nate is employed by Jonesboro Insurance Group, located on Market Place, and is engaged to be married to Kirsten Ellington of Paragould. Welcome to Nate!
VOCATIONAL
Leon Carlisle gave the 1 minute (and not a second longer...) vocational. He is a long-term employee of Hilliard Lyons of Jonesboro and assists persons in retirement planning, estate building, and protection of assests from suits, governments and other nosey family members. He was preparing to disclose the next show-stopper investment like a Wal-Mart, but, but, he ran outta time......
ANNOUCEMENTS
***Dosha Cummins announced that the Needs Assesment Group will be meeting Tuesday, Sept 6 at 5:30 at Cafe Buono on Highland Drive. Discussion will be held for club funds allocation.
Also, a work day at Chris Carlisle Park is scheduled for Saturday, Sept 17 at 9:00 a.m. More details coming.
The Back Pack Program at Sixth Academic Center (SAC) is off and running. URC has purchased 12 back packs which will be packed on Fridays and distributed to needy children per the decision of the school principal. The BPs will contain snacks, school supplies and appropriate-age reading materials. Hopefully, on Mondays, the students will return with an empty BP and an uplifted attitude. The BPs will be re-packed and readied for the following weekend.
***Jerry Smith announced the AWESOME undertaking of caring for the Hurricane Refugees coming from south Mississippi, Louisana and Alabama. The base will be at First Baptist Church/Jonesboro, 701 S. Main. This is headed up by the Red Cross, but volunteers are needed 24-7 until further notice. URC, RC-Jonesboro, and J-METRO as a group, is responsible for Friday, Sept 2 and Sunday, Sept 4. Several URC members have signed up. Jerry is the contact person for URC. He can be reached at 897-5134 or
jerry@astate.edu Sam Hummelstein has put together a work sign up sheet. It can be checked for openings at JonesboroRotary.org/view.php/id/139
This project carries no definite ending date. The Red Cross, FBC, and all volunteers have made a commitment to keep it open until further notice. There is a plea for a Tractor/trailer Reefer...not a Freezer...but a Refrigerator. Know where one is available? Call Jerry at above numbers.
***Joe Stallings along with colleague Scott Dickson announced that they, through AHEC, are putting medical teams together to responde directly to the disaster scene. At this time they are asking for health kits, personal items, Tylenol, or anything which can be transported to the area. CASH is in real demand. There is a BLOOD DRIVE underway at Cardiology Associates, located at Church and Oak, behind the former Central Baptist Church.
****Larry James echoed Dr. Joe's announcement. Clear Channel, located on Parker Road, next to Vet Care, is a drop off location for the same group effort as Cardiology Associates. The Jonesboro Sun is the 3rd organization that is heading up this effort. It makes no difference which avenue that you follow in giving. Just make a decision today that you are going to give something and help make a difference is a huring person's life. Thanks to all of the URC members who stood and led the charge.
GUESTS
Gloria Gibson and Don Manus were guests of Prof Dr. Len Frey;
Harry Herget, father of new member Nate Herget, guest of the club;
Lindsay Harmen was the guest of Brian Clem;
Chris Evins was the guest of Teresa Ashley;
Chris Reddick and Mitch Hovis were also the guest of Brian Clem;
Dawna Haley was the guest of Sheila Harrison;
George Fray was the guest of Lee Simpson.
MAKE UPS
Jerry Smith and Teresa Ashley made up missed meetings.
FINAL NOTE:
Continue to hold up in your daily prayers all of the persons effected by the massive storms. Reach in your pocket and Give Something. It will make a difference. Volunteer time. Treat people in this situation exactly the way you would like to be treated if the roles were reversed. If you find yourself in over your head at any of the centers, yell for help. URC members will be there to assist. I promise. Until next week, keep looking up. Editor.
