President Worth called the meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. Jim Alexander reported that a long-time club member, David McConnelI, died December 23. Jim then introduced the guests and visiting Rotarians. Jeff Brown delivered the Health and Happiness report. He told the three worst Y2K jokes he knew and read the worst Y2K poem he could find. President Worth made mention of the Charlotte Rotary Millennium Celebration on Saturday, January 22, 2000, at Myers Park Country Club. He then recognized Thomas Moore for the wonderful article in the Charlotte Observer that paid tribute to Thomas's career and work. Worth noted that Charlotte Rotary received some recognition in the Charlotte Observer for its bell ringing for the Salvation Army through a picture of Herb Harriss. He asked all those who rang bells for the Salvation Army to stand and be recognized. President Worth also reminded us that we are one of six clubs that will be undertaking a Habitat for Humanity project in March and April of this year. He then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
     Chuck Lineberry led us in singing "Auld Lang Syne" accompanied by Thomas Moore on the piano. Harry Creemers gave the invocation. Our president introduced the head table, which included Warren Ludlam, John Tabor, Harry Creemers, Mary-Stuart Brooks, George Thompson, George McBain and Frank Timberlake, who introduced our program, "How I Got Where I'm At."
     Warren Ludlam started us off. He is the president and owner of Cruise Holidays of Charlotte. Before he began his presentation, Warren presented President Worth with a valuable pair of cruise ship slippers that are safe for Y2K. Worth seemed to appreciate the gift. Warren summed up how he got where he's at in one word— determination, especially in 1998. He lived through three of life's greatest stresses in that one year. First, he started a new business with Cruise Holidays. He moved to Charlotte while his wife, a Bank of America employee, stayed in Atlanta for the whole year. Warren commuted to Atlanta on weekends. Second, he had his first child at age 49 and his second child is due in March 2000. Third, he sold his house in Atlanta at the end of 1998. Warren believes in the words of Payne Stewart that things happen for a reason and that you have to seize opportunities when they arise. Warren was also motivated by Bear Bryant, who said if you believe in yourself and never quit, you will be a winner. The price and the rewards of victory are both high.
     George McBain went next. He is the senior executive with CCB with responsibility for the western half of North Carolina and part of South Carolina. In lieu of having any slippers to present to President Worth, he gave him a few dollars. In preparing for his comments, George called his wife and mother for advice. His wife just said tell them it's easy, you got where you're at because you married me. His mother, a retired English teacher, chided him and us for using poor grammar. He was born in Virginia and moved to Charlotte in 1964 while in fourth grade. He went to Myers Park High School, UNC-Charlotte and graduated from Chapel Hill with a degree in business administration. While at Chapel Hill, he minored in sororities, drinking and attendance at sporting events. He joined Republic in 1990, starting in the lending area and moving to lending and retail. He started in banking to learn about business. He stayed in banking because he likes dealing with different situations every day. He has two sons, one in fourth grade and one in first. His sons recently told him the most important things in life were not money but family, love and God. Those three things got him where he's at.
     John Tabor, with U.S. Mortgage Group, went next. He gave President Worth a set of the hotel's salt and pepper shakers. John started by saying how thankful and honored he was to be a part of Charlotte Rotary and how impressed he was with its members. He mentioned as an example the recently deceased Bill Poe, who made such a contribution to Charlotte in the 70's, serving as chair of the school board during the times of desegregation. John has lived in Charlotte for twenty years and has been married eight years to his wife, who is also his business partner. He has a six-year-old and a five-year-old. He has been on the planning commission since 1990 and is currently its chair. John mentioned that he has attended five leadership schools—the Chamber, Leadership Charlotte, the African American program, the regional program and Leadership North Carolina. He ran for elective office this year and although he didn't win, he may run again. John finished early as a sign for other politicians to cut down on the length of their speeches.
     George Thompson, the senior minister at Providence United Methodist Church, finished up. In line with the other three speakers, he gave President Worth a gift, a hotel spoon that was specially polished by George. For a minister, he spent a good deal of time talking about psychiatrists Freud and Jung, noting how both of those men made important decisions quickly from their unconscious minds or intuition. In the big issues of his life, George has also made some important decisions quickly and early in life. He felt called by God as a young teenager to be a minister of the gospel, not because of an aptitude test or other measures but by intuition. He was born to do what he does and has done for 31 years. Likewise, he knew the first time he met the pretty girl when he was 15 that she would some-day become his wife, and she did. He was born in 1943 in Charlotte, spent his childhood in Forest City and his college days at Pfeiffer. Every week and nearly every day, he has the privilege of entering people's lives at the moments of their greatest intimacy. His ministry provides him purpose, excitement and fulfillment.

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In Memoriam

DAVID   MOFFATT  McCONNELL

June 12, 1912                      December 23, 1999

     In 1968, he was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as a representative to the United National Economic and Social Council for two years. In that capacity he served as one of six U.S. Ambassadors to the United Nations. A lifelong Democrat, he was active at the local, state and national levels. He served for 12 years as chairman of the State Board of Elections and at one time ran unsuccessfully for Lieutenant Governor.

     The Club will make a contribution to our Student Scholarship Fund in Dave's memory.

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