Meeting Report from July 3, 2001

Meeting

Rotary Wheel

Report

July 3, 2001
By HENRY BOSTIC

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     New president Jim Woodward on Tuesday accepted the gavel and diamond pin indicative of Rotary Club presidency from outgoing president Don Steger, then he committed to do his utmost to justify Club members' confidence. "I have no doubt but what 2001-02 will again be a great year for the finest Club in Charlotte, which is part of the finest organization in the world."
     With some 1.2 million men and women in more than 28,000 clubs in nearly every nation in the world, why has Rotary been so successful, the Chancellor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte asked. "I believe the answer is simple. Early in its history, Rotary established guiding principles that have withstood the test of time. Those principles are reflected in everything about Rotary."
     They are in the motto, the Four-Way Test and the Object of Rotary: "To encourage and foster the ideals of service as a basis of worthy enterprise." The ideals of service are fostered through developing acquaintance, promoting high ethical standards, serving one's business and community life and advancing international understanding, good will and peace.
     Rotary International's new president Richard King of California reflects those principles again in his theme this year: "Mankind Is Our Business."
     President Jim noted that the Rotary Foundation is the arm of RI that through private giving supports Rotary's educational and humanitarian programs such as ambassadorial scholarships, group study exchanges, health, hunger and humanitarian grants and PolioPlus.
     He emphasized the impact of Rotary through the PolioPlus campaign which has as its goal the eradication of this crippling disease from the face of the earth by 2005, Rotary's 100th anniversary.
     The Paul Harris Fellows program is the major source of private gifts for the foundation, he said. "Through the superb work of Club leaders such as Don Haack, Charlotte Rotary has been very successful in attracting members to this program. We added 30 new members this past year."
     President Jim said the Club's activities are tied directly to the principles of Rotary. By having good programs each week, we will create an opportunity to develop acquaintances. Community service activities range from building Habitat houses to teaching English as a second language for Hispanic newcomers.
     "Our participation in international activities is broad," he said. "Our Club is one of several in the district that provides specific support to a school in Bogota, Columbia, which serves some 250 mentally and physically disadvantaged children. And I committed, along with President Don, to work toward the establishment of a cardiology program in Uganda this year."
     He pledged to keep up with efforts to keep membership above the 300 mark. Fifty-five new members came in the Club last year, raising membership from 284 at the beginning of the year to 305 now. "We're lucky to have Rotarian of the Year Rex Welton back to lead membership efforts again this year," he said.
     And finally, the new president pledged to have 100 percent attendance in the year or pay $100 per meeting missed. "Hence I have both an ethical and financial reason to attend."
     President Don, in his final act as president, called the meeting to order, then introduced new president Jim. In recognition of his service, President Jim presented Don with a plaque, the past president's pin and a thank-you gift from the Club— "a one-way ticket," he joked to applause and laughter from the Club.
     Mike Hawley made a pitch to Club members for donations to help in the relief effort in Arequipa, Peru. A devastating earthquake hit Charlotte's oldest Sister City two weeks ago. Rotary gifts will be collected by the Charlotte Sister City organization under the direction of Rotarian Peggy Wesp, then sent to Rotary clubs in the Peruvian city.
     Jim Alexander introduced guests and visitors. Rufus Allison led health and happiness. Catherine Browning gave the invocation. Tony Zeiss introduced the new president. Other members at the head table included Theresa Evans, Erskine Harkey, Dave Anderson and Jeannie Falknor.

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New Member

STEPHEN D. LANDERS

STEPHEN D. LANDERS

2000

Consultant, Non-Profits

Steve Landers & Associates
233 S. Sharon Amity, #105 (28211)
704-366-6161
FAX 704-364-6101
e-mail: steve@stevelanders.com

     Steve Landers is a management consultant specializing in strategic planning and board development for nonprofit organizations. Steve has spent much of his career consulting with major corporations on business planning, product development, and market analysis. After serving as a volunteer in several Charlotte-area nonprofits, Steve renewed a passion for the mission of the nonprofit sector. He now focuses his consulting practice to bring together his strategic planning expertise and his commitment to helping nonprofits fulfill their missions.
     Steve also continues his volunteer service. He is board chair of the Community School of the Arts, a board member of Crisis Assistance Ministry, and an active participant in the outreach ministries of Myers Park United Methodist Church. He is also president of the Lincoln Health Care Foundation and a trustee emeritus of the Eastern Michigan University Foundation.
     Steve and his wife Jennie Buckner moved to Charlotte in 1993. They had previously lived in Miami, Florida, and San Jose, California, where Jennie worked as a newspaper editor and executive. Steve and Jennie have one daughter, Katie, age 12.
     Steve spent the early part of his career in the newspaper business, including working as a political reporter for the "Charlotte News" in the 1970s. Steve earned his B.A. at Eastern Michigan University and M.B.A. and M.A. degrees at Stanford.
     Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Steve.

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POWELL'S
OBSERVATIONS

POWELL MAJORS

POWELL MAJORS

Mary-Stuart Brooks urged the community to demonstrate the will for funding our schools at a higher level than recommended in the county budget, in a letter to the editor of the "Observer."
Phil Van Hoy, in a letter to the editor, tweaks the "Observer" on their position regarding the selection of judges in the state.

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