Meeting

Report

 
CLUB ASSEMBLY
2004 - 2005
by Henry Bostic
              
If Tuesday is any indication, President-elect Herb's year at the helm of Charlotte Rotary could be a loud and rockin' one.
 
Led by Charlotte Rotarians Al Allison and Mike Rash, with a special appearance by Thomas Moore, Underground Detour, a group of, shall we say, maturing "adolescents" who can't give up the urge to rock, jammed in the new Rotary year in such a fashion that even Paul Harris may have heard a note or two.
 
And R-O-T-A-R-Y (words and music by Norris C. Morgan, a member of the Rotary Club of Wilmington, DE, copyrighted in 1923) has never sounded so much like the Mickey Mouse Club theme. Long-time Dilworth Rotarian Harvey Woodruff, who spent many years trying to improve the level of Rotary singing throughout the city, is probably still spinning in his grave. Yes, Charlotte Rotary is finally feeling the irresistible force of Baby Boomers in its midst. It could get ugly.
 
Other members of the group included President Catherine's son David Barnhardt on the drums, former City Council Member Ralph McMillan, John Powell, Kelly Campbell, Danny Williams and Jerry Perillo.
 
In business of the evening, District Governor Nominee Joe Morris of the Dilworth Club presented an award to the club for its efforts in leading Charlotte-area Rotarians to build seven Habitat Houses. Said Morris, the families who have benefited from the homes, the 11 area Rotary Clubs involved in the project and Habitat, all are indebted to Charlotte Rotarians for their leadership in the project, their physical efforts and their financial efforts. "It would not have happened without you," Morris said. President Catherine thanked Ken Samuelson for his leadership in the past two years and announced that Ken would lead the effort again in the coming year.
 
President-elect Herb provided an update of the World War II Centennial Project, noting that it was "conceived in President David Anderson's term, carried out during the terms of Presidents Tom Robertson and Catherine Browning, and will be celebrated during my presidency." The two 60 minute specials, "How I Survived World War II and the Rest of My Life," are being prepared by WTVI professionals for airing later in the year. A special party is planned for November 11, Armistice Day from WWI.
 
Program Chair Marilynn Bowler announced that her quarterly committee chairs - David Zimmerman, Worth Williamson, Natalie English and Cecily Durrett - are still looking for good ideas but already have a bang-up line-up for next year. Speakers will include Bill Hensley talking about golf in North Carolina, banker Hugh McColl, textile executive Crandall Bowles, newscaster Bill Walker, the heads of Lowe's and Harris-Teeter Supermarkets, the Governor of South Carolina and the reigning Miss USA of Charlotte.
 
The theme in 2005-2006 is familiar - "Service Above Self," said President-elect Herb. He thanked all members who so willingly accepted responsibilities. "It's a wonderful tribute to the spirit of service in our club," he said.
 
And, as we have come to expect, the Freemans - Bob and Robert - outdid themselves again this year with outstanding barbecue, sides and, best of all, hospitality.
        

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NEW MEMBER APPROVAL
The Classification and Membership Committee recommend and the Directors approve for consideration for all members, the following NEW MEMBERS. Should you question the eligibility of any nominee, please call the Rotary Office by June 14th. You will be contacted by a member of the Board. Otherwise, no reply is necessary and election will proceed according to our bylaws.
Proposed Member Company Classification Sponsor Endorsed	David Barnhardt First Charlotte Properties Real Estate-Residential, Sales Mgmt Al Allison Mike Rash, David Norman

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