President Worth called the meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. Rick Jackson updated us on the day's news activities. Before making his comments, Rick mentioned it was a slow news day. That was evidenced by Rick reporting that Madonna was pregnant again by another boyfriend and that Duke and UNC-Chapel Hill were both in the NCAA Sweet Sixteen. Worth introduced a visiting Rotarian, Dave Vrooman, who spoke about the upcoming District Conference to be held in Greenville from April 28 to April 30. Dave reminded us that we all had a registration form sent to our homes and that the conference was offering activities for children to encourage family participation. Dave also mentioned that there would be a tour of the BMW plant, go'f, a silent auction, some breakout sessions and the presentation of the major awards. Katie Tyler then introduced the guests and visiting Ro-tarians. Jim Appleby, the chair of our awards and recognition committee, presented our nominee for the Distinguished Rotarian Award, Tom Robertson. Tom has distinguished himself in many roles in the club and in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg community (see front page). After Tom received a standing ovation from the members in attendance, Worth said that Tom made us all proud to be Rotarians. Luther Moore reported on the health of the club: Joe Penner is the proud father of a baby girl; Rock Miralia had spinal surgery; Doug Glasgow and George Henderson are sick. Luther then went on to the Happiness side of the report, telling some lawyer and political jokes and sharing comments from federal employee performance evaluations. John Lassiter introduced our newest member, Jim "Gil" Middlebrooks. Gil has been in Charlotte since 1986, is a partner at Smith, Helms, and is a member of Providence United Methodist Church. Gil has a special needs child and is very involved with several organizations that serve special needs children. Worth then thanked Jim Adams for organizing last Fi'day's Millennium Gala for Rotary and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
     Don Sanders led us in the song accompanied by Thomas Moore on the piano. Charlie Greer gave the invocation. Our president introduced the head table, which included Bronnie McNabb, Edgar Love, Charlie Greer, Tom Robertson, Julian AIdridge and Marilynn Bowler, who introduced our speaker, Mike Giminski. Mike is in his sixth season as the color commentator in the Hornet's broadcast team. Mike played in the NBA from 1980 until 1991 with the New Jersey Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Charlotte Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks. He was a two-time All-America and three-time Academic-All-America while playing college ball at Duke. He was the second player to have his Duke jersey retired.
     Mike started his comments with two stories. The first poked fun at Worth for trying to ice fish on a skating rink and the second, as you would expect, was about UNC-Chapel Hill and Duke. In this story, Dean Smith dies, goes to heaven and gets a bungalow. While on the way to his bungalow, he passes a huge mansion with Duke flags all around. No, it's not Coach K's house. It is God's.
     Mike talked about his experience in the March Madness tournaments — the ACC and the NCAA. The ACC Tournament was the most intense 72 hours in his life. It was either intensely thrilling, if you won, or intensely heartbreaking, if you lost. In Mike's four seasons at Duke, they were in the Conference Finals in his sophomore, junior and senior years. The 1978 team played in the NCAA Championship Game. The team had a great chemistry then and remain great friends today. In fact, the members of that team get together for a weekend every summer.
     Mike shared a number of thoughts about college and pro basketball. He believes the NCAA is focused on money more than on the student athletes. How else can you explain the NCAA having televised games that start at 10 p.m,? Mike believes that the NCAA should have a loan program to make spending money available for the athletes. That would guarantee money for the students but allow the NCAA to control it.
     Mike said that this Hornets season has been the strangest NBA season he's experienced in the last 20 years. The loss of Bobby Phils, the injuries and the off-court problems have all had a significant impact on the team. Given these factors, it's almost a miracle that the team is 35-31. Bobby was the conscience of the team and its leader. A team particularly needs a vocal leader when they are struggling, and with Bobby gone the Hornets don't have that. Bobby also was the leader of the second unit. Now they are rudderless. Bobby also contributed 14 points a game. The team needs to find its defensive aggressiveness again. In response to a question, Mike agreed that too many NBA players are taking part in irresponsible or illegal activities. Mike thinks the root of the problem is the lack of family stability. Very few of these 21- and 22-year-old kids have both a mother and father at home. That lack of stability is creating a generation of very angry young NBA players. In reponse to his last question, Mike is a big fan of the downtown arena plan. Based on his experience in other NBA cities, he thinks it can revitalize downtown.

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SERVICE SALUTE

W. THOMAS ROBERTSON, JR.

     At the March 21 meeting of Charlotte Rotary, Jim Appleby presented Tom Robertson with our Distinguished Ro-tarian Award. Tom has been a member of Charlotte Rotary since 1976 and is now a senior active. He has served in many roles in our club over those years. He is a past club secretary. He chaired the organizing committee that annually recognizes an outstanding senior from each of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public, private and parochial high schools. Over the years, Tom has served on the Visitor, Youth Services, Attendance, Computer Check-In, Rotary Reporter and Literacy Committees. For many years, Tom has coordinated the Club's Christmas Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army. Most recently, Tom has coordinated the Club's 2000 Rotary Habitat House project.

     Tom has also been very involved in the community. He's been on the boards of Mercy Hospital, Theater Charlotte and the Salvation Army. He is past chair of Junior Achievement, past president of the Engineering Advisory Council of UNCC and a past vice president of United Way. He is an active member of Hawthorne United Methodist Church. Tom retired from Duke Power in 1994 as the Vice President of Procurement Services and Materials, after 40 years with the company. Tom, you make us proud to be Rotarians. Thanks for all you've done and still do.

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