Paula Kerger
PBS: A Community Media Channel
By Suzanne Bledsoe
              
Elsie Garner introduced Paula Kerger, President and Chief Executive Officer of PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) after a rousing rendition of the theme from Sesame Street. Much to our disappointment, Paula made it clear that we would not be asked to sing that particular song to any TV audiences. Kidding aside, the Public Broadcasting Service is a private, not for profit corporation. Founded in 1969, PBS provides quality TV programming and related services to 355 noncommercial, independently owned stations all over the country. Our own WTVI is one of the member stations and has been for the past 42 years.
  
PBS is funded almost entirely through public sources: individuals, corporations and other community funding sources. Only about 15% of its funding comes from governmental entities. Each station is supported by and is closely tied to the local communities it serves. The programming of PBS stations is largely focused on education, culture, history, nature, news, public affairs and science. One of the most watched programs in TV history is the PBS production of "The War" by Ken Burns, which was a 15 hour film that chronicles life on the home front during World War II. As part of its success, PBS, under Ms. Kerger's leadership along with its member stations and other partners, led a community outreach campaign tied to "The War" which resulted in more than 50 locally produced companion documentaries and 100 local oral history projects. Our very own World War II documentary that included participation by many of our members was part of this effort and is a great example of communities partnering with the public media outlet. 
 
In the current environment of changing technology, Paula maintains that public TV is profoundly important. It is more than just television. It uses the power of the media to meet our country's greatest needs: arts, news, and education, to name a few. You can appreciate Paula's passion for her livelihood when she describes PBS as an agent that opens minds, touches hearts and changes lives.
  
Our local station, WTVI, is something that we should all be proud of and willing to support. It is, in Paula's words, a part of the "fabric of Charlotte"-defining who we are as a community. And because she made such a compelling and impassioned case for the importance of WTVI and the other 354 organizations like it around the country, Paula was entirely justified-and not a bit shy-in asking for all of us to consider supporting our local gem. So, as you write your checks this holiday season, think PBS.
         
Head Table: Charlie Greer, Michelle Fish, Kemp Dunaway, Ed Driggs, Elsie Garner, David Zimmerman;
Invocation: Carol Jordan;
Visitors & Guests: Bill Underwood; Health & Happiness: Phil Van Hoy

• New members Jim Hill (David Anderson) and Bill Woolard (David Zimmerman) were introduced on Tuesday. Jim is President of Gatehill Financial Planning and can be reached at jim@gatehillfp.com; Bill is President of Woolard Financial Advisors and can be reached at bill@woolardfinancialadvisors.com. Welcome to Rotary.
 
• Lynn Johnson's 13 years of volunteering with The Jingle Bell Ball was featured in the December issue of SouthPark magazine. The Ball benefits the UFS Shelter for Battered Women; Jan and Donald Haack will serve as honorary chairs of the American Cancer Society's 2008 Swordsman's Ball (scheduled for April 19, 2008); Hunter Widener has been named to the N.C. Blumenthal Performing Arts Center's board of trustees; Mark Pierman was photographed at the United Family Services annual luncheon and fundraiser; Karen Calder was photographed at the Educate Your Palate gala at Quail Hollow Club; Anna Evans Parrott and William Raymond Holcomb Dickinson were married on December 1st (Hope and Mike Parrott); Budd Berro serves as president of Downtown Davidson and has been quite busy organizing a three-day event of festivities to kick off Christmas in Davidson.
 
• Jan Thompson submitted an editorial on filling the Sheriff's position; Tom Bartholomy says the Better Business Bureau is working to revise their charity policy; Meg McElwain recently conducted a workshop for non-profit managers at UNCC; John Stedman reports The Scottish Bank is looking to expand under their new owner.
 
• Ballantyne Rotary will begin meeting at The Encore Bistro at the Blakney Shopping Center (Ardrey Kell & Rea Road).
 
• President David presented a check and thanks to the Crowne Plaza wait staff - Eduardo, Shawn, James, Ricky, and Jose for their fine service each week.
 
• District Governor Graham Wilson dropped by to express his thanks to Alan Adler and Sandy Osborne for their work with the District's Foundation Banquet.
 
Eve of New Beginnings: Charlotte Rescue Mission invites you to Charlotte's premier alcohol-free New Year's Eve event at The Big Chill in Uptown. Music for dancing by The Urban Sophisticates; comedian Mark Mathis, formerly of "Fox News Edge" is master of ceremonies; celebration begins at 8:00 p.m.; jackets required for men; $60 individual or $100 per couple. Tickets are available online at www.charlotterescuemission.org. Contact Lyn at 704-334-4635 for additional information.

Update on Dr. C. C. Hudson: In September, 2006, Attorney Richmond Bernhardt was working to settle the estate of one Nancy Richmond Hudson. Mr. Bernhardt happened across a loving cup in Ms. Hudson's belongings with the following inscription: