 FOUR
ROTARIANS SHARE THEIR PATH TO TODAY
By Mike Butler
Rotarians were treated to the latest installment of the
grammatically-challenged but always interesting "How I Got Where I'm
At" series Tuesday, featuring four of our own - Kit Cramer, Matt
McQuide, Phil Kline and Jerri Haigler.
The quartet was introduced by what we all assumed was a
dear-departed celebrity named Elvis who, even with his collar-length
jet black hair and sequined jump suit, bore an eerie resemblance to
Tony Marciano.
Kit Cramer, Vice President of Economic Development at the
Charlotte Chamber, grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, living in the
same house nearly her whole life. One of four children, she is an
inveterate Gator fan who relishes abusive humor about other SEC
schools, particularly Tennessee and Georgia.
In introducing herself, Kit turned the tables on the audience,
asking her fellow Rotarians a series of questions. Perhaps not
surprisingly, we learned that most club members are NOT North
Carolina natives. Kit shared that her goal is to one day head a
Chamber of Commerce.
Matt McQuide of Benefit Controls Company was a restrained
responder to the first speaker as he introduced himself as a
University of Tennessee graduate. A Wisconsin native who moved
around a lot, Matt said the defining moment of his life came in his
freshman year in college when his Dad lost his job and his parents
were divorced and moved to separate parts of the country. He got a
job, a scholarship and learned to "stretch a dollar." He moved to
Charlotte in 1995.
His experience led to his outlook on life today which centers around
"doing something with your life." He shared five things that he
thinks everyone should realize: 1) Adversity happens to everyone in
life, 2) Find something you really want to do in life, 3) Be the
best at what you do, 4) When things go wrong, keep moving toward
your goal, and 5) Always make sure to spend time with your family.
Phil Kline, CEO of the Mint Museums, says he wakes up every
morning wondering how he got where he was at. He thought that saying
it out loud to the group might help him clarify it in his own mind.
A Michigan State grad, Phil was with Royal Globe Insurance and its
successors for 27 years. He came to Charlotte when the company moved
its headquarters here.
He quickly became involved in community activities and, while
looking to a second career after retirement, he was attracted to the
non-profit sector. He first served as CEO of the Mecklenburg Aquatic
Club, retired a second time and then became interim president of the
Mint Museums. "I knew quickly this was something I could have
passion for," Phil said. "I had no background in the arts, but it is
a wonderful world."
Jerri Haigler, Assistant to the President for Community
Relations and Public Affairs at CPCC, saluted the mentors who have
helped her along the way to achieve her dreams. "My path has always
been blessed," she said.
An increasingly rare Mecklenburg County native, Jerri is a product
of Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. Her father was principal of Long
Creek Elementary where she attended, and her mother taught in the
CMS system. Dinner time conversations and night-time knocks at the
door convinced her she did not want to be in education.
But, as fate would have it, the Wingate University graduate would
become Communications Director for Union County schools and later
chief spokesperson for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. She says
deciding to join CPCC was the best decision she has made. The school
serves more than 70,000 students on six campuses, she said.
Head Table:
Phil Kline, Kit Cramer, Luther Moore, Tony Marciano, Jerri Haigler,
Matt McQuide, Gregg Walker; Invocation: Mac McCarley
Visitors &
Guests:
Warren Kean; Health &
Happiness: Tony Zeiss; Four-Way Test: John Johnson; Song: Biff
Virkler
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NETWORKING AND
ROTARY... |
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...are a natural.
However, please be mindful of borderline stalking your fellow
club members. You've seen the quote in the Roster from John Paul
Lucas, Jr., who was president in 1929-1930: Some join because
they expect a good meal once a week. In this they may be
disillusioned. Others for sordid business reasons. For this they
will be forgiven. Yet sooner or later, sipping the pleasant wine
of Rotary acquaintance each will discover what he seeks: the
warmth of Rotary fellowship, the wealth of information, the
wisdom of life that is a force for service in a world of forces
for self. |
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Rotary Club of Charlotte
841 Baxter Street, Suite 118, Charlotte 28202
chltrot@bellsouth.net 704-375-6816 |
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þ
Ed Kiser introduced
Deborah Hirsh, Cultural Ambassadorial Scholar representing
District 7680. Deborah received her Bachelor's and Master's
in Journalism from Northwestern University and is currently
a reporter for The Charlotte Observer. She is anxiously
awaiting her country assignment, with hopes of studying in
Mexico or Honduras.
þ
WW II Committee Chairs, Tom Burgess
and Richard Bailey, were
honored to present WTVI President
Elsie Garner and Board Chair
Ed Driggs a check that
completed the club's final commitment of $25,000 pledged for
the "How I Survived World War II" DVD. Richard also updated
club members on the progress of Part 2, titled Liberation,
which will explore the personal stories of how the war
changed the role of women in Western society, African
American experiences, and the dawn of the atomic bomb. If
your company or business would like to explore being a
corporate sponsor, please contact the Rotary office.
þ
Tom Senger and
Jim Adams reported
tremendous success with items dropped off for this year's
clothing drive to benefit Crisis Assistance Ministry. Tables
are conveniently located in the parking deck at the hotel.
If you require a home pick-up, please contact Tom. To recap:
warm clothing and footwear for men, bedding, bath towels,
and housewares will be collected during the month of
November. Thanks for a great first week!
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30 Rotarians and guests have signed up to attend the Rotary
Foundation dinner on Thursday, November 16th at the
Renaissance Hotel. If you are unable to attend the dinner
but would like to support the event, there will be a
reception at 4:00 with the evening's speaker, Ray
Klinginsmith (tickets not necessary). For those ticket
holders - please remember to send your check to the Rotary
office ASAP.
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FLU and PNEUMONIA SHOTS
are next week. The nurse will be available between 11:30 and
12:30, and 1:30 to 2:30. Family members welcomed,
reservations not required. $25 for flu shots, $29 for
pneumonia shots.
þ
Tony Zeiss reminded
everyone that Powell's
birthday is only one month away. Anyone wishing to
contribute to the Powell Majors Scholarship should send
their donation to the Rotary office ASAP! Tony also shared
the good news that Rich
and Tracey Campbell
announced the birth of their third child and first daughter,
Nora Maie Campbell, on November 1st.
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Janet Fortner serves as
chief executive of Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte
Region. The Observer featured Janet in an article over the
weekend and her quote is appropriate for everyone: love your
work, but cherish your relationships more. Thanks, Janet,
for your good work.
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Halton Theatre presents "From the Top", NPR's hit radio
showcase for America's best young classical musicians, on
November 9th.
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Charlotte Biz (John Galles)
mentions several club members in the November issue:
Pat Rodgers, president
and CEO of Rodgers Builders, Inc., has been appointed by the
Governor to the CPCC board of trustees;
John Tabor has joined
RPA Design, PC as Director of Business Development;
Debbie Daniel (will be
introduced by John Galles next week) provides insight to her
company, Daniel, Ratliff & Company;
Marilynn Bowler would love for you to read up
on the Charlotte Checkers.
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Congratulations to Charlie Williams,
who retired from the ABC Commission on November 1st. He's
already signed up to volunteer at the Rotary office.
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Harriman Jett offers a
fantastic service to the club through his knowledge of
computers and AV equipment. As you would imagine, everything
he prepares…photos, announcements, songs, etc…takes
considerable planning. If you or your speaker requires
computer/AV support, please discuss your plans with Harriman
NOT later than Noon on Thursday's.
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Attendance
Record |
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11/06/06 |
11/08/05 |
| visitors &
guests |
19 |
6 |
| club
members |
178 |
175 |
| total
attendance |
197 |
181 |
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New Members | Resignations |
Cindy Wolfe
Bill Anderson
John Greer
Dean Jones
Jessica Brasington
Tim Merchant |
Sam Spencer |
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Wedding
Anniversaries |
16 Sharon & David Barnhardt
16 Ruth and Jim Haney
17 Ann and Henry Bostic
17 Chris and Chip Scholz
19 Kit and Mark Cramer
19 Barbie and Gene Williams |
| Birthdays and
Birthplaces |
14 Frank Martin, Asheville, NC
16 Ed Pickard, Spencer, NC
17 Joel Walters, Rockwell, NC
18 Ruth Castleberry,
Atlanta, GA
19 Pat Millen, Charlotte, NC
20 Skip Berry, Memphis, TN |
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