Thanksgiving Thoughts

     One of our best programs always falls in Thanksgiving Day week, when fellow Rotarians give “Reflections on Thanksgiving.”  Fred Lowrance, one of these past speakers, had tapped three members to turn our thoughts towards thanks.

     Mary-Stuart Brooks had crafted an essay on thankfulness.  She cited her childhood experiences of faith and acceptance, which supported a life full of glad discovery.   Two seemingly quite different aspects of her life were singled out for gratitude.  Music of all kinds (of which she has been an avid “consumer”) has helped her enjoy life and recall special moments, as tunes have triggered remembrances.   Dark times was the other.  We draw closer to God when we are forced to accept that we are vulnerable.  We draw closer to those we love when we are forced to think of losing them.

     Thomas Moore’s reflection was wide-ranging and highly personalized, as specific examples of his being served and helped were mentioned, and actual individuals who did the serving and helping were introduced.  He had succeeded in getting most of those he was recalling to attend today’s meeting!  People who shared their homes, people who taught him by word, talent, and example, people who moved from mentors to colleagues; these were pointed to.   Most had helped him develop from a talented youngster into a leading practitioner of the musical arts, especially in serving and teaching children.  He even gave a nod to our club’s singing, truly a rare event in the lives of community leaders (especially the males), which can bring us closer to the “child within,” to children we must continue to nourish, and to the “Child” whose birth will soon be celebrated.

     Ken Samuelson, since he had discussed reasons for gratitude recently as a “How I Got Where I’m At” speaker, delivered a message contrasting gratification and gratitude.  Gratification of desires (in a culture of consumerism) is a far cry from a life marked by thankfulness (gratitude).  His special contribution was to advocate our cultivating creative gratitude.  Don’t respond only when something we think merits thanks comes along (which can lead to an attitude of “What have you done for me lately?”).   Rather, look for some thing(s) for which to be grateful in everything that comes along in life.  Try to evaluate the value of the ordinary—people and things around you.  Cultivate proactive appreciating—and you will have the key to a happy life.

     Head Table: David Anderson, Cynthia Carlson, Ed Turner, Lori Hurd, Bob Chesney, Mary-Stuart Brooks, Ken Samuelson.

    Visiting Rotarians & Guests-Jeff Searcy; Health & Happiness-William Rikard; Song-Carroll Thomas; Invocation-Charlene Kammerer.

*    *   *

Did You Hear…

è Polio Eradication Update
Club Pledge:               $54,000
Received To Date:     $28,590
Representing:     122 members

è Mac McCarley received the Schley R. Lyons Circle of Excellence Award by Leadership Charlotte.

è Rotary Breakfast Bunch, 7:30 AM, December 23 at UNC Charlotte.

è Contact Steve Landers, 704-366-6161, to sign up for the Salvation Army Christmas Kettle at the Square.

è Biff Virkler extends an invitation for all to attend the December 11^th meeting of the Goodfellows Club.

*    *   *

MAJOR DONOR PRESENTATION

William Paul Smith, Jr.

William Paul Smith, Jr. with son Paul

     Most of the time, it seems that The Rotary Foundation takes small but steady steps toward its goal of international peace and understanding.  But every now and then, something happens that allows it to take a giant step. Today, Paul Smith was saluted for making a considerable investment – not in stocks and bonds, real estate or a new business.  No, this money was invested in the future, toward a time when neighbors take down fences that divide them, when famine and disease are relegated to the history books, when the lamp of knowledge shines upon everyone.  This money was contributed to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  Paul was presented a beautiful crystal piece depicting doves bearing olive branches – the universal symbol of peace, engraved with the names of Paul and Marjorie Smith.  Thanks for this wonderful gift!

*    *   *

POWELL'S
OBSERVATIONS

F Tom Hutchins was recognized at a recent Symphony concert for his efforts in bringing the 80 member Naval Academy Glee Club to Charlotte.  The Glee Club did two performances with the Symphony and also sang at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

F Joel Walters was featured in an ad by Wachovia on Wealth Management.

F Phil Van Hoy sounded off in a letter to the Editor of the “Observer” about the high taxes in Mecklenburg County and how York County, SC was attracting away some of our business establishments.  He hopes for the new Republican majority on the County Commission to act quickly, as well as the City Council to reduce taxes.

*    *   *

HOW TO MAKE-UP A ROTARY MEETING

     A member can make-up a meeting 14 days before or after the missed meeting.  The visiting Rotarian card should be turned in to the check-in desk.  The card should show the club name you visited, the date of the meeting attended, and the date you are making up.  Credit can also be given for attendance or participation in the following: club service project; club sponsored community event; board meeting; service meeting to which the member is assigned; RI convention; council on legislation meeting; any meeting convened with the approval of the board of directors or RI; district conference or assembly; meeting held by direction of the district governor.

*    *   *

Click here for photos of this Meeting