Meeting

Rotary Wheel

Report

November 2, 1999
By TOM HUNTER
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     President Worth called the meeting to order at 12:45pm. Andy Fair welcomed guests and visiting Rotarians. Jim Kelley delivered our Health and Happiness report and asked that we remember the family of Charlie Trexler, an honorary Rotarian and local philanthropist, at his recent death. His son, Brent Trexler, is a Charlotte Rotary member.
     President Worth reminded us that during the month of November we can bring our unused clothes to Rotary meetings for the benefit of Crisis Assistance Ministry. In addition to clothes, blankets, sheets and towels, and jackets are needed. The Rotary Foundation banquet will be held November 11th at 6:30pm at the Speedway Club.
     Worth also advised that member Tony Lathrop recently had received a William C. Friday Fellowship for the promotion of better human relations within the state of North Carolina. Tony was one of 26 Fellows selected from a group of 250 candidates nominated by over 100 leaders from across the state. This program is made possible by the generosity of the Blumenthal family. Congratulations to Tony.
     Worth next opened the meeting for the business of a By Laws change asking that the annual Nominating Committee be empowered to appoint a slate of nominees to serve for the director positions that are up for election. During discussion, it was noted that nominations from the floor would be allowed but would also be screened by the Nominating Committee to ensure the candidates had the time, commitment, and interest to serve. After additional discussion, the motion was carried by a strong majority of those present. President Worth joked afterward that he may be the first Charlotte Rotary presdient to be impeached.
     The head table consisted of Bill Poe, David Hodgkins, Martin Waters, Bill Loftin, Bill Wood, who delivered the invocation, and Beverly Martin, wife of speaker Butch Martin, who is district governor for our district #7680.
     Butch is a graduate of Ohio State University and has been a Rotarian since 1987 when he joined the Matthews-Mint Hill club. He has served that club in many capacities including President. He is also a past President of the Matthews Chamber of Commerce and currently serves as Chairman of the Town of Matthews Planning and Zoning Board. He and his wife Beverly own and operate Uniforce Staffing Services.
     Butch talked about three major Rotary themes:
  1. Consistency - particularly in our service areas. He talked a lot about the Four Way Test which was adopted by Rotary in 1943 and should be practiced in the daily lives of all Rotarians. He reminded us how powerful that can be since there are 1.2 billion Rotarians world wide. He also talked about the power realized in San Diego County when a very dedicated Rotarian committed himself to having the Four Way Test posted in all fifth grade classrooms. The visual of this motto for these young people on a daily basis will positively influence many young lives.
  2. Credibility – Due to the honor and integrity of Rotarians as exemplified by what we believe and stand for, we have a tremendous ability to influence the ethics of people in business, service, and other areas of life. Butch believed the Four Way test was created in part due to poor business ethics in the early1900’s. He is concerned that some of out ethical standards in business and elsewhere are slipping today and called on all of us to set the standard and influence others.
  3. Continuity – Particularly in programming and making our programs work for the benefit of many. He cited the Polio Plus Program that Rotary has instituted internationally and how it has almost eradicated polio globally. Rotary International will not undertake any new programming for 1999 but will simply try to make sure that the existing programs are as efficient and touch as many lives as possible.

     At the district level, the purpose of the district governance is to help the individual clubs achieve the ideals of Rotary. Our district has two primary goals for 1999:

  1. Member development and retention – Over the last two years both Rotary International as well as our local district have had declining membership. We have already created one new club in 1999 and expect to have another one shortly. Efforts are under way to begin a club in Alleghany County, the only county of 14 in our district to not have a club.
  2. Increase the knowledge and support of the Rotary Foundation. We instituted this year an annual education meeting about the Rotary Foundation. We also have an annual meeting to celebrate the work of Rotary Foundation and recognize new and major donors. There is space for 480 people on November 11th at the Speedway Club and already 200 reservations have been made.

     Butch recognized the strong efforts of Charlotte Rotary to the Rotary Foundation with annual gifts exceeding $21,000.00 and with 282 Paul Harris Fellows and 9 Benefactors. He also cited our efforts to improving medical facilities in Araquipa, Peru as well as to assist CPCC with GED sites and programs for literacy and at risk children.
     Butch concluded by recognizing Julius Melton, Charlie Williams, and Bert Voswinkel as those silent Rotarians who have served diligently and faithfully without much fanfare for many years. They received lapel pins from Rotary clubs in the UK, Japan, and Korea.

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In Memoriam

charles_trexler.jpg (13991 bytes)

CHARLES  BRENT   TREXLER

February 8,1916            October 28, 1999

     Rotarian Charles Brent Trexler, 83, was a public accountant by training, but he was responsible for entertaining millions of movie-theater-goers in the Carolinas and Virginia. A very successful businessman, he shared his "talents" generously, if quietly, especially at Queens College, where he was a major benefactor and served many years as vice chairman of the board.

     Charlie died October 28, but his contributions to Queens College, Covenant Presbyterian Church (of which he was a founding member and elder emeritus), and Charlotte, his adopted city, will not be long forgotten.

     The club's 121st Paul Harris Fellow, he joined Charlotte Rotary in 1970. In recognition of his service to the club, he was named an honorary club member in 1997.

     A Wadesboro native, after graduation from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he migrated to Charlotte where he became affiliated with the CPA firm of Moore and Thies. He also served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

     In 1948 he joined Steward & Everett Theatres, Inc., and in 1962 became chief executive officer of the thriving exhibitor of movies. When the company was sold, he became managing partner of T. F. Investments. He was active in movie theater trade association affairs at the State and national levels and was a past president of the Charlotte Variety Club, an association of people involved in the movie business.

     For many years, Charlie served as vice chairman of the Queens College Board of Trustees and just last year had been named chairman emeritus of that board in recognition of his strong, quiet leadership. He was awarded an honorary doctorate by Queens in 1998.

     Charlie made the lead gift for the Trexler College Center at Queens. One of the most comprehensive student areas on the campus, it houses various student services including the bookstore, post office, dining hall and Trexler Student Activities Office. When built, it was the first new construction at the college in 30 years. He also served on the Davidson College Board of Visitors, the local board of First Union National Bank, the board of Sharon Towers (including service as chairman), the Cadmus Communications board and the National Association of Theatre Owners board.

     Memorials may be made to Queens College, 1900 Selwyn Ave., 28274, or to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St., 28204.

     We extend our sympathy to Charlie's wife. Marguerite; his five children, including C. Brent Trexler, Jr., who followed in his father's footsteps as a member of Charlotte Rotary; his three step-children; and his 10 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Isabelle White Trexler.

     The club will make a contribution to our Student Scholarship Fund in Charlie's memory.

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Revised: January 24, 2008.