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 TOM GABBARD
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center Attracts over 627,000
Guests
by John Galles
Richard Early introduced Rotary attendees to his landlord. His
Charlotte Symphony makes its home and performs regularly in the
Blumenthal Performing Arts Center. From that perspective, he was
pleased to tell us about the rich background of Mr. Thomas Gabbard
who currently serves as President of the Blumenthal Arts Center.
With previous experience at the Pepperdine Center for the Arts where
he had the occasion to work with Sophia Loren on a fund-raising
campaign to Denver, Colorado and then to Green Bay, Wisconsin, Tom
Gabbard was pleased to assume his current role in Charlotte and
create a more permanent home.
Tom stepped forward and presented an update on Blumenthal activities
and its performance in line with its mission…which is ”To present
the best in the performing arts and in partnership with others,
share and employ the arts as a major catalyst to strengthen
education, build community cohesiveness and advance economic
growth.”
With its focus on strengthening education, the Blumenthal has
committed substantial attention to work with Charlotte schools and
more specifically with grades kindergarten through 5th grade with
the objective of building an arts integrated curriculum. Just like
we learned our A-B-C’s with the rhyme and music that we teach our
children, the integrated arts curriculum combines music, theater,
visual arts and education with four primary goals… first, to raise
student test scores, second to increase enrollment and attendance,
third, to support teachers and their retention, and fourth, to
increase parental involvement.
With its focus on building a stronger sense of community, the center
provides a community center and a gathering place that promotes and
supports diversity… from Christmas music to a Def Poetry Jam and to
the repertory theater currently presenting the play “I love you.
You’re perfect. Now change!” It even supports a church that uses
Spirit Square every Sunday.
As a catalyst for economic growth, Tom described that over 627,000
people have enjoyed the various events at the center in the last
year. They build their activities to serve a multitude of objectives
that support restaurants and the revitalization of the center city
and improve the quality of life for employees of areas businesses.
As a co-producer of Broadway shows, the Center provides Charlotte
with a healthy pipeline of productions visiting Charlotte early in
their traveling schedule. Recent productions included “The
Producers” and will soon include “Movin’ Out” and “Hairspray.”
Tom went on to mention a cultural facilities plan that is due to be
released early in 2005 and says to stay tuned for exciting news,
especially in light of all the new events that will be presented in
the city in the coming years. He also mentioned his intention to
create an endowment for the arts and that he is especially pleased
that the Blumenthal has less public support than many other centers.
While most receive subsidies of 30 to 40%, the Blumenthal receives
about 15% from the city. He concluded by saying that he is always
open and happy for public input.
Head Table:
Cynthia Marshall, Jim Pughsley,
Catherine Browning, Richard Early, Alan Adler, Dee Dee Murphy;
Invocation: Dale LeCount
Visitors and Guests:
Harley Dickson; Health & Happiness:
Worth Williamson; Song: David Erdman
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IN MEMORY
Wilfred “Bill” Morrison
April 29, 1913 – November 24, 2004
Member of Charlotte Rotary since 1956 |
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Wilfred C. (Bill) Morrison of
Charlotte, NC, passed away Wednesday November 24, 2004 at
the age of 91. Born in Brooklyn, NY on April 29, 1913, he
was the son of Frederick W. Morrison and Emily G. Morrison.
Bill was a founding partner of Brown and Morrison,
established in 1950 with the late Neil Brown. He enjoyed the
camaraderie in the business world with customers, fellow
salesmen and principles. In total he spent 62 years in the
business world. He attended UNC and was part of the last
engineering class in UNC from 1931-1935. He graduated Tau
Beta Pi and Phi Beta Kappa from Brooklyn Polytechnic
Institute with a degree in civil engineering in 1936. He was
a registered professional engineer in the state of NC and
held memberships with the NC Society of Engineers as well as
the Charlotte Engineers Club. He was also a life member of
ASME. Bill served his country in World War II as an officer
in the US Navy serving in the Mediterranean and in Europe
from 1942-1945 and later served for many years in the US
Navy Reserves. He was an active Rotarian and Paul Harris
Fellow, member of the Charlotte City Club, and member of the
Poinsett Club in Greenville. He was also a member of Myers
Park Country Club for fifty years. Bill served on the Board
of Directors for the Alexander Children’s Home, and coached
baseball for Providence Civitan Club for over 20 years. He
was a founding member of Trinity Presbyterian Church,
serving as Clerk of Session, Elder, Deacon, and Sunday
School teacher. Bill also served on the Trustee’s Council of
Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of
Christian Education in Richmond, Virginia. Bill was married
for 61 years to the late Geraldine F. Morrison. He is also
survived by sister Mildred Lillian Morrison of Parlin, NJ,
son Donald G. Morrison and wife Carol of Charlotte, son Gary
F. Morrison and wife Fran of Charlotte, grandchildren, Ryan
Morrison, Cory Morrison, Mary Sayers and two
great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by daughter Claire
Virginia Morrison McHugh. The family asks that in lieu of
flowers donations be made to Trinity Presbyterian Church,
3115 Providence Road, Charlotte 28211. |
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þ
The visual of the day is
checking out the website for Underground Detour at
www.undergrounddetour.com.
Is that Al “Ivories”Allison on the keyboard and Mike “The
Slasher” Rash on guitar??
þ
Leland Park had knee surgery last week, is doing
quite well, and hopes to return to Rotary next week.
þ
President Catherine will be attending the Good
Friends luncheon on Tuesday, and
Past President Tom will be at the gavel.
Catherine has extended an invitation to the ladies of Rotary
to be her guest at Good Friends. And to the guys, you’re
invited to be guests of George
Wilson or Biff Virkler
at the Good Fellows luncheon.
þ
Due to the unbelievable
support of clothing donations, the collection to benefit
Crisis Assistance Ministry
will be extended for two more weeks. The newly formed
Interact Club at Myers Park made a very significant donation
on Tuesday. It took Chris Kemper,
David Anderson, and Jim
Adams to deliver all the clothing.
þ
Mary Rinehart and Duke
Ison contributed to an interesting article in the
Observer that made you think about how your financial
investments don’t necessarily match up with your values and
beliefs.
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Thanks to
President Catherine and
President-Elect Herb Harriss
for scouting every dollar store between Charlotte and
Wilmington to pull off the wonderful Red Nose Rotary for the
Salvation Army on Tuesday. A few pictures will be posted on
the club’s website.
þ
February 23, 2005
marks the 100th Anniversary of Rotary International. The
Rotary Club of Charlotte plans to celebrate this momentous
occasion with a birthday dinner at the Charlotte Country
Club. Details will follow….but mark you calendar NOW.
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www.ring2help.org
to designate your contribution to the Salvation Army |
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New Member Approval
The Classification and Membership Committee
recommend and the Directors approve for consideration for all
members, the following NEW MEMBERS. Should you question the
eligibility of any nominee, please call the Rotary Office by
December 6th. You will be contacted by a member of the
Board. Otherwise, no reply is necessary and election will
proceed according to our bylaws.
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Proposed Member
Company
Classification
Sponsor
Endorsed
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Martin A. Grable
Community Blood Center of the Carolinas
Social Services, Comm Blood Ctr
Buddy Chatfield
George Page & John Smylie
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Proposed Member
Company
Classification
Sponsor
Endorsed |
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Bryan D. Moore
Adam’s Mark Hotel
Hospitality, Sales
Bob Elliott
Catherine Browning & David Norman |
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Attendance
Record |
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11/30/04 |
12/02/03 |
| visitors &
guests |
8 |
12 |
| club
members |
204 |
210 |
| total
attendance |
212 |
222 |
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Wedding
Anniversaries |
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12 Ruth and Bill Loftin, Sr. |
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New Members | Resignations |
Dee Dee Murphy
Jim Pughsley
Eric Carrig |
Jim
Bensman
Hugh Cathey
Dwight Thomas
Anthony Fox
Henry Lafferty
Price Gwynn
Bill Morrison |
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| Birthdays and
Birthplaces |
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12 Powell Majors |
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