7680 District Governor

Charles C. Dixon, Jr.

     District Governor Charles Dixon paid his annual visit to Charlotte Rotary on Tuesday and received an enthusiastic response to his description of Rotary International President Bhichai Rattakul’s theme for 2002-03 – “Sow the Seeds of Love.”
     The theme may seem naïve the District Governor said, but not in the context of knowing where President Bhichai Rattakul comes from.  “This is from the heart,” District Governor Charles said.  Rattakul is a high-ranking member of the government in Thailand, having served in Parliament for nine terms as well as serving as president of Parliament.
     The District Governor said what the RI president’s theme means for us is a year of “bottom up” emphasis on nurturing clubs, the strength of Rotary.  “There will be no new rules and regulations, no new quotas for international.”  Clubs will be in charge.  They will outline their goals.  “Whether they reach their own goals will be the measure of success.” The only “mandate” from RI, if you can call it that, will be a continuing emphasis on new membership because without new members, Rotary will wither and cease to be an effective instrument for peace and understanding in the world.  In that line, the District Governor, a 30-plus year member of the Charlotte East Club, paid special tribute to all new members brought into the club since the year began.
     That number included three members, Ed Wadsworth, Ed Turner, and Arch McIntosh, introduced to the club on Tuesday.  Membership Chair Luther Moore reported that current membership is at 296.  The goal is still to sustain membership at more than 300.  The board’s goal this year is to bring in two members per board member.  Luther challenged all members to be on the lookout for new members.
     Wes Clark, chair of the Fellowship and Acquaintance Committee announced two new efforts to connect new members and increase networking opportunities.  Members who sponsor new members will be responsible for introducing them to the club for their first six weeks of membership.  The other new effort will be a monthly networking breakfast the last Monday of the month.   There will be a light breakfast, opportunity for networking and three brief (5 minutes) presentations by a legacy member and a newer member about themselves and information about service opportunities.  The goal is to learn more about members and opportunities for service work, as well as a chance to connect with members of the club for business opportunities.
     Head Table: Jim Barnhardt, Luther Moore, Jim Woodward, Hope Lanier, Tom Robertson, David Anderson.
     Invocation-Henry Bostic; Visitors & Guests-Doug Booth; Health & Happiness-Russell Ranson; Song-Richard Early.

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Rotary Foundation Banquet

     Make plans to attend the Rotary Foundation Banquet on November 16, 2002 at the Renaissance Hotel. Registration forms will be available at the check-in desk next week.  The cost is $30 per person and the invitation is extended to all Rotarians and guests.   Reception at 6:15, dinner at 7:00.  Sonny Brown, Trustee of the Foundation, is the keynote speaker.

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CLUB EDUCATION  -  Rotary Student Exchange Program

     Quoting from the Rotary Web page: the most powerful force in the promotion of understanding and peace is the exposure to different cultures.  The world becomes a smaller, friendlier place when we learn that all people, regardless of nationality, desire the same basic things in life: a safe comfortable environment that allows for a rich and satisfying life for ourselves and our children.  Youth exchange fosters that understanding.
      Since 1929, students and host families all over the world have had their horizons broadened and their lives enriched by the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.  Administered by Rotary clubs, districts or multi districts, the program currently involves more than 82 countries and over 8,000 students each year.  It started in Copenhagen Denmark in 1929 and spread throughout the US in 1958.
      There are two principle types of exchanges:  LONG TERM EXCHANGES usually last for an academic year with the student typically staying with 2-3 host families while the student attends high school.  A student from an international host family will come to the US location at the same time and for the same purpose.  SHORT TERM EXCHANGES vary from a few weeks up to three months, not attending a school, but sponsored by a host family.  These can take the form of home stays, tours, camps, and new generation exchanges open to people ages 18-25.  These may be for individuals, groups and can involve home stays, tours or camps.
     The student incurs the cost of transportation and the host Rotary club, in conjunction with the host family, provides logistical support during the students stay. 
     For more information, please contact our District coordinator, Oscar Penneger, at 704-865-3851 or ogpenneger@aol.com.

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Tryon Hills Pre-K Center

     On October 7, 2002, Congressman Mel Watt joined members of the Charlotte Rotary Club to present 7 flags flown over the U.S. Capitol to classrooms at the Tryon Hills Pre-K Center. 

Thanks to Rotarians Thomas Moore, Hope Lanier, Andy Zoutewelle, and John Tabor!

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New Member

Jonathan J. Pullin

The Environmental Group
of the Carolinas, Inc.

Classification: Environmental Consulting

2925 E. Independence Blvd. (28205)

704-372-9939

email: jpullin@teg-inc.com

     Jonathan is Managing Principal and Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Group of the Carolinas, Inc.  He holds a Master of Science Degree from UNC and also holds a number of honors and awards, including National Science Foundation Travel Grant (1989 & 1990); UNC Graduate Research Fellowship; Law Engineering’s Corporate “Highly Satisfied Client Award”; Letter of Commendation from US Postal Service; President’s Award, 100 Black Men of Greater Charlotte; Outstanding African-American Alumni, UNC Asheville. 

     Jonathan is an environmental chemist and was a Senior Scientist with Law Engineering and Environmental Services.  Professional organizations include Sigma XI, The Scientific Research Society; National Association of Environmental Professionals; American Chemical Society; American Water Works Association; Society of Military Engineers; Who’s Who in Executives and Businesses; Featured in the December 1999 Community Pride Magazine, Business Journal in 2000, Charlotte Post in 2001, and Charlotte Magazine in 2002. 

     Jonathan was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in the Charlotte area.  Jonathan and his wife Katrina have been married for 12 years and have two wonderful daughters – Lelani, 8 months and Mercedes, 10 years old. 

     Welcome to Charlotte Rotary Jonathan!

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Did You Hear...

è We’re happy to report Rock Miralia is doing fine since his recent surgery.

è Congratulations to Martin and  Amy Godwin on the birth of a baby boy.

èWelcome to new members Ed Turner, Arch McIntosh, and Ed Wadsworth.

èNew Member Breakfast Bunch  to meet October 28^th, 7:30 AM, Phil Volponi’s office – 201 S. Tryon St, LL100.

èCharlotte East Club has changed their meeting location to the Brazas Brazalian Grill, 4508 Independence Blvd., Thursdays at 12:30.

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Polio Eradication Pledge Cards

     We’re off to a great start with the Polio Eradication pledge cards.  29 pledges or one-time gifts have been tallied to date, totaling $7,805.  A few bookkeeping items to keep in mind:

-          If you are making a one-time gift, the amount should be shown on the top line which says “Enclosed is my polio eradication gift of US$_____.”

-          If you’re making a pledge, be sure to complete both lines in the Pledge Option section.  Indicate your total pledge in the first line and your yearly amount on the second line.

-          The club number and district will be completed in the Rotary office.  Checks are payable to Charlotte Rotary.

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