Rotarians were greeted by Brian McCall. Raffle tickets were sold by Oliver Soule.
President Keith welcomed all for attending the family and friends December Holiday luncheon. He reminded all that there would be no meeting on December 30, 2008. Also, reminded everyone that we will be meeting at the Civic Center on January 6, 2009 and January 13. He recognized Frances Yeo for making it to the meeting today especially since she is suffering from a broken ankle.
The meeting was begun with “R. P.” Rodger Doyle who gave the prayer and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Alan Bookman was Sunshine. He welcomed guests, students, military heroes and visitors plus giving us some words of sunshine. Alan also, welcomed Bill Wilshire and all applauded his return.
Those having birthdays were recognized and sung the Birthday song. The Rotor Rooters performed Christmas carols. Following the Rotor Rooters, the Rotorettes made a “first and only” performance singing some Christmas songs and ending with the Santa Baby song. Applause was heard for both groups.
President Keith gave an update on the Bells for the Salvation Army telling that they goal of $250,000 was up to $233,000 as of last night.
The ticket raffle was won by Andrea Farage who took home $125.
President Keith adjourned the meeting by wishing all the best of season greetings and thanked all for their efforts in making it a good meeting for all.
As UWF expands its public messages, two graduates highlighted were our own Mort O’Sullivan and Ron Jackson. Meanwhile, Collier Merrill continues in his role in selecting a permanent president for the university.
The two-bank regional merger’s now complete and Bo Carter thus can print some new business cards with an expanded title.
When Randy Jackson’s Presbyterian choir presented its Christmas concert Nigel Allen was a prominent member. Nigel’s had an offer from the Rooters but is still in arbitration.
Both Bob Rogers and Walter Strong say that the need to help the homeless at Christmas season is up sharply. Walter’s also saying that there are fears of an even sharper rise by mid-year.
Thanks to Tommy Tait for a strong quote detailing how local banks have avoided the mortgage pitfalls that others have suffered. That’s a good holiday message.
Hear tell that Carol Law is a director of the successful IMPACT program, and that the Association of Realtors honored Auby Smith for his special contributions during an unusual year for that profession.
Andrea Farage is beaming! The $5 million campaign for a new Ronald McDonald House has reached the halfway mark.
Hats off to Earl Hutto on his fine work in recruiting Salvation Army bell ringers. Earl touched not only our own club but members of several other organizations as well. One pair, Susan O’Conner and Diane Appleyard, had the pleasure of watching a donor put a $100 bill in the bucket.
Sally Fox and the Rooterettes surely made a hit at the December 23rd party! Just think how well they would do with the aid of Terry Scruggs’ guitar.
As he attended a program dealing with Christmases past, Carl Mertins provided the personal memory of going north of the city to cut the family tree.
John Shaffer, January 8, Harrisonburg, VA, 5 years
Richard H. Sherrill, January 10, Pensacola, FL, 47 years
Ed Meadows, January 10, New Albany, MS, 17 years
Hugh Hamilton, January 11, Spartanburg, SC, 9 years
Julie Tippins Parker, January 11, New Orleans, LA, 10 years