May 22, 2008

STRATFORD: - Meets Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. at Forsyth Country Club
May 29: Joan Marie Belnap, YMCA, and Ken Simington, “How to Prevent Dropouts”
Jun. 5: Anita Ogburn, Director of Ronald McDonald House and wife of our own Tom Ogburn
Jun. 12: Clinton Parker, Bee Expert, “Bee Venom Therapy”
Jun. 19: Passing of the Gavel, and Sylvia Oberle, Habitat for Humanity
Jun. 26: Larry Coble, husband of our own Ellen Coble
July 3: No Meeting, Happy 4th of July!

WINSTON-SALEM ROTARY: - Meets Tuesdays at 12:30 p.m. at the Benton Convention
May 27: Michael Leonard, “Protecting Chimmney Rock, Grandfather Mtn., the Mast General Store and Other Places that Make North Carolina – North Carolina”

REYNOLDA: - Meets Fridays at 12:30 p.m. in the Assembly Room of the LJV Coliseum
May 23: Lynn Rhoades from the Winston-Salem Arts Institute
May 30: Joe Raymond, Director, Forsyth County Department of Social Services
Jun. 6: “A New Public Garden in the Triad” by Todd Lasseigne
Jun. 13: No lunch meeting, Gaines Scholarship Golf Tournament at Salem Glen
Jun. 20: The Presidential Gavel and Coat is passed to 2008-2009 President Sylvia Oberle
Jun. 27: Lee French, President of Old Salem
July 4: No Meeting!

CLEMMONS: -Meets Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m. at the Village Inn - Clemmons
May 21: Tennis in our Community, “N.C. Tennis Association”
May 28: VFW Group
Jun. 4: Keith Davis of Fleet Feet
Jun. 11: “Hispanic/Latino Affairs, NC Office of the Governor”


DATES TO REMEMBER:
June 15-18 – Rotary International Conference, Los Angeles, California
June 24 – District Officers Installed at Pinewood Country club, Asheboro, NC


ANNOUNCEMENTS, NEWS & INFORMATION................


HEADS UP…..the meeting this week, May 29, 2008, will be at the end of the hall in the Continental Room.

Congratulations…..to our own Susan Raymer. Susan was named Rotarian of the Year at the Spring Celebration on Thursday evening, May 22, 2008. Susan was chosen because of her hard work and dedication to our partnership with Kimberly Park Elementary School. She has been responsible for organizing all the projects we have been involved with. In her honor, Stratford Rotary made a donation to Kimberly Park in the amount of $1,000. Thank you Susan for everything you have done and continue to do. We look forward to new endeavors next year.


CONGRATULATIONS:

Programs……

May 8- Former Stratford Rotarian Bill Davis spoke to us today. Bill retired from Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice but decided that he didn’t want to sit and do nothing and outlive his assets. He wanted to do something totally different than what he had done for so many years. Bill decided to go back to school and get a Masters in Landscape Architecture. Bill talked about the struggles of going back to school. Technology has changed drastically, he had to be self reliant after being used to working with a team, learning to not think like a lawyer, but most of all leaving his family and dealing with the loneliness. Bill surpassed it all and achieved his goal. Now Bill is living his second dream and is happy and satisfied.

May 15 – Julia Toone, Project Manager, “Imprints” spoke to us today. Imprints is an organization committed to helping families with young children thrive. They support parents in our community because they believe that the family is critical to the success and well-being of every child. The programs and services are based on the belief that parents are children’s first and best teachers. In fact, research shows that learning begins even before birth. Imprints can show you how to make the most of your child’s early learning experience. The programs use the Parents as Teachers – Born to Learn curriculum, which translates scientific concepts into practical strategies for parents. By understanding what to expect during each stage of development, parents can easily capture the teachable moments in everyday life to enhance their child’s language development, intellectual growth, social development and motor skills. There are specific programs for Expectant Families, Families with Young Children, and Reconnecting Families. The Imprints Program believes that stronger families result in a stronger community.

May 22 – We did not have a lunch meeting today. We had our annual Spring Social with the added celebration of our 40th birthday in the evening at Forsyth Country Club. What a great evening we had. There were about 80 people in attendance including District Governor David McCoy, District Governor Elect Charles Allen and Assistant District Governor Van Sherrill. We also recognized all Past Presidents especially those who are no longer members such as Fred Groce all the way from Asheville, Jim Kitchens, and Dick Barron. We had old pictures on display and two new plaques. One plaque has a picture and names of the Charter Members of Stratford Rotary and the other plaque is in recognition of all Past President and their leadership in helping make Stratford Rotary what it is today. It was great to see everyone. The fellowship was wonderful and there was a great meal topped off with a wonderful birthday cake. The highlight of the evening was the recognition of Susan Raymer as Rotarian of the Year. Thank you to everyone who attended this milestone in the life of Stratford Rotary Club.

ROTARY FOUR WAY TEST:

Of the things we thing, say, and do…
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?