VOLUME LI | May 26, 2011 | Edition 47

Rotarian of the Day

Our Rotarian of the Day today is Marcia Freeman. Marcia is a Funeral Director/Operations Manager for Freeman Harris Funeral Home. She is part of a family-run business and assists her mother, Joan Freeman, who is also a Rotarian and the past president of Tulsa Sunrise. Marcia has been in the funeral industry for over 8 years and also has 8 years in the field of human resource management. She is not only a licensed funeral director and embalmer but she carries a property, casualty and life license for the State of Oklahoma. She has two B.S. Degrees, one from Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, and another from the University of Central Oklahoma in Edmond.

She is very active at Parkview Baptist Church. The last two years she has been a part of the Run to the SON and SONFest leadership team at the church and last year was a co-manager. The Run to the SON is a 5K Race approved by the American Track and Field Association. They also have a one mile fun run and a festival following the races.

Marcia was born and raised in the Tulsa area and she has three teenagers, two of whom are in college. One is attending the University of Oklahoma and the other the University of Central Oklahoma. Her youngest is at Jenks Freshman Academy. Last but not least, Marcia has a black lab, Toby, which she adores and so it is only fitting that she would be a volunteer at Biscuit Acres Dog Park.

Today’s Program

Our speaker today is Kelley Scott, RN, BSN, CHPN. Kelley has been caring for dying people throughout the 25 years of her nursing career. She is currently the Executive Director of Clarehouse, a loving home for the care of terminally ill people. She is a founder of this not-for-profit organization that formed in 2001. Her focus on end-of-life care includes experiences as a volunteer coordinator for a county health department hospice in Michigan; as case manager in a small, rural hospice in Indiana and in a large, urban hospice in Tulsa, and as a Palliative Nurse Consultant in a large Tulsa hospital.

Ms. Scott maintains specialty certification in the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the National Honor Society of Nursing. Her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree was earned at the University of Oklahoma in 1986.

Ms. Scott has been recognized for her work at Clarehouse in 2005 with a Pinnacle Award; prestigious recognition in the City of Tulsa from the Mayor’s Commission on the Status of Women. She was honored as a “2006 Newsmaker” through the Association for Women in Communications, and received the 2008 Award for Innovations in End-of-Life Care from the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association.

Club News

- If you know of a company or individual who would be a good match for sponsoring the Bellmon Awards, you can download the sponsorship packet for 2011 here. You can contact John Benjamin at 857-7100 if you have a sponsor prospect you need help calling on.

- The last Thursday in June we’ll be doing a family bowling night. Cost is $27/person. See Brett Brough for more details.

A ROTARY MOMENT

You can make a difference in your career, your community and your world by getting involved in Rotary. Let’s all get involved and see what happens.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY (MAY 26)

Events:
1868: Presidential Impeachment: President Andrew Johnson avoids impeachment by one vote. The Senate voted 15-19 in favor of impeachment, one vote short of the necessary two-thirds majority.
1992: Dodge Viper: The first production models roll off the assembly line; they are capable of 165 mph.
1997: Taliban: The Saudi govenment becomes the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan. Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates will follow suit, making them the only countries to officially recognize the Taliban as of September 11, 2011. Interesting!!!!!

Births:
1886: Al Jolson: American jazz singer.
1907: John Wayne: American Oscar-winning actor.
1919: Jay Silverheels: Canadian-born Mohawk Indian actor. TV: The Lone Ranger (Yes kemosabe, It’s Tonto).
1920: Peggy Lee: American singer, actress.
1923: James Arness: American actor (Remember Marshal Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke?)
1951: Sally Kristen Ride: American astronaut: First woman in space.

Deaths:
1939: Charles Horace Mayo: American Surgeon: He and his brother, William James Mayo, co-founded the Mayo Hospital.
2005: Eddie Albert: American actor (Remember TV’s Green Acres?)
2010: Art Linkletter: Canadian-born American Emmy-winning TV personality. TV: House Party and People are Funny.

ANOTHER ROTARY MOMENT
I don’t go to Rotary with the same sense of obligation or dread that I have when I have a dental appointment. I go because I want to go. I know that I will have fun, learn something new, meet some pretty neat people, help people in need, and I will always pick up something that will benefit me. Rotary isn’t a tiresome obligation, it’s the bright spot in my week. Many professional people are required to take continuing education every year to maintain their academic and technical proficiency. Rotary offers continuing education that sharpens our personal and practical skills. WHAT A DEAL!

TRUE!
Jake came home from work one day and told his family. “I got a promotion today at work, but I’ll never get another one.” About a year later he came home with the same good news of another promotion. It was quickly followed by his belief that this would certainly be his last one. This scenario played itself out a few times through the years. Jake felt he could not make very much progress at the company simply because he did not have a college degree. But he had a wonderful ability to get along with people. He was well-respected. His fellow employees like him. That is why he far exceeded his career expectations.

An education can be a great asset. But to have a college degree and be incapable of getting along with others, greatly tarnishes any academic accomplishment. There is no substitute for developing strong relationships with others. That is the best job security of all.
– Tom Harrison

A LITTLE HUMOR
A couple was sitting in a crowded movie theater when the wife said, “I don’t think someone’s deodorant is working.”

The husband replied, “Don’t look at me, I’m not wearing any.”

A WILL ROGERS QUOTE
“This country has gotten where it is in spite of politics, not by the aid of it.”

TRUTHS FOR MATURE HUMANS
Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blu-Ray? I don’t want to have to restart my collection again.

A PARAPROSDOKIAN
How is it one careless match can start a forest fire, but it takes a whole box to start a campfire?

NOTABLE CONTRIBUTORS FOR THE ROTARIAN MAGAZINE
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Studs Terkel (1912-2008) published his first book at age 55 and his final book in October 2008, the same month he died at the age of 96. In a special issue on the “The World of Work” in May 1976, The Rotarian printed an excerpt from his book Working.

A FINAL THOUGHT
“It is not what happens to you that determines how far you go in life; it is what you do with what happens to you.”

VOLUME LI | May 19, 2011 | Edition 46

TODAY’S PROGRAM

Our program today is Steve Lovick. Steve was born in Des Moines, Iowa. He has been married to Emily, a National Park Service Curator/Archeologist, for 31 years. They have one son, Andrew, currently serving in the Navy, and one daughter, Kirsten, a 12th grader at Southside High School.

Steve’s first career was that of an archeologist, working for the Arkansas Archeological Survey (Toltec Mounds Archeological State Park), University of North Dakota, National Park Service, and the National Science Foundation (Zeekoe River Project in South Africa). In 1982, Steve decided to make a career change, pursuing and obtaining a degree in computers. After working a year as a college computer instructor at Westark Community College, Steve was hired by Rheem Manufacturing. While at Rheem, Steve has held several positions (Systems Analyst, Team Leader, Manager of Information Systems, Buyer, Director of Purchasing) culminating in his most recent position, Director, Information Technology. As Director, Steve is responsible for strategic analysis, review and deployment of technology pertaining to Rheem’s telephone systems, data networks, computer applications and Internet services.

Steve has degrees from Luther College (Decorah, IA), Miami University (Oxford, OH) and Westark Community College. He is active in the church and community. He received the Fort Smith Mayor’s Award for Father of the Year in 2008. He is a graduate of Leadership Fort Smith, Chairman of the Board for Faith Methodist Church, Board member of the Westark Area Council in Boy Scouts, President-elect of the Board for the Fort Smith Chorale, active in Partners in Education and member of the Information Technology Steering Committee at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith.

His hobbies include participating in his children’s activities, music, landscaping, raising flowers, golf and fly fishing.

Steve and his family are all Paul Harris Fellows. He joined the Fort Smith Rotary Club in 1993, serving as secretary for five years and secretary/treasurer for one year. Steve served as the Rotary 2006-07 President of the Fort Smith Rotary Club. He has served as an Assistant Governor for District 6110 since 2007 and District Interact Chair since 2009.

Steve, thank you for being with us today!

CLUB NEWS

- A big THANK YOU to Randy for putting the Hard Rock fellowship together and a big THANK YOU to those who supported it with their attendance. John Benjamin; Larry Boyer; Brett Brough; Don den Daas; Lynn Fesperman; Mehdi Khezri and his son; Monte McNutt; Randy Sullivan; Tom Wilson; Bill Kobsej ; Donna Petty and guest Ron Petty.

- If you know of a company or individual who would be a good match for sponsoring the Bellmon Awards, you can download the sponsorship packet for 2011 here. You can contact John Benjamin at 857-7100 if you have a sponsor prospect you need help calling on.

A ROTARY MOMENT
A big reason for joining Rotary was for my children. I wanted them to have an understanding of selflessness and to learn about the spirit of service. I wanted them to see that we have a good life in this part of the world and that we have lots, and therefore have lots to give.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY (MAY 19)

Events:
1910: Halley’s Comet: Earth is believed to have passed through the tail of the famous comet.
1992: Murphy Brown: Vice-President Dan Quayle critizes the TV character Murphy Brown’s moral values for having a child out of wedlock.

Births:
1795: Johns Hopkins: American businessman, philanthropist, contributed money for the Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Hospital.
1890: Ho Chi Minh: Vietnamese leader, founder and first president of North Vietnam.
1934: Jim Lehrer: American News Correspondent. TV’s PBS’s MacNeil/Lehrer Report
1959: Nicole Brown Simpson: American murder victim, ex-wife of O.J. Simpson. She and friend Ron Goldman were found murdered at her home. O.J. Simpson was tried and found not guilty of the crime.

Deaths:
1864: Nathaniel Hawthorne: American author (Remember The Scarlet Letter?)
1994: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis: American First Lady, widow of John F. Kennedy and Aristotle Onassis.

COMMON SENSE
Lincoln once said, “They say I tell a great many stories; I reckon I do, but I have found in the course of a long experience that common people, take them as they run, are more easily informed through the medium of a broad illustration than in any other way, and as to what the hypercritical few may think, I don’t care.”

JUST THE TICKET
The word etiquette, which means “ticket” in French, dates from 1750 as a term for the conduct prescribed by authority to be observed in social life.

TRUTHS FOR MATURE HUMANS
I keep some people’s phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

WILL ROGERS
Will Rogers was a humorist, political satirist, and cowboy movie star from Oklahoma. His most famous quote was, “I never met a man I didn’t like.” He had a number of other memorable sayings, too. “The income tax has made more liars of the American people than golf has.” And, “Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.” He also said, “Live your life in such a way that you wouldn’t be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.”

One of my favorite Will Rogers’ stories is about a lion that stalked, killed and ate a bull. After finishing his meal, he stood up and roared. Hearing the roar, a nearby hunter spotted and shot the lion. Rogers’ punch line was, “Don’t open your mouth when you’re full of bull.” There’s a lot of wisdom in that!
– Tom Harrison

ANOTHER ROTARY MOMENT
In joining Rotary, you will make some of the best friends you will ever have. Then you will discover the inner joy that comes from lending a hand at a community service project; then perhaps you’ll get involved in an international project–and, like me, and 1.2 million others, you’ll be hooked!

A LITTLE HUMOR
A guy was carrying two buckets of cow manure to put on his garden. His six-year-old son asked, “What are you going to do with the manure?”
He replied, “I’m going to put it on my strawberries.”
The boy then replied, “I would rather have ice cream on mine.”

A CLOSING THOUGHT
I’ve got to say no to the good so I can say yes to the best.

VOLUME LI | May 12, 2011 | Edition 45

TODAY’S PROGRAM

Our club will not be meeting at Ti Amo today. Instead, there will be a golf tournament at the Hard Rock Casino, with gambling and buffet to follow. The golf tournament starts at 3:30, but if you’re only showing up for the dinner portion of the event, it starts at 7. Contact Randy Sullivan for more information.

CLUB NEWS

- If you know of a company or individual who would be a good match for sponsoring the Bellmon Awards, you can download the sponsorship packet for 2011 here. You can contact John Benjamin at 857-7100 if you have a sponsor prospect you need help calling on.

A ROTARY MOMENT

I joined Rotary for no particular reason other than I was invited, and was curious as to what took place. However, after a few months in a friendly atmosphere, I began to understand what Rotary was all about, and concluded that I should have joined much sooner than I did.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY (MAY 12)

Events:
1861: The Battle Hymn of the Republic: Julia Ward Howe’s song is performed for the first time at a flag-raising ceremony for Union recruits at Fort Warren, near Boston.
1932: Lindbergh Kidnapping : Charles Lindbergh’s 20 month-old son is found dead after having been kidnapped two months earlier.
1937: First Worldwide Radio Broadcast: The coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth is broadcast by the BBC.

Births:
1820: Florence Nightingale: English nurse and hospital reformer. She contributed greatly in the development of modern hospital practice and the nursing profession.
1907: Katharine Hepburn: American Oscar-Emmy winning actress.
1918: Julius Rosenberg: National traitor. He and his wife Ethel became the first U.S. citizens executed for treason during peace time. They had been convicted of selling top secret information to the Soviets.
1925: Yogi Berra: American baseball Hall of Famer. His famous quoted include: ” A nickel ain’t worth a dime anymore.”

Deaths:
1992: Robert Reed: American actor. TV: (The Brady Bunch (Father, Mike Brady) He died of AIDS.
2001: Perry Como: American singer, Emmy winning TV personality. (Remember, It’s Impossible?)

MOTHER’S DAY, A TIME OF LOVE
Last Sunday was Mother’s Day. In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson declared the first National Mother’s Day to honor mothers whose sons had died in war. Since then, Mother’s Day has gone on to become the most popular day of the year to dine out in a restaurant and to make long distance phone calls. Also, May is the biggest month for florists. Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world.

Think back to the earliest memory you have of your mother. No doubt she took care of you when you were sick, encouraged you to do your very best work in school, and been one of your greatest supporters in life. She has also made some of the most delicious recipes you have ever tasted. Your mother is truly a special person.

A PARAPROSDOKIAN
A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don’t need it.

A LITTLE HUMOR
“I quit drinkin’, smokin’, and chasin’ girls. Boy, that was the longest twenty minutes of my life!

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
J. Edgar Hoover (1895-1972) was director of the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1924 until his death. Before it was discovered that he had conducted illegal surveillance operations on American citizens, including an unsuccessful effort to blackmail Martin Luther King, Jr., Hoover wrote five pieces for The Rotarian primarily with advice on raising children – of which he had none.

POMPEII
When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in Italy in 79 A.D, it destroyed the city of Pompeii. When the volcano blew, people had just moments to flee, if any time at all.

Archeologists have excavated some remarkable molds from Pompeii. One was a dog which had been tied to a stake and was desperately trying to escape. Another was a woman whose feet were pointed in the direction of fleeing from the volcano, but whose upper torso was turned backwards in an attempt to retrieve a bag of pearls. Undoubtedly, those pearls were beautiful and were worth a lot of Roman currency. But that woman lost sight of the fact that her life was far more important than some expensive piece of jewelry.

It’s easy for our values to be distorted and confused. It doesn’t’ happen only in Pompeii, either. Giving our lives for material goods is always a bad exchange. We are worth so much more than that!
– Tom Harrison

A WILL ROGERS QUOTE
“It must be nice to belong to some legislative body and just pick money out of the air.”

THIS IS WHY ROTARY IS SO GREAT
Rotary’s expansion around the world has attracted kings, princes, political, religious, and community leaders of all types into fellowship with businessmen and professionals. When men and women of high office sit down at the table with the corner shopkeeper in Rotary, titles disappear. It is no longer “Prince” this or “Doctor” that, but “Larry” and “Tom.” Rotary was — and is — an organization that strives to remove barriers, believing that a group of dedicated, intelligent, influential men and women — imbued with the spirit of voluntary service — can change the world for good.

TRUTHS FOR MATURE HUMANS
Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you’re wrong.

A PARTING WORD
“There is little you can learn from doing nothing.”

VOLUME LI | May 5, 2011 | Edition 44

Rotarian of the Day

Our Rotarian of the day is past President Don den Daas. Don was born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and raised in California. He joined the club in 1986 and has served as International Director, Vocational Director, Club Secretary, Vice-President and President. Don has also held several positions the Foundation Board, including President in 2007 and 2008, and is currently a Board member again. Don also serves Rotary as an Assistant District Governor. Don is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Southside Star and Rotary Benefactor.

Don is married to Judy (also a Paul Harris Fellow) an eighth grade teacher in the Jenks School system. Judy will be starting her 42nd year in the classroom this fall. They have been married for 40 years and have two adult children; David (34), an architect with a local firm and Katie (25) a news producer for NBC in Dallas/Ft. Worth.

After completing a tour of duty in the Army, Don completed his education at Colorado State University-Pueblo (formerly the University of Southern Colorado), receiving a BSBA in 1974. Currently, he is president of Edge Technologies, a company that sells, installs and maintains traditional and IP-based telephone systems. Don’s company also installs fiber, voice and data cable.

Don’s speaker today is Brian Hester, the founder and president of Dynamic Brands, a local distributor of wine and other alcoholic beverages. Brian is and OSU alum and he is going to tell us how he started the slogan “Stillwater a drinking town with a football problem.”

Today’s Program

Our speaker today is Brian Hester. Brian is president and owner of Dynamic Brands (since 2003) and Red Dirt Beverage in Broken Arrow. Dynamic Brands is a wine wholesale brokerage and Red Dirt is a craft beer wholesaler.

Dynamic Brands represents over 100 wineries from Austria, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand, France, Germany, and Italy, along with several prominent California and Oregon properties as well. Dynamic Brands currently employs a manager and two sales people in Oklahoma City and three additional sales people in Tulsa.

Brian was the state manager for Reliance Wines (David Hubbs) for 12 years and actually started in the industry with the Julius Schepps Co. in Dallas in 1986.

Brian attended Oklahoma State University and earned a degree in Agricultural Economics in May of 1984.

Brian’s family includes wife Helen (Art Teacher in Broken Arrow), two daughters, Annie and Sammy (both at Oklahoma State), and one son, Will (Graduate of OSU and working for Dynamic Brands).

In his spare time, Brian enjoys fly fishing and golfing.

Brian, thank you for being with us today. The Rotary Club of Southside Tulsa welcomes you!

Club News

- If you know of a company or individual who would be a good match for sponsoring the Bellmon Awards, you can download the sponsorship packet for 2011 here. You can contact John Benjamin at 857-7100 if you have a sponsor prospect you need help calling on.

- Be Wise, Immunize will be May 7 at the Tulsa Air & Space Museum, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You can sign up to help out at the meeting.

A ROTARY MOMENT

In the past many Rotarians and their clubs preferred to do their service work quietly. They didn’t want to blow their horns. But this is changing. We have a great story to tell and proud to tell it. We know that there are a lot of people out there who would make wonderful Rotarians if they only knew what the organization does. LET’S TELL THEM.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY (MAY 5)

Events:
1925: Monkey trial: John T. Scopes is arrested in Tennessee for teaching evolution.
1968: McDonald’s Big Mac makes its debut.
1987: Iran-Contra Affair: Hearings begin. General Richard Secord claims his pro-contra activities had been approved by the administration.
1994: Michael Fay: The American teenager receives four lashes with a rattan rod from Singapore authorities for spray painting cars and other vandalism.

Births:
1830: John B. Stetson: American Hat Maker
1899: Freeman Gosden: Radio comedian, Amos of Amos n’ Andy.
1913: Tyrone Power: American actor. He was one of the most popular film actors of the 1030′s and 40s.
1942: Tammy Wynette: American country singer (Remember “Stand By Your Man’?)

Deaths:
1821: Napoleon Bonaparte: Emperor of France (1804-1814). He exiled on the South Atlantic Island of St. Helena after his defeat in 1815 to the British at the Battle of Waterloo.

MAY BIRTHDAYS
We have only one birthday in May and that is John Haley. Happy birthday, John.

DID YOU KNOW
Bill Gates left Harvard University in his junior year to work full time on the software company that he cofounded in 1975. Microsoft grew into one of the largest technology firms in the world, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has awarded $355 million in challenge grants to Rotary for the eradication of polio.

A PARAPROSDOKIAN
A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

A WILL ROGERS QUOTE
“Nations are just like individuals. Loan them money and you lose their friendship.

HOW ABOUT THIS?
Asked one day for a mathematical formula for success in his life, Albert Einstein gave the following:
“If a is success in life, the formula is, a equals x plus y plus z, x being work and y being play.”

“And what is z?” he was asked.

“Z,” he said, “is keeping your mouth shut.”

PERSISTENCE
“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not, nothing in the world is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not, unrewarded genius is a proverb. Education will not, the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent.”
–Calvin Coolidge

DYNAMITE
Alfred Nobel made a killing inventing dynamite. But when his brother died, a newspaper was confused. They thought Alfred had passed away. They published this line in his obituary: “Dr. Alfred Nobel, who became rich by finding ways to kill more people faster than ever before, died yesterday.” He was also called “The Merchant of Death.”

Few people can say that their lives were changed by reading their own obituary, but Alfred Nobel could. From that day on, he was determined to create a new legacy by using his enormous wealth for productive causes.

“Dunamis” is the Greek word from which our word, “dynamite,” is derived. It means “explosive power.” Nobel experienced that power not through the power to destroy, but through the opportunity to empower and encourage us to live in a better way. He established the “Nobel Prizes” for chemistry, medicine, physics, literature, and most famously, for peace.
– Tom Harrison

THIS I BELIEVE
The most destitute person in the world is the one without a smile.

ANOTHER ROTARY MOMENT
Rotary is the one and only organization which can change people’s lives. In service, I found Rotary the best. Over and above everything, Rotary is the best platform for developing one’s leadership qualities.

A CLOSING THOUGHT
“I can’t do it” never accomplished anything. “I will try” has performed wonders.

Next Week’s Program
Next week, we will not be meeting at Ti Amo. Instead, we’ll be having a golf tournament out at Hard Rock, starting at 3:30 p.m., which will end with a buffet and gambling. For more information, contact Randy Sullivan.

VOLUME LI | April 28, 2011 | Edition 43

Rotarian of the Day

Our Rotarian of the Day today is Jordan Taylor.

Our Speaker

Our speaker today is Steve Hausam. Steve is the owner of Fire Protection & Safety Consultants of Tulsa, the local authorized dealer for DeTech Fire Safety Products. Steve along with Detech, is on the path to his goal of educating people to make their home safe from fire and eliminating the fatalities and injuries associated with home fires. Steve has taught thousands how to reduce and help eliminate the opportunity for the fire to injure and kill. Steve’s approach is to bring the facts and realities of fire to groups and individuals in an upbeat, educational, motivating and most of all, fun style. Steve is a lifelong Tulsa resident and is happily married to Deanna, his wife of 20 years and they are the proud parents of two wonderful daughters.

His credential include:
* Member, of the National Fire Protection Association.
* Direct member, Educational Section of the National Fire Protection Association.
* Certified Safety Consultant, fire safety and fire code certification from Detech Inc.

CLUB NEWS

- If you know of a company or individual who would be a good match for sponsoring the Bellmon Awards, you can download the sponsorship packet for 2011 here. You can contact John Benjamin at 857-7100 if you have a sponsor prospect you need help calling on.

- Be Wise, Immunize will be May 7 at the Tulsa Air & Space Museum, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You can sign up to help out at the meeting.

- We have two potential new members proposed:

• David Cobb – proposed by Greg Williams – classification “Environmental/Engineering Business Development
• Bill Kobsej – transfer from downtown club – classification “Financial Planning/Securities”

A ROTARY MOMENT

I truly am inspired, motivated and comforted by the wisdom and consistency of the members of our Rotary Club. They are family. Together we share fellowship, laugh, learn and make a difference at home and beyond. Every member is unique, but each embraces a similar work ethic and passion for “Service Above Self”. What a great organization.

A LOOK BACK AT AMERICA’S FIRST LADIES
Laura Bush (1946 – )

Laura Lane Welch Bush is the wife of the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. She was the First Lady of the United States from January 20, 2001 to January 20, 2009. She has held a love of books and reading since childhood and her life and education have reflected that interest.

Polled by Gallup as one of the most popular first ladies, Laura Bush was involved in topics of both national and global concern during her tenure. She continued to advance her trademark interests of education and literacy by establishing the semi-annual National Book Festival in 2001 and encouraged education on a worldwide scale. She also advanced women’s causes through The Heart Truth and Susan G. Komen for the Cure. She represented the United States during her foreign trips, which tended to focus on HIV/AIDS and malaria awareness. In May 2010, Bush released her memoir, Spoken from the Heart, in conjunction with a national tour.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY (APRIL 28)

Events:
1788: Maryland becomes the 7th state.
1881: Billy the Kid: The notorious outlaw commits his last homicides.
1992: Killer Bees: The Africanized bees reach San Antonio, Texas.
1993: Jesse James: The gun used to kill the famous outlaw is actioned for $164,000.00

Births:
1758: James Monroe: 5th U.S. President (1817-1825)
1878: Lionel Barrymore: American Oscar-winning actor.
1930: James A. Baker III: American politician, former Secretary of State.
1937: Saddam Hussein: Iraqi president (1979-2001). He was hanged to death for crimes against humanity for the 1982 actions against the residents of Djuail, which included the murder of 148 people.
1941: Ann-Margret: Swedish-born actress, singer, dancer.
1950: Jay Leno: American comedian (TV: The Tonight Show)

Deaths:
1945: Benito Mussolini: Italian Fascist dictator: He was killed by partisans who hung his body for exhibit in Milan’s main square.
1991: Ken Curtis: American actor (Remember Festus on Gunsmoke?)

A WISE APPROACH
Someone in life will hurt us! The opposite is also true–we will also hurt someone else. Kids bully other classmates, and are also harassed in school. Employees act irresponsibly and employers unfairly. People get hooked on drugs or alcohol. Marriages break up. Businesses, economics, and automobiles crash. Life really is a series of collisions. As a result, people hurt and get hurt. We all have our own tragic stories. Sometimes we feel guilty about how we handled things, and sometimes we feel angry at the way others treated us.

Forgiveness is the wisest approach. It reduces the desire to retaliate (a strategy that never seems to end a conflict). Forgiveness is ultimately a choice we make. People who can help us come up with strategies to forgive, but the choice is always ours — to get better by forgiving or to grow bitter. It is to our advantage in every way to move on and not be stuck.
–Tom Harrison

A LITTLE HUMOR
A redneck calls up the White House and tells the receptionist: “I’d like to become the next President of the United States. “The receptionist: “What are you, an idiot? “Redneck: “Why, is it required?”

A WILL ROGERS QUOTE
“A few years ago we were so afraid that the poor people was liable to take a drink. Now we’ve fixed it so they can’t even get something to eat.”

ANOTHER ROTARY MOMENT
Because of the vast immunization campaign that Rotarians have helped sustain, the lives of millions of children have been, and will yet be, spared. I firmly believe the world will be polio free in the near future, thanks in large part to the Rotarians throughout the world.

TRUE
I’ve learned that just one person saying to me, “You’ve made my day!” makes my day.

A PARAPROSDOKIAN
A bus is a vehicle that runs twice as fast when you are after it as when you are in it.

HOW TO VERIFY YOUR AGE
If you are really bored sometime, try this:
* Write down your age.
* Multiply by 2 and then add 5.
* Multiply that by 50.
* Subtract 365.
* Add the loose change in your pocket under $1.00.
* Add 115.
* The first two figures in the resulting number are your age.
* The last two are the change in your pocket.

THE ROTARIAN (THE MAGAZINE)
Aviation pioneer Orville Wright (1871-1948), with his brother Wilbur, invented the first motorized airplane and flew the first manned flight in Kitty Hawk, NC, in 1903. Orville later became a member of the Rotary Club of Dayton, Ohio. A few weeks before he died, on 30 January, 1948, Wright gave his final press interview, which The Rotarian published in the April issue of that year.

HOW ABOUT THIS REPUTATION?
An Irishman was charge with a petty offense.
“Have you anybody here who can vouch for your character?” said the judge.
“Yes, Your Honor, the sheriff there can.”
“Why, I do not even know this man,” exclaimed the sheriff.
“Observe, Your Honor,” said the Irishman triumphantly, “that I’ve lived twelve years in this county and the sheriff doesn’t even know me.”

A CLOSING THOUGHT
“Success: getting up one more time than you fall down.”