Carteret County Animal Control

December 22, 2008

Our guest speaker was presented to us by member Andy Searle. Our guests were Jeanette Saunders and Michael Hardy from the Carteret County Animal Control. Jeanette and Michael had much to share with us regarding the state of the animal problem in Carteret County.

There is a growing population of feral animals in Carteret County. Cats and dogs are being turned loose by people who no longer want their pets or the litters they are producing. To help tackle this problem, Animal Control has a “Spay/Neuter” program for low income families. Hopefully through this program, the numbers of stray, lost and abandoned animals can be reduced.

Pet registration and rabies vaccinations are law for anyone owning cats and/or dogs. A puppy or kitten should have its first shot, which will last for one year, at a very young age. After that there is a choice for a one year or three year shot. There have been anywhere from 2 to 12 bites per week reported. Four bites were reported just in Newport the past weekend. One boy had to have 24 stitches for the bites he received. Also there has been recent case of a rabid domestic cat biting a young boy in the county. The young man had to undergo the painful series of shots necessary for a bite victim.

People should educate themselves regarding the natural instincts of the breed of pet they are considering adopting or purchasing. Puppies should be acclimated to be around people, and should have obedience and socialization classes. “Pet Parents” should also consider having a “micro-chip” placed on their pet in case of loss, they can be identified. This can be done simply at any vet’s office for a price of about $10 to $75.

Animal Control is greatly understaffed, and they are getting about 15, 800 calls per year. With only 3 staff, they are having a hard time getting to all the calls that need attention. The shelter is always full of adoptable animals, such as they get about 125 to 200 cats per month. Some of the dogs that are transported to the shelter are lucky enough to be transported to Wilmington for training to become helpers for the disabled.

Christmas Dinner

December 8, 2008

Our special Christmas meeting / Dinner was held at President Cliff and wife/member Inez’s home. It was a glorious occasion with dinner prepared by Golden Coral. The feast boasted some of the best turkey with all the trimmings, including some of Golden Coral’s delicious sweet potatoes. Scrumptious desserts, prepared by our club members and their spouses, were a great finish to the dinner. We all went away very stuffed.

PDG Derryl Garner led our members and their families in Christmas carols, and told a wonderful story about Christmas Down East which captured everyone’s attention.

Cliff and Inez did a fantastic job of welcoming everyone into their home, which was so beautifully decorated for the holidays. Their newly built room was the perfect setting for a delightful time.
Thanks you so much, Cliff and Inez for all your hospitality, hard work and great Christmas atmosphere.
Next time, can we get into the HOT TUB??

December 1 2008 Program: Wind Power: Illusion or Reality

The Newport Rotary Club Program on December 1, 2008 was a presentation on Wind Power as a Viable Energy Source. Physicist and Environmental Activist, John Droz, Jr. was the guest speaker. Rtn. Bob Chambers was Program Chair.  

Mr. Droz is strongly in favor of reducing the pollutants of fossil fuel power facilities (like coal), and of aggressively investigating other good options for producing electricity. His concern regarding Wind Power is that we should not be wasting time and money on an illusionary solution, one that has no proveable scientific basis in reducing CO2 emmissions, and that the twin evils of "Political Correctness" and "Vested Financial Interest" are being used to advance the wind agenda. 

Acccording to Mr. Droz, a critical fact to understand is that just because a power source is an alternative, or a renewable, does NOT automatically mean that it is better than any conventional or fossil fuel source! In other words, electrical energy alternatives/renewables should not be given a free pass on common sense scrutiny, and the use of scientific methodology in objectively evaluating their merits.

Mr. Droz made the point that as to our power grid energy supply, the United States is NOT dependent on foreign oil, and is, in fact, energy independent, using primarily coal, nuclear and hydro to fire those plants. Moreover, the US has ample ongoing supply of these fuels, and they are a proven technology, safe, with a have a long term track record. On the other hand, transportation energy supplies are dependent on foreign oil, and alternatives should be addressed. 

More information can be abtained on Mr. Droz's website: http://www.windpowerfacts.info/

Newport Rotary Helps Bangladeshi Fishermen

Dear Newport Rotary Club,

You will be happy to know that yesterday our club has distributed 40 boats and nets to the Cyclone Sidr affected 80 fisherman families in the southern region of Bangladesh. A group of six Rotarians from our club headed by our club President Rtn. Nesar were present at the distribution ceremony. A day long workshop for the fishermen receiving boats and nets was also well attended by people from government, administrative, fisheries, cooperative, disaster management and primary health care departments as participants in the workshop. Local Rotary leaders from the southern area of Bangladesh also attended the function. Our club team will return to Dhaka in the afternoon today and then I shall collect pictures from them and send them to you.

We the members of Rotary Club of Dhaka North West gratefully recognize the great support of Rotarians in District 7730 for this matching grant. I do not know how to express my gratitude to you, the great friend of Bangladesh for your repeated support for people of Bangladesh.

With best regards,

Past District Governor K.M.Zainul Abedin
Member Rotary Club of Dhaka North West& District Grants Sub-committee Chair
D-3280, Bangladesh

Larry Burge Print Raffle Winners Announced

Drum Roll please.... the winners of the Larry Burge Prints, raffled by the Newport Rotary Club for community projects are: 

For the Coastal Guardian print: Gracie Howard of Newport; and 

For the Lookout Flight print: Jean Reese of Newport. 

The drawing took place at the conclusion of the club's regular meeting on November 24, 2008. View the prints here.  

We thank all who participated in this very successful fundraiser. Our Treasurer will report on the totals next week.  

Newport Rotarians Signed up for Conference Cruise

As of this date, Newport Rotarians Jim Everett, Marilyn Everett, Joe Garner (and Lena), Bevin Wall and Pam Wall are all signed up for the District Conference Cruise sailing out of Miami FL February 19-23, 2009. The cruise is very reasonably priced, and there are still $200 per cabin credits available for sign-ups by December 1, 2008. 

PDG Bevin Wall and Pam Wall and District Conference Co-Chairs along with Rick & Margarita Tonkinson from the Miami FL District - #6990.   

See the Cruise Blog for plenty of details at http://2009rotarycruise.blogspot.com/.  We would love to have you attend- it will be lots of fun!

November 17, 2008 RAD

Our program for the week was provided by member, Winston Reese. He brought us District 7730 RAD Chair, Bill Goodwin.
Bill gave great information regarding the problem of drugs and alcohol, and spoke about the Rotary Against Drugs Speech Contest.
Applications and rules will be available through our District Governor's office (that would be Marilyn Meself) or from our District Chair, Bill Goodwin at billgoo@msn.com.

November 10, 2008 Youth Exchange

Chris McNeely, from Jacksonville, presented a dynamic power presentation, that gave our members an in depth look at Rotary's Youth Exchange program.

Rotary Youth Exchange is open to young people ages 15-25 worldwide. There are two basic types of exchanges: short-term and long-term.

General Short-term Exchange
Ages 15-19
Several days to several weeks long, does not involve attending high school, but students can tailor their experience to match their interests, can include homestays, tours, and international youth camps.

New Generations Exchange
Ages 18-25
Three to six weeks; ideal for recent secondary school graduates; can include homestays, tours, camps, or specialized internships.

Long-term Exchange
Ages 15-19
Last one year; involves living with a few host families and attending a local school.

For more information contact Chris at c.mcneely@carobell.com
or Vanessa Ervin, District 7730 Chair Rotary Youth Exchange at vj.ervin@att.net

Family Night Dinners Announced

Thanksgiving Family Night Dinner, November 24, 2008 at 6:30 pm at the Newport Rotary Building. The cost is $6.00 per guest and we will be having stuffed bell peppers courtesy of Marilyn Everett. The program for the evening will be the drawing for the raffle tickets and fellowship! The sign up on Monday evening shows we will have 29 for dinner.

Christmas Family Night Dinner, December 8, 2008 at 6:30 pm at the home of Cliff & Inez Schweitzer. I will have maps available next Monday evening. The cost is $12.00 per person with a pot luck dessert! Our meal will be catered by the Golden Corral of Morehead City. Dinner will be turkey, ham and the fixins. According to our sign up on Monday, we will have 31 for dinner.

Sign up sheets will be available for Thanksgiving and Christmas next week for those who may not have signed up or would want to add a guest.

Pres. Cliff Schweitzer

Food Drive Slots Available

Just a reminder regarding the Food Drive, November 15, 2008: We still need more help, there are lots of slots left available.

Red & White

9 - 10:45         Steve (3 open slots)

10:45 - 12:30  Cliff & Inez (2 open slots)

12:30 - 2         Maher (3 open slots)

 

Food Lion

9 - 10:45        Amos, Derryl (2 open slots)

10:45 - 12:30  Larry, Jack (2 open slots)

12:30 - 2        Cliff & Inez (2 open slots)

All Day:  RuthAnn

Contact Pres. Cliff with availability at Email: cschweitzer@ec.rr.com, HPhone: 252-247-1863, OPhone: 252-247-2169

 

Maximize Results with Personal Property Auctions

The November 3, 2008 meeting of the Newport Rotary Club featured a program by Gary Smith, CAGA, Nationally Certified Personal Property Appraiser. Mr. Smith was introduced by RuthAnn Sluss, who was the Program Chair for the evening. 

Mr. Smith introduced the club to the exciting world of personal property auctions, and regaled the club with his personal experiences where seemingly insignificant items were actually in great demand and would fetch many times there apparent value. He had several items of interest that he passed around the club including a painting and a Revolutionary War era powder horn, both of which were discovered in relatively obscure and inexpensive locations, and which were much more valuable than their former owners realized. He described his different certifications, organizations to which he belonged, and then distinguished between personal property and real property auctions and valuation. More information can be obtained by contacting him at cagaappraiser@ec.rr.com or visit the website at www.ccreaa.com.   

Many remembrances of Past Pres. Harold Chartley were offered. Rotarians number among his pallbearers at his request earlier in the day. Harold will be remembered as a great part of the Newport Community and our Club. 

A fantastic meal was prepared by Jack Askew- soup and sandwiches. This club sure does like peanut butter & jelly! 

The Dictionary Presentation is at Newport Elementary School on Wednesday morning. Rotarians are to meet at 9:15am to ride together. New Rotarians are encouraged to attend for the approximately 1 hour presentation according to PDG Derryl Garner.           

Dictionary in Schools Day set for November 5

Just a quick note to let you all know about the progress on the Dictionary Project. Last Monday evening we entered the names of our children in the dictionaries and had some left over. Derryl Garner will be getting the names of some children who would not have been served through the project and we will be adding them to our list soon. On Wednesday, November 5, 2008 from 9:00 am until 10:00 am, members who would be able to participate in handing out dictionaries to the children may do so at the Newport Elementary School. There will be more information on this at our meeting this evening. Hope to see you all there.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Cliff Schweitzer 

Fifty-Year Rotarian Harold Chartley Passes

Rotarian Harold Chartley, a 50 year Rotarian, Past President of the Club, passed away yesterday afternoon at Carteret General Hospital. Visitation will be on Sunday with the Funeral on Monday. More details will be forthcoming as available. 

Harold, social studies teacher to a generation of students at Newport School, moved to the area in the Marine Corps and married "Ms. Ruby" Garner, long time piano teacher and accompaniest in Newport. He was a photographer, and single-handedly chronicled much of Newport's history over the last 50 years, including much Rotary history in the town. A faithful Methodist, he sung in the choir until he was unable to do so, and served in many Church capacities. 

However, Harold's biggest contribution to his community was his "visiting" of friends, shut-ins, those confined to hospitals, and the elderly. He has served as the unofficial "Health & Happiness" Chair in the club for years, and we all depended on him for community news and insights. He was one of a kind and will be truly missed by all who knew him or felt one of his acts of kindness. In Remembrance.       

What do You Think?

Thoughts on the 4 Way Test Vs Happy Dollars

The following is just a few thoughts regarding our giving “Happy Dollars” to share our news, (good or bad) with fellow Rotarians. What a great way to pick up a “couple-a extra bucks” for our club projects and learn about what is happening with others. But how does the 4 Way Test relate to this wonderful vehicle for sharing and fellowship?
“Is it the truth?” Why of course! Admittedly some of us want to make things seem greater or better than they are, but overall, yes.
“Is it fair to all concerned?” We can look at this in several ways. When we relate a story about a friend, or family member, we should ask ourselves, are we sharing too much information? Also, we might ask, are we overstepping the opportunity to share our personal events?

My involvement in Rotary dates back to 1990 and most always “Happy Dollars” has been for sharing very brief news and events. On the other side of the coin (or dollar), some of us take more time than we should and unintentionally may violate questions 2, 3 and 4 of the “4 Way Test”.
Rotary meetings are scheduled to last an hour. Broken down, that allows 30 minutes for fellowship and a meal and 30 minutes for announcements, awards, inductions, business, project discussion, reports and our programs. If a member speaks on a topic that is not part of the clubs regular agenda for more than 30 seconds, it infringes on the time left to accomplish any business at hand. Happy Dollar narratives often exceed 10 to 15 minutes or longer, sometimes it infringes on the program time, thus causing the program chair to feel embarrassed, especially if they have invited a guest speaker to address the club. This could discourage the speaker from accepting another invitation to speak at another club for fear of a similar thing happening. These presenters have given their time to plan and practice their programs and it is not fair for them to have to adjust it all at the last minute to allow for a person who wants to talk on another subject.

Most members are on structured schedules which do not allow for the luxury of their remaining later, should the meeting be extended. If extending the meeting occurs frequently, this could result in the loss of members.

The inclusion of “Happy Dollars” is a wonderful practice at Rotary meetings, but Club presidents should discourage lengthy filibustering for $1.00. This is NOT “Fair to all concerned”. It will NOT “build Good Will and Better Friendships” and it will NOT be “Beneficial to all concerned”.

10/27/08 Dictionaries are Ready!

After a supurb meal by Maher and his wife (Yum, Gimme more of this!), we sat down to the task of writing 2nd grader's names into their new dictionaries. Rotarians from our Newport Club will attend all the 2nd grade classes in the Newport schools, delivering the books to each individual child. This is truly a wonderful program that will promote reading, research, and a greater understanding of our english vocabulary.

Mayor shares Newport "Rememberance Room"

Our program on 10/20 was PDG Derryl Garner who brought us some very interesting “Old” documents and pictures which related to the history of Newport. One framed document was the original city ordinances, of which many well depicted the way people lived during the early years, after Newport was chartered. Another was a framed receipt for partial payment to a person who planned the layout of Newport. This person made a lot of money, the partial payment being $14.00. If you are interested in seeing more or the history of our town of Newport, go over to City Hall and look into the Remembrance Room. There is much to see and much to learn. It is fascinating!

How About a House Inspection?

10/13/08 Our program, introduced by Ruth Ann Sluss, was a visit from Jeff Wood, President of Jeff Wood Enterprises, Inc. National Home Inspection Solutions and Foundation Plus.

He spent some time with us explaining just what a home inspection should entail. Leading the list of importance is the foundation, followed by a thorough outside inspection. Electrical and plumbing inspections cap off the job with a in depth report or summary completed. If further inspection of any given area is needed, an expert in that field is called on for evaluation.

It is recommended that anyone considering the purchase of a home seek a home inspection prior to signing, as many problems could arise after the sale. Home inspections are also recommended for those selling their home, to see what needs the property may have before a sale.

Foundation Plus assists those with manufactured homes, making sure they are in compliance with FHA/VA.

Club Hears About Need for Local Food Drive

After a great meal from Dick and Susan Newton, we had a very special program that ties in with our November 15th food drive project. Tammy Blizzard, wife of member, Steve Blizzard, shared information about Matthew 25 Food Bank, where she works. The needs are great, the shelves are empty and the Newport Rotary hopes to help fill them. We will be soliciting food donations on November 15th at Newport Food Lion and Newport Red and White.

Guests at the meeting included potential member, Dominick Spadaro of the Newport Post Office, Dick Newton's wife, Susan, and their daughter, Sarah and grandson.

There was some discussion about the sale of our Art Raffle tickets. The members thought that ticket sales are very slow due to the tight economy, and it was suggested that the price of the tickets be lowered to facilitate easier sales. It was moved, seconded and passed that the price of the tickets be lowered to $5.00 instead of $10.00 each. Those having already bought tickets would be given a second ticket. Tickets not sold should have the price changed before selling, by striking through the $10.00 and changing to $5.

District Membership Chair Urges Club to Make Dreams Real for Others with a Rotary Membership

The September 29, 2008 Newport Rotary Club meeting featured Past District Governor and District Membership Chair John Eller from Swansboro with a program highlighting Rotary Membership Month. PDG Bevin Wall was program chair and introduced PDG Eller. 

Membership Chair Eller gave an impassioned talk concerning our organizational need for Rotarians, our club's need for more bodies to do the work, and our obligation as Rotarians to pass on the Rotary opportunity to others in our community. We can Make Dreams Real for these people by giving them a chance to experience Rotary. 

Joe Garner provided a BBQ dinner. Visitors were AG David Pearson from Swansboro, Rotarian Hon. Herb Phillips and his grandson Zack.   

Burge Prints on Display in Local Businesses

The Larry Burge Prints being raffled off for $10.00 per chance are on display this week at Larry Howard's Nationwide Insurance Office, Courtesy Town Square and at First Citizens Bank, Highway 70 East, Newport, by Rotarian Winston Reese. 

Click here for more information on the prints, including pictures: http://newportrotary.blogspot.com/2008/09/burge-prints-to-be-raffled.html    

Rotary Update

• Update on ticket sales for the prints: Both prints may be viewed at Larry Howards office located in the Courtesy Town Square in Newport. The prints will rotate between First Citizens Bank in Newport, Bevin Walls office located at Ocean Way Plaza and also Joe Garners office at Red & White Food Store.
• Update on monthly newsletter: newsletter will have all fund raisers listed.
• Dictionary project for 2nd graders in Newport is starting up for this year.
• Mark your calendars for the upcoming FOOD DRIVE for Matthew 25 which will be November 15.

Burge Prints to be Raffled

Framed prints by reknown local artist Larry Burge are now being offered by the Newport Rotary Club. 

The proceeds benefit the local community projects of the Newport Rotary Club, including a Community Food Drive in November.    

Only 300 tickets of each print are available. Tickets are $10.00 each. The Drawing is to be held 7:30 PM on November 24, 2008. 

Pictured above is "Coastal Guardian" in a 16.5' x 28' plus frame and mat Limited Edition Print
 
Pictured next is "Lookout Flight"
in a 10.25' x 21' plus frame and mat
Limited Edition Print

For more information please contact Inez Schweitzer at 252-229-3123.

Faithful Rotarian Harry Livingston Dies

A former member, 50+ Year Rotarian and long-time Past Treasurer of the Newport Rotary Club, Harry Livingston, died this morning after a long illness.

Harry attended Rotary and performed his duties as Treasurer as long as his health would allow him to do so.  He is survived by his wife, Betty, and a large family.   

The Funeral Service will be 2:00 Monday afternoon, September 22, 2008 at St. James United Methodist Church.  

Rotary Area Social Event is Saturday

A social event will be held Saturday, September 20, 2008 at 12:00 noon at the Water's Edge RV Park, Hwy 24, Newport (2 miles west of WalMart) for Rotarians, their families and prospective Rotarians.

Hotdogs & Hamburgers will be served. Feel free to bring side dishes to supplement the feast. Horse Shoes and other games will be available.

Sponsor Club: Morehead City Noon Rotary Club. Contact AG Andy Chused at 727-5600.

Temporary Services Firm Offers Services to Businesses in All Economies

The September 15, 2008 Speaker at the Newport Rotary Club was Iva Unterweiser, Client Services Supervisor for TESI Staffings and Employee Screening Services, Inc.. Ms. Unterweiser gave an informative program on the beginnings of the business, its lines of services offered, and the benefits to both employees and employers.

TESI was started out of a family home in 1981 to accommodate working parents. Now, TESI has NC offices in Morehead City, New Bern, Washington, Havelock and Jacksonville. They also have offices in several other states. TESI offers temporary staffing, temporary to hire staffing, specialized staffing, facility staffing, payroll services, and recruiting services. In addition, they offer Drug, Alcohol & DNA Paternity testing services and employee background screening.

Benefits of using "temp services" include employer savings in recruiting, advertising, training, insurances, and administrative costs. It offers both employers and employees and opportunity to "try before you buy". The question and answer period at the end of the program included several testmonials to favorable experiences with TESI by local business owners.

The club welcomed new member Jim Everett, husband of member, Marilyn Everett.

Project to Aid Bangladeshi Fishermen Funded

Friend of the Newport Rotary Club, Professsor M.A. Bari from the Rotary Club of Dhaka, Bangladesh, informs the club that his club received a check BDT (taka) 16,92,984.69 equivalent to US $24,536.00 from the Fiscal Agent of RI Districts 3280 fully funding the Bangladeshi Fisherman Aid Project. For project details: Click here for the article announcing the project.

The project is funded by a Matching Grant from The Rotary Foundation with Grant Sponsors Newport Rotary Club, Dhaka Rotary Club, and Rotary Districts 7730 (Southeast NC, USA) and 3280 (Bangladesh).

Professsor Bari, shown above at the Newport Rotary Club in 2003 as Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team Leader, is the Grant Contact in Bangladesh. He states "My special thanks to you for your special effort for the project. By this time we had a meeting of the project committee for talking action program. I shall let you know the every development of the matching grant off and on." We look forward to receiving these updates!

Rotary Clubs Debuts New Tourism Video

During the Rotary meeting of September 8, 2008, Elizabeth Barrow from the Carteret County Tourism Development Authority debuted a new video featuring the "Crystal Coast".

See the EDC website for more details on this fantastic new promotional tool for our area, and much more. See www.carteretedc.com .

Attend the Area Membership Seminar

The Area Membership Seminar is Thursday night, September 4, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. It is a local event to be held in the Spooner's Creek Clubhouse, Morehead City.

Newport Rotary has traditionally had a good turnout at these events, so you are encouraged to show up! Increasing Membership remains an emphasis area for our club this year!

The tentative agenda follows:

1. Welcome and Introductions - Andy Chused ( 5 minutes)
2. District Goals and new Generation Clubs - Lee Dixon (10 minutes)
3. Start by Inviting Someone to Lunch- John Eller (10 minutes)
4. The Membership Tool Box- Bob Stinson
5. Group Exercises
6. List Some Successful Membership Recruitment Projects. ( 30 Minutes)
7. Conclusions-David Pearson
   

Newport Rotary Hears About Boys & Girls Club Plans

Leisa Smith, Rotarian and Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Coastal Carolina was the featured speaker at the August 25, 2008 Newport Rotary Club meeting. She is Director of centers in Morehead City, Beaufort & Havelock that served approximately 650 students this summer.

A Past Club President in the Morehead City Noon Rotary Club, Ms. Smith revealed some startling statistics to the club. Nationally, 30% of high school students drop out before graduating. While Carteret County's statistics may be slightly better, a whopping 90% of children attending Boys & Girls Clubs graduate. She described the program of health & life skills, academic support, and mentoring that improve on the chances for students in grades 1-12 to be successful in life.

Ms. Smith announced the funding of a one year state grant that will provide B&GC services to 35 Newport community at-risk students during this school year. The $43,000 grant will fund 15 students at Newport Middle School and 20 students at Newport Elementary School who will participate in B&GC at the Morehead Center. The students assisted by the grant are "at-risk" as identified by their school Principal and other economic criteria, although regular attendance at B&GC is open to all students.

It will be up to the Newport community to determine whether to provide a home and funding for B&GC services in Newport in future years. She indicated that the Morehead City - Noon, Morehead City - Soundview and Beaufort Old Towne Rotary Clubs provide about $6,500 annually in support for the existing centers. She challenged the Newport Rotary Club to provide leadership in the process that is beginning in Newport. She invited Rotarians to visit the Morehead Center to tutor.

In other club business, the club heard a report on Rotarian Harold Chartley's health and agreed to help provide transportation for him to meetings from Britthaven. Larry Howard filled the club in on some recent travels including a trip to Saltville VA. Bevin Wall told of his road trip to take his children to PA and various locations.

August 18, 2008: Community Service Program

Newport Rotarians used the August 18, 2008 meeting as an opportunity to do a visible and needed community service project in Newport. Through a Rotary Foundation Grant, 2 Park Benches were purchased and installed on Howard Boulevard, one in front of the Rotary Building and the other at the south end of Howard Boulevard near the "Welcome to Newport" and "Rotary Meeting" signs.

This project was started during last year's President Maher Saikali's term and continued into Pres. Cliff Schweitzer's term. Rotarian Amos Parker and Amos Parker Builders lended technical expertise. PDG Bevin Wall applied for the Rotary Foundation Grant.

Click here for lots of pictures showing the excitement!

New School Principal Seeks to Make Positive Changes

Beth Lanning, the new Principal of Newport Elementary School, was the guest speaker at the Newport Rotary Club Meeting of Monday, August 11, 2008. She was accompanied by her husband Bud Lanning (both pictured).

Beth was a student at Newport Elem. starting at grade one. She has come full circle and is now the Principal of the same school at which she started her educational career. She was raised in Newport and after getting her teaching degree, she taught algebra at West Carteret. One of her students in that algebra class was our very own new member, Steve Blizzard. She met her husband, Bud Lanning, Principal of Newport Middle School and together they moved to Wisconsin, where she was the Principal of a local High School. They returned “Home” and she went to work at Croatan High School.

Beth’s goal is to make Newport Elem. the best in the county. She wants to engage the entire community to participate at the school and at the programs she is planning, such as Adopt a Grandparent Day, where seniors will mentor the young students, or planting trees with the students.

Another goal is to bring the primary school back to its former glory, where youth will have the opportunity to form fond memories of walking the halls, as she has.

Beth addressed the recent new articles regarding the grade in the students’ growth in basic skills such as math and reading. The article mentioned a meeting at West Carteret High School, encouraging parents to remove children from Newport Elem. and send them to other schools in the District. Federal funds help children from disadvantaged families (those who receive free or reduced lunches) by enabling the school to fund teachers that will help all the children who are not achieving in their classes. If a certain number of students do not make the grade, then the school fails to make the growth. Newport Elem. figures reported that one child over the growth level did not make it, therefore the school failed, which is not true. The school is holding workshops and using new software to analyze data, so the school may make plans to make sure the children “make it”. (for further info on this confusing subject give her a call).

Her plans include some of the following:

PLAN - The assistant Principal and the Principal will be holding weekly meeting with their teachers on a weekly basis.

LAB - for a new reading program called “Read 180” for teachers to set up individual plans for children in reading. Teachers will be able to use new computer programs that will enable them to analyze kids in real time, instead of after the fact when it is too late to help them.

Teachers need help in their classrooms with discipline. It needs to be consistent, and Beth is going back to an “In-school-suspension” program. Students will go to the “Hot Help Room” for some time and then be sent to “Read 180” for remediation.

Beth is looking to set up a site based management team that utilizes the commitment of the people in the community. There will be collaborations, such as students from the Middle School mentoring the younger students in the Elem. school.

A very good dinner of Spaghetti, tossed salad, garlic bread and desert was prepared and served by by Cliff and Inez Schweitzer.

Thanks to Marilyn Everett for this report!

Rotary in Greenville SC

Past District Governor Sue Poss was this weeks program at the Newport Rotary Club. PDG Poss, a resident of Greenville, South Carolina and Past Governor in District 7550, entertained the club with highlights of her Rotary District, Rotary Club and her town of residence, Greenville, SC.

Rotary District 7750 comprises 55 Rotary clubs in the western half of South Carolina, excluding Columbia. The District is a major advocate of the CART Project (Coins for Alzheimer Research Trust) and has had major projects in Haiti during the past several years, including projects involving HungerPlus, and sustainability projects. Newport Rotary has been involved with many of these or similar projects.

Her Rotary Club, the Greenville East Rotary Club, is comparable in size to the Newport club, being 24 members. They have many of the same concerns and issues that Newport Rotary has regarding the size and nature of their projects, and fundraising. She described the Greenville SC metropolitan area with pride, and told the club also about the Greenville SC Rotary Club, which was established before the uniform rules went into effect requiring weekly meetings, thus meeting only twice a month with its 375 members.

PDG Poss, a Zone 33 Regional Membership Assistant, was guest of Newport Rotarian Bevin Wall, and was in town for two Rotary-related conferences, one on Membership Development & Strategic Planning, and the for The Rotary Leadership Institute.

Project Night Scheduled

Newport Rotary will complete its Civic Improvement project on Howard Boulevard, Newport with a final Project Night scheduled for Monday, August 18, 2008 at 6:30 pm.

The project will consist of two 6 foot park benches that will be installed along the Howard Boulevard sidewalk, a popular area for walkers and general foot traffic in the Newport area. The Rotarians will be assisted by Jimmy from Amos Parker Builders.

Rotarian dress will be work clothes for the evening, and everyone should dress for the heat.

The project is funded by a Grant from The Rotary Foundation.

Newport Rotary Learns the Benefits of Massage

Kay Provetero, a Licensed Massage & Bodywork Therapist from Cape Carteret, was the speaker at Newport Rotary on Monday night, July 28, 2008. Dick Newton, the Program Chair, introduced the speaker and identified her as someone who has personally helped him when recovering from a knee injury.

Provetero, a graduate of Atlantic Christian College (now Barton), taught elementary school in Wake County before moving to Cape Carteret and and 1987 began practicing massage therapy. She has several national certifications, and completes over 200 hours of continuing education annually.

A practitioner of Myofascial Release and Craniosacral therapies, she described both techniques, the history of massage, and also the benefits of massage, including improved circulatory, lymphatic and muscular function, relaxation and the release of pain-killing endorphins. Massage also emphasizes mind-body connections and the unblocking and balancing of life energies.

Proverto's husband, John, accompanied her to the meeting as a guest of the club. There were no other guests.

A tremendous meal was prepared by Susan Newton of steak, baked potato, salad and rolls. Also, it was very hot, as the A/C faltered yet again. Absent from the meeting were Rotarians Steve Baker, Steve Blizzard, Bob Chambers, Manley Smith & Pam Wall. We appreciate everyone making up their missed meetings.

Share Rotary through Videos!

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING WAYS TO SHARE ROTARY!

1) Check out Welcome to Rotary, a short new video segment, viewable now at at www.rotary.org. Less than 4 minutes long, and offering a broad overview of Rotary and the Four Avenues of Service, this video provides an excellent introduction to Rotary club membership for new members.

-Find the video on the RI Web site by going to www.rotary.org and clicking on Members, New Members, Getting Involved or click the link above.
- Encourage clubs to have new members visit the RI Web site and view this video by promoting it in your next newsletter.

2) Welcome to Rotary is included in the new Membership Video Set (427-MU), a multi-video package that includes two DVDs: one for new members and one for prospective members. Each DVD features a compilation of Rotary videos, including Welcome to Rotary, various Humanity in Motion public service announcements, and segments from RVM: The Rotarian Video Magazine, with selections in all available languages. A recent best seller at the RI Convention in Los Angeles at $10 USD, this new video shows new and prospective members what it means to be a Rotarian. Rotarians can visit shop.rotary.org to purchase items from the catalog.

Meet President Cliff

Club President, "Cliff" Richard Schweitzer, was born and raised in Manhattan Beach, CA. In 1993, he moved to eastern North Carolina where he worked as an orthodontics assistant while he earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Elizabeth City State, graduating with a GPA of 3.97. Cliff received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the School of Dentistry at UNC Chapel Hill, graduating with honors in May of 2003. After graduation, he made his home in Newport, NC.

Cliff and his wonderful wife, Inez Pope Schweitzer, also a Newport Rotarian, were married July 7, 2007 when Cliff was blessed with an instant family with son, Jimmy Pope, daughter, Whitney Pope and mother in law, Mary Hall.

Cliff enjoys fishing, playing games, dancing and spending time with his family.

Cliff hopes to reorganize and focus Newport Rotary’s tradition of service to Club, Community and the world.

How Can We Fight Child Mortality?

In light of the Rotary President's emphasis to address child mortality issues in our local and world community, what ideas do you have about a specific need or project?

Please Blog your response below to give our committee of RuthAnn, Marilyn & Steve some ideas.

Club Challenged to Fight Child Mortality

Newport Rotary President Cliff Schweitzer challenged the club's members to take up RI President D.K. Lee's 2008-09 emphasis, and to take action to reduce child mortality during this Rotary year. The challenge was made during the July 21, 2008 business meeting of the club.

President Cliff placed the three newest club members, Ruthann Sluss, Marilyn Everett, and Steve Blizzard on the Child Mortality Project Committee, and charged them to investigate and report back to the club an effective way that these concerns can be confronted in our own community or abroad.

RI President D.K. Lee has challenged all Rotarians to "Make Dreams Real" for the world's children this year by having a specific event aimed toward reducing the incidence of child mortality. 30,000 children each day die in this world due to preventable illness, such as preventable disease, improper sanitation & unclean water.

President Cliff also challenged the club to consider the "starting budget" he presented, and to think about what commitments should be renewed or discussed. He implemented a 100% Paul Harris Sustaining Member Program, in which all members are enrolled unless specifically opting out with the Secretary. He also advocated a more aggresive rental program for the Rotary Building.

Newport Rotarians Attend Governor's Installation

Newport Rotary had a good showing of Rotarian support for Governor Lee Dixon's Installation ceremony held at the Country Club of the Crystal Coast on Wednesday, July 16, 2008.

The Installation marked the transition between the administration of Past Governor Wilson Ray of Red Springs, and Gov. Dixon of Morehead City, both very familiar persons to our club. The event was hosted by the Governor's home club, the Morehead City - Noon Rotary Club.

Newport's Mayor, Rotarian & Past District Governor Derryl Garner led the singing of "R-O-T-A-R-Y" and "God Bless America" to help open the event, and attended with his Rotary Partner, Jane. Past District Governor Bevin Wall was recognized as outgoing Rotary Foundation Chair, and as a member of the incoming District Leadership Team serving as District Secretary and District Conference Chair. He attended with his Rotary Partner and Newport Rotarian, Pam Wall. Also in attendance was Newport Rotarian and Morehead City-Noon Honorary Rotarian Harold Chartley.

Newport Rotarian Takes a Fall

It is very unusual for Newport Rotarian Harold Chartley to miss a Monday night Rotary Meeting. So, questions were raised on July 14, "where's Harold?".

It didn't take too many more days to find out. Harold had suffered a fall and injured the back of his head on Monday afternoon, but he was back at Rotary and front and center at Governor Lee Dxon's Installation at the Country Club of the Crystal Coast on Wednesday evening.

Harold was in good spirits and said that he will be back next week! As one of the "Senior" members of the club... we look forward to seeing Harold every week, and miss him when he's not there!

Newport Rotary Sign Errected

After several years of not having a sign at the entrance to town indicating a Rotary presence, an attractive new sign has been errected at the corner of Highway 70 and Howard Boulevard (Nine Foot Road), next to the "Welcome to Newport" sign. The sign, shown here, features the Rotary Wheel emblem, and states the club meeting time and location.

Rotarians Bevin Wall & Amos Parker headed up this project.

Thanks to Diversicare Assisted Living for agreeing to placement of the sign on their property and to "Jimmy" from Amos Parker Builders, Inc. for his expert assistance.