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.