THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEWPORT, NORTH CAROLINA

Thanks for Hootenanny Help, Next Dictionaries!

2011-11-01T10:00:00.000-04:00

PDG Derryl at a prior
year's Dictionary Give-
Away at Newport
Elementary School

Just a quick note to "thank you all" for helping out last night at the Annual Hootenanny. What a great show of Rotarians, showing Newport how much we care of our children. We owe a great thanks to Morehead City Noon Club who also had a great showing of Rotarians. Whoo! Hoo! High Five!

Now, next Monday's meeting will be at our Rotary building as usual, meal is to be provided by Larry. For our program, we will be putting in labels and hand writing children's names into the new "DICTIONARIES". Yep, they are here and ready for our personal touch. So bring you best hands on attitude and let's get them ready for Newport!

Marilyn Everett

Newport Rotarians Show Up in Force for Foundation Banquet

2011-10-28T08:54:00.001-04:00

We arrive in style at the River Landing County Club, Wallace NC!

Twelve Newport Rotarians and guests participated in the District Rotary Foundation Banquet in Wallace NC on Thursday evening, October 27. The featured speaker was Rotary Foundation Trustee and Director Elect Ann Matthews of Columbia SC. She spoke on how the Rotary Foundation is alleviating needs like hunger, clean water, and literacy, and is giving Rotarians the opportunity to participate in making the world a better place. We are also "this close" to eradicating Polio!

A group of Newport Rotarians rode up in a van for the event. Pictured are: Exchange Student Austin from Taiwan (hosted by John Scibal), PDG Dr. Bill Walker & Jolene and Steve Hellersperk from the Morehead City Noon Rotary Club, Maher Saikali (partner Mary taking picture), Amos Parker and Jeannane, Joe Garner and Lena, PDG Bevin Wall and Pam (daughter Madison accompanied). Also attending, but not pictured were Pres. Jim Everett, Immediate Past President Marilyn Everett, and President Elect Ruthann Sluss.

In Memorium

2011-08-22T09:50:00.000-04:00

Donald Zahn, father of immediate Club Past President Marilyn Everett, and father in law of current President Jim Everett, passed away this weekend.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Zahn & Everett family during this difficult time.

Special Program for August 1

2011-07-12T13:53:00.000-04:00

Rotarian Alvin Lewis, from the Mint Hill (NC) Rotary Club will be our special guest speaker on August 1, 2011, speaking on the topic of "Ethics on your journey through life". Rtn. Lewis will also have a special presentation as part of the program. He is a friend of and fellow RLI Faculty with PDG Bevin Wall, who is the Program Chair for the evening.

District Governor Visits July 18

2011-07-12T13:49:00.000-04:00

DG Mark Lynch from Fayetteville will be our special guest on July 18.

Don't miss it!

Family Pot Luck Picnic in the Park June 20, 2011

2011-07-09T01:32:00.006-04:00

Um mm! Rib-eye steaks, potato salad, corn on the cob, slaw, beans, deviled eggs, scrumptious desserts and more!

Jim cooks & Victor helped

Is that Bevin Wall and Larry Howard???

Our newest member and his family - Guy Murrell with Amos and Jean Parker

Our Treasurer, Winston with Jack and Connie

Our Past District Governor, Derryl Garner , his wife, Jane with Lena Garner

It really got better when everyone came together to share the food, the fellowship and a great time!
MORE PLEASE!!

A New Year...A New President

2011-07-08T14:02:00.003-04:00

Jim Everett, inducted on June 27, 2011, is our new president.
Jim has been a member of Rotary for three years, is a graduate of The Rotary Leadership Institute and a participant at the President Elect Training. He has been very involved since joining Newport Rotary, in all it's projects, from Dictionaries for Newport Elementary students to food collection for Matthew 25, raffles, clean-ups, the hootenanny, bench installations, car parking, and many other Newport activities.
Jim was born in Lafayette, Indiana and is a transplant in Newport, the best kind as many are born to stay in Newport, but Jim "chose" Newport! He spent his military time in Viet Nam during that war, and he is actively involved in the Honor Flight program.
He has been married for 31 years to his wife Marilyn, has three grown sons and two grandchildren, all living out of state. He is a retired electrician. Jim has a great sense of humor, but is serious and strong in his belief in ethics and fairness. He has lots of good ideas for Newport Rotary to see it grow in a positive direction for the benefit of the Town of Newport and its residents.

There's Pressure on the Rotary Building!

2011-05-27T12:31:00.002-04:00

Thanks to Jack and Winston,
our Rotary building has been
pressure washed.

Thank you sooooo much
for a great job!

Club Fix-It - Clean-It Day

2011-05-22T19:15:00.002-04:00

To All Newport Rotary Club Members:

June 4, 2011 is “Fix It, Clean It Day” at Newport Rotary. We will start at 9:00 am and go until we are finished. We really need ALL MEMBERS to participate to get this done.

1. We need to add stakes and wire to hold up Harold Chartley’s Cherry Tree over at the park. We will need stakes, wire and something to wrap around the tree that will allow for its growth.

2. We need to clean the outside of our building. We will need cleaners, bleach, rags, any kind of pressure cleaner, brushes, buckets.

3. The Windows will need to be cleaned outside, Windex or other window cleaner and lint free rags or paper towels.

4. The old carpet on the front stoop and the back (or side) needs to be scraped off, and the concrete cleaned. Scrapers and some kind of cleaner for concrete.

5. Our new bench will need to be set into the ground. Need some concrete mix, wood scraps, bucket or wheelbarrow, post-hole digger. Location TBA.

Please let me know at marilynadmin@gmail.com which project you would like to be a part of, and what you can bring to facilitate.

There will be hot dogs and the fixen’s across the street available for you for lunch if you want. I will bring the cooler with cold water bottles.

In case of rain, our alternative date will be June 18^th, same time, same place.

Betty Mann Recognized as Honorary Rotarian

2011-05-04T17:26:00.001-04:00

Club President Everett with
Honorary Rotarian Betty Mann

Betty Mann, of Mann Realty & Rentals of Newport was recognized as an "Honorary Rotarian" by members of the Club on Monday night, May 2, 2011 at the club's regular meeting. Newport Rotary President Marilyn Everett presented the award. Ms. Mann, a former member of the club, was recognized during the evening for supporting the club's recent parking fundraiser.

Other local business and professional persons were recognized as project supporters, including:

Gilbert Slaughter, Woodman of the World
Dr. Maurice Dana, Newport Dermatology
Dr. Harry Worden, Newport Dental Center
Dr. Walter Westbrook, Newport Animal Clinic
Stephen J. Herring, Attorney at Law
Shirley Linn, Hugs & Kisses Grooming Palace
Melissa Dixon, Totally Clipz Salon
Betty Mann, Mann Realty & Rentals
David Livingston, NCDOT

All project supporters were thanks for their generosity and for helping make the event a success.

NOAA Officials Invite Rotarians to Event.

2011-05-01T19:06:00.001-04:00

Richard Bandy, Meteorologist-in-Charge at the National Weather Service Station, Newport has invited Newport Rotarians to a Hurricane Preparedness Event at MCAS Cherry Point. Click here for more information on the event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 4. 2011.

Keeping Commercial Boats Safe

2011-04-25T23:02:00.000-04:00

The program at the Newport Rotary Club on April 25, 2011 was Barry Everhart, US Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Vessel Safety Examiner.

Barry distinguished the several different types of vessels requiring inspections, and described numerous safety related stories with NC connections. He is the sole civil service employee Examiner in North Carolina, but supervises a large group of Coast Guard Auxiliary, and provides courtesy examinations, as opposed to the mandatory ones required by the Coast Guard.

We were joined by special guest DGE Mark Lynch of the Fayetteville Lafayette Rotary Club.

Dynamic Youth Advocate Visits Newport

2011-04-19T20:28:00.001-04:00

April 18, 2011 Christopher L. King is an enthusiastic speaker who relates to his audience the very special need of young teens to plan ahead with goals. An abused kid himself, he knows first-hand how it feels to have nothing ahead in your future. He has developed a program called The G.O.A.L. Initiative that gives those young people the opportunity to learn how to set goals, do research, and become a productive member of their communities through volunteer-ism and work. The program includes interaction between the teen, their family and their school. The end result is a young adult who is interested in achievement and in having a positive future.
For more information or to sponsor a teen in this dynamic program ($30.00 per youth) please get in touch with the C.L. King Group at their website at www.clkinggroup.com. He will come speak at your meeting, just contact him!

Pig Cookin' Parkin'

2011-04-19T14:54:00.000-04:00

This report by Bevin Wall give detail about our 2 days of parking cars for Newport's Annual Pig Cookin' Contest, held on April 1 & 2. Thanks Bevin! What a great job!
Synopsis Rotarians & Interactors provided a valuable service during the Newport Pig Cooking. This was the first service project for our new Interact Club. Friday traffic was light, and only Rotary Lots A & B were opened, across from the library. Saturday was one of the busiest days ever at the event. By 11 am Lots F, G & H (Worden, Dana & WOW) were opened, and by shortly after noon, by request of the NPD, all 8 of our lots were opened. No one was turned away for parking at any lot at any time. No accidents or injuries were reported or observed. The longest line for parking observed was 4 cars deep on a number of occasions during peak time with an average wait of less than 1 minute. Rotarians manned the only marked crossing area on Howard Blvd. Approximately 3,500 persons were parked in our lots and crossed the street. Another estimated 5,000 non-parkers were assisted, with a total estimated number of crossings of 17,000. An average of 10-12 volunteers operated the lots on Saturday. Boy Scouts were assisted with direction for library lot handicap parking, but Rotary ran free handicap parking and assistance all day as the library handicap lot filled up rapidly. Several Pig Cooking emergency deliveries were accommodated at no cost and with priority. Traffic was backed up during serving hours in the middle take-out lane being directed solely by the NPD officers, as there was no signage until after 2pm for the take-out lane. There was heavy traffic in all lanes from Noon to 3pm on Saturday. Newport Rotary had vetted traffic plans with NPD prior to the event and requested input. All Rotary lots were marked and pyloned. By request of Mann Realty and Totally Clipz, limited parking was done on their lots due to business concerns. 156 volunteer hours were logged.

PAYING OFF THE LOAN!!

2011-04-19T11:53:00.003-04:00

Thanks to a generous donation from the late Harold Chartley, we are able to pay off our building loan. This will put our club in the black as far as the bank is concerned.

Harold Chartley

We will be having a special evening at our home, the Rotary Building in Newport, to honor Harold, and to celebrate our paying off the loan! Watch for more on this great happening!

The Dump Diva Visits Newport Club!

2011-04-19T11:40:00.002-04:00

One of our favorite speakers updated the state of the trash for Newport on Monday, April 11. Bobbie Waters, with the County Disposal, gave much information about what is going on at the dump and local sites.

Her humor and vitality is wonderful and she is always a welcome addition to our meetings.
Plus she always brings us gifts!
Can we get her to join our Rotary Club?

Guy Murrell Inducted into Rotary Club

2011-04-13T18:21:00.001-04:00

We are pleased to announce that Rev. Guy Murrell has been inducted into the Newport Rotary Club effective April 11, 2011. Guy is a social worker working with youth, and is also pastor at Yadah Tabernacle of Praise located in Newport.

Guy is married to Lana, who is a Deputy Clerk of Court in Carteret County. Son Desmond, pictured, pinned his dad in the installation ceremony. Guy's sponsor is Bevin Wall.

Guy is anxious to improve the Newport community, and has already worked at one of our recent service projects!

Looking Forward...

2011-03-28T12:39:00.000-04:00

Our new Logo and Theme for 2011 to 2012. Colorful, yes?

Newport has an Interact Club!

2011-03-28T12:16:00.001-04:00

Our club is sponsoring an Interact Club for our young people at Newport Middle School. Kathryn Lowery, who is a gifted teacher at NMS and also at Newport Elementary School is the Club's advisor.
The club will be working at the upcoming Pig Cookin' Contest, helping the elementary school as well as helping their sponsor Rotary Club with car parking.
Everyone was invited to participate in a special meeting held at our Rotary Building on Tuesday, April 5. The Interact Club went through a brief training, were inducted as members and officers, and shared in some social time and refreshments with our Rotary members. Their charter arrived from Rotary International and is displayed in our Rotary building for all to see.

Since Rotary International recently lowered the age limit for Interact membership, we are very proud to be one of the first Rotary Clubs with a newly formed Interact Club in a Middle School. Watch for more great things from this energetic group.

GSE Team Visits Newport - Update!

2011-03-28T11:51:00.003-04:00

Our District 7730 GSE (Group Study Exchange) team is heading for Uruguay, while the team from Uruguay is here and visiting many of our clubs. March 28th marks their visit to our Newport Club. This year's exchange is all about agriculture, and the teams are made up of young people that are in these related fields. Veterinarians, biologists, and co-operative workers, are sharing their knowledge about their country's problems and successes.
Next year's GSE teams will focus on the medical profession.
Wow! What an evening! On March 28,our club members were hosts to many guests, including the team from Uruguay, who graciously introduced themselves, after a great meal provided by Tim Turner, the team members each gave a presentation about themselves, their country, their jobs and families.

Among all our honored guests in attendance were PDG Dr. Bill Walker and his wife, Jolene; AG John Scibal; and President of Beaufort Ole Town Rotary Club, Bill Kaeser.
The team is traveling to Washington, DC for two days, and then back to their homes in Uruguay on Sunday, April 3.
More pictures coming from Joe Garner.

Everetts Dedicate Print to Rotary Club

2011-03-24T08:48:00.002-04:00

Jim Everett, President Elect of the Newport Rotary Club and his wife Marilyn, current club President, dedicated a P. Buckley Moss print entitled "Peace through Rotary Service" to the club at the meeting on March 21, 2011.

This print celebrates the work Rotarians do around the world in the name of peace. 10% of the price of each print is donated to the Rotary Foundation. The print, issued in 2008, is one of 3,000 numbered prints

Jim won the numbered print in a raffle at the recent District 7730 Conference in Pinehurst, NC.

CHRISTMAS CHEER

2010-12-31T20:55:00.002-05:00

Our 2010 Christmas Fellowship Dinner was really nice, even if I do say so myself!

On December 13th we got together and ate a really good catered meal from Golden Corral with Turkey, Ham, and all the trimmings followed by a great slice of carrot cake.

The Fellowship was the very best. Everyone was in good spirits anticipating the joy of Christmas and time with families. We had the pleasure of listening to the singing styles of three students from Croatan High School, led by Madison Wall.

ONE MORE STEP UP THE LADDER TO SUCCESS...

2010-12-31T13:36:00.001-05:00

Reading a rather lengthy list of Rotary activities already under the belt of one Miss Madison Wall, makes you proud that our selected participant for this year's RYLA is definitely the best choice. 2011 RYLA is set from January 28 to 30 at the Trinity Center.

Madison has been very active in Rotary since before starting high school, now with a continuing membership in Interact. Madison was a Rotary Exchange Student and has also hosted a visiting Exchange Student. She is a member of a dance group, who recently held a dance to make some money to give toward polio eradication. She is involved in music, photography, Beta, and too many more activities to list.

We are hoping and planning to have Madison as one of our guest presenters to give you a first-hand report about her experience at RYLA.

As we watched Madison sing for us at our annual Christmas Fellowship Dinner, and I watched Bevin and Pam Wall, looking at their daughter with nothing but love and pride. They certainly should be proud. In this day, it is so difficult to keep children focused and motivated, but Bevin and Pam have done a wonderful job with all of their daughters. Madison will achieve her goals and Rotary will have played a just a small part by giving her the opportunities to be a part of Interact, Youth Exchanges and RYLA.

EARLY BIRD CATCHES WORM !

2010-12-31T13:23:00.002-05:00

We entered our DSG application into the pot of grant hopefuls, only to find out that many clubs had already put in their grant proposals at the first of this Rotary year (July). By the time we entered our project of additional Rotary benches for Newport, the funds were already depleted. 2011 is another year, and we have to say "a lesson learned". The early bird catches the worm!

AWW SHUCKS!

2010-12-31T13:14:00.000-05:00

Well, our much awaited for Dictionary Project was cancelled by the powers that be, citing reorganization before next year is necessary. The Newport Elementary School was disappointed as well as our members, who look forward to this wonderful annual interaction with the youngsters.
We are looking forward to 2011, when we will be able once again to pass out the dictionaries to all the smiling little faces.

DISTRICT SIMPLIFIED GRANT

2010-10-10T13:19:00.000-04:00

We have submitted a District Simplified Grant application to enable us to purchase two more Rotary benches for placement in two more strategic locations in Newport. If successful, Our club will contribute $606 and the grant will match us $1212. This will mean some post hole digging, mixing of concrete, and a bit of labor on our part.

Remember??

We will update you as soon as we hear the results of our application.

PAUL HARRIS FELLOWS

2010-10-10T13:11:00.000-04:00

PE Jim Everett received his Paul Harris Fellowship and Pam Wall received her 8th!
Both were very fortunate to have our District Governor, Magda Baggett present their awards.

A FUTURE ROTARIAN HAS ARRIVED!

2010-10-10T12:41:00.001-04:00

Miss Alyssa Schweitzer
10/01/10

Adorable Alyssa

Alyssa & "Daddy"
Has she stolen his heart already?

The bottle is bigger than she is!

HOOTENANNY IS HAPPENEN' !

2010-10-10T12:17:00.001-04:00

The annual Newport Hootenanny was almost a wash this year, but thanks to our own Ruthann Sluss, it is a go!
Ruthann has taken over the reigns and is putting together a bang up event. Ruthann need some help though. She needs volunteers to help the night of the event, and she needs donations of pre-wrapped candy to give to the children when they win a game. Our Rotary club is donating $330 to sponsor a sno-cone machine. Everything is free for the kids.
The date for the Hootenanny is Saturday, October 30, 2010 and will be held at the Little League Ball field on Howard Boulevard in Newport from 6pm to 9pm. For more information call Ruthann at 252-223-2333 or email her at ruthanns@vol.com.

Come on out and join the fun!

The Holidays are Just Around the Corner...

2010-09-20T08:36:00.001-04:00

This season's Holiday Party is being planned for Monday, December 13 at our Rotary Building. The meal will be catered by Golden Corral again this year and the price per person is $13.00 per person. You may sign up anytime, but we will need a count of those participating by Monday, December 6, 2010. Contact Marilyn for more information.
Ruthann and Marilyn are hoping to see everyone there!

Newport Rotary Featured in The Rotarian Magazine

2010-08-25T15:10:00.000-04:00

3 families share each of the donated boats

Newport Rotary was featured in a special supplement in the May 2010 Rotarian on service. This is the first time anyone remembers a Newport Rotary project being mentioned in the magazine.

Their Rotary Foundation project with the Dhaka NW Rotary Club using a Foundation Matching Grant to assist fishermen devastated by Cyclone Sidr was featured in an article entitled "Restoring Livelihoods in Bangladesh".

Click here for the article.

CCATS is the way to go!

2010-03-27T18:41:00.001-04:00

Andy Searle brought us a program from CCATS, our county transportation system. If you know anyone who needs a ride, it is available to pick them up, and bring them back. They offer rides to the community college, beaches, shopping, Doctor’s offices, the aquarium, and all places of interest and necessity. With routes from Morehead to Cedar Island, there is virtually nowhere this transportation system doesn't go. The rides are priced according to zones, and the fare within one zone is $2.00 per person. Additional zones are an additional $1.00 per zone. Ticket books may be purchased at $20.00 each or 2 books for $35.00. For scheduling and information call 252-240-1043.

Newport Pig Cookin' Contest

2010-03-27T18:38:00.001-04:00

We are doing Face Painting again this year at the Newport Pig Cookin’ Contest. This year we will be working on Friday, evening, April 9 as well as Saturday, April 10. And we have decided to up our price this year from $1.00 to $2.00 per face (which is still way cheap!). This will help our club with some much needed community exposure. We will be needing some helpers this year and would like everyone to sign up at our club meeting. A sign up sheet will be posted in the meeting room. Please help! Let’s not rely on just three or four of our members to do it all! If you cannot paint, just collect money and say hello to people. Our site this year is #54.

That Chicken Casserole Receipe

2010-02-07T22:26:00.006-05:00

Grandma Zahn’s Chicken Casserole

1 Can Cream of Chicken soup
6 oz. Evaporated Milk
1 Tsp. Salt
1 Cup Velveeta Cheese (cut into cubes)
2 Cups Chicken or

Turkey

(cut up)
1 Cup Cooked Celery (choppped)
¼ Cup Pimento
1 Cup Fresh or Canned (cut up) Mushrooms
3 ½ Cups Cooked Noodles

Heat together soup, milk, and salt. Add cheese, stir until melted.
Add remaining ingredients and pour over cooked noodles.
Bake 20 minutes in 400◦ oven.
Serves 8 to 10

(Note: I microwaved fresh chopped celery and fresh sliced mushrooms
about 5 min. on high before adding to mixture.)

Lewy Body Dementia

2010-01-03T23:56:00.005-05:00

December 21, 2009

A program on Lewy Body Dementia was presented by our guest speaker, Barbara Hutchinson. Barbara has spent the last few years traveling across America informing people about Lewy Body Dementia. She had hands on experience with her own husband when he developed this progressive brain disease. LBD is the second most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia in the elderly after Alzheimer's Disease. Barbara spoke about this disease while showing film of her own husband and his progress through the disease prior to his death.

Some of the signs and symptoms of LBD are progressive memory loss, changes in mood and behavior, disorientation regarding times and places, difficulty with language and tasks. Physical symptoms include muscle stiffness and rigidity, balance difficulties and shuffling gait, repeated falls, delusions, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams and nightmares. There are drugs that are often prescribed to help with the symptoms, but may cause worsening of the symptoms.

For more information contact Barbara at bbhutch44@yahoo.com or look up the Lewy Body Dementia Association at lbda.org. Barbara's phone is 252-269-9748.

A Christmas Feast in Newport

2010-01-03T23:29:00.013-05:00

December 14, 2009

A warm gathering of Newport Rotarians that included our friends and families, took place on December 14. In place of our regular meeting, the club took time to celebrate the Christmas Season with fellowship and good cheer. A ham and Turkey dinner with all the fixins' was catered by Golden Corral in Morehead City. It was delicious and filled the bill just right. After stuffing ourselves, we attempted to sing some Christmas carols including a rousing round of "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer". The highlight of the night was a wonderful rendition of "The Night Before Christmas" by our own PDG Derryl Garner.

Enjoy the photos, all taken by Joe Garner.

November 30, 2009

2009-12-06T21:38:00.008-05:00

Trim-A Tree at Britthaven

Ruthann's program for November 30, 2009 included a trip to Britthaven in Newport, to spread some Christmas cheer and participate in some tree decorating. So, after a good meal, we all went over to Britthaven and Trimmed-A-Tree (or two). What a clever program idea! Way to go, Ruthann!

And thanks again to Joe Garner for the photo! :)

2009-12-06T21:30:00.005-05:00

November 21, 2009

Newport Rotary Food Drive

The Team at Red & White
Inez, Cliff, Jim & Dick (missing from photo)

Great day for collections! We added 980 units of food and $163.00 to the pantry at Matthew 25 Food Bank. Good return for 4 hours work at Food Lion, IGA and Red & White.

Thank you so much, everyone who participated.

Photo by Joe Garner

November 24, 2009

2009-12-06T21:05:00.012-05:00

Newport Rotary is having some fun!!

Pictures tell a story better than any amount of words. The faces of the children say it all!
These photos were taken on the day we delivered the Dictionaries to the kids at the elementary school on November 24, 2009. No more words need saying. Thanks to all members who participated.

All Photos taken by Rotary Member Joe Garner.
Great Job, Joe. Thanks!

November 23, 2009

2009-12-06T20:34:00.004-05:00

Teacherage Turns Museum in Newport

Diane Johnson, member of the Newport Consolidated School Alumni Association, brought us a very interesting and history-filled program about the forming and beginnings of Newport's History Museum.

The School Alumni Association found themselves needing a place to meet and settle in. Rotary member, Larry Howard stepped in and offered them the Teacherage on Chatham Street. What started out to be an office and meeting room, has blossomed into a renovated historical site for all to enjoy learning or reliving the history of Newport.
Their goal is to preserve the history of Newport.

On June 26 & 27, 2010, they are planning Newport Heritage Days, conducting home tours, and having various displays of antique autos and other vehicles; tobacco and quilting demonstrations, all relating to Newport 1800 to 1900. Story-Tellers, foods and fun. Everyone is invited to attend.

The museum is open from 10 to 12 Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. You are also invited to become a member of the History Museum, by filling in a form and paying the membership fee. Membership funds go to a really great cause...the historical preservation of Newport, North Carolina.

November 16, 2009

2009-12-06T20:03:00.005-05:00

The Harvest Connection

Rev. James Gurganus, Coordinator at the Faith Training Center in Kinston, came and told us about their Disaster Relief Ministry. The purpose of the Ministry is to provide needed skills of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, cleaning, and repairs to those who have experienced disaster. They also collect and deliver Emergency Recovery Kits, such as a Bedding Kit, Infant Kit, Health/Hygene Kit and various other speciality kits.
They deliver compassion through a sharing of their Christian experience and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This is an opportunity for all members to present their Church in Action.

If you are interested in joining the Disaster Relief groups, want to join the ministry, wish to enter training, or just want to help in providing Emergency Recovery Kits, please contact:
The Harvest Connection

2600 W. Vernon Ave
Kinston, NC 28504
252-526-9908
harvestconnection@embarqmail.com

VERY Important Dates!

2009-11-09T07:39:00.003-05:00

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Work on Chatham Street Flowerbeds
Meet at 10:00 a.m Across

from Elementary School

Saturday, November 21, 2009
Food Drive 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

Monday, November 30, 2009
Trim A Tree at Brithaven
Reg. Meeting Time

On Election Eve: How the Election of 1898 Changed NC History

2009-11-05T08:49:00.001-05:00

On the eve of elections throughout the State of North Carolina, Past District Governor Bevin Wall presented a historical perspective on the Elections of 1898 that forever changed the political landscapes of the state.

Those elections effectively returned to power a governing party that would restore "Home Rule", disenfranchise African American voters for decades to come and roll back many of the progressive policies enacted since the end of the Civil Way. While problems certainly remain now, it is evident that our state has come a long way in defending the individual liberties and protections afforded by our "Nation of Laws".

Interestingly, even after 111 years, many of the personalities and family names cited were familiar to some of the "old timers" in the Rotary Club, according to several comments in the Q&A period following the program.

Governor Wall based his presentation on an article by Nicholas Graham archived in The North Carolina Collection at the UNC-Chapel Hill Library. Click here for a link to this full article.

October 26, 2009

2009-10-27T20:48:00.036-04:00

President Amos Hits a Home Run

President Amos Parker wanted to have a Family Night that brought all our club members and their families together. He wanted to honor some important guests, the wives of some of our deceased members, and all the Past District Governors from Carteret County. He wanted a great dinner, prepared with quality, and care, and he wanted to have a great speaker. Well, Amos did it! He enlisted Larry and Sharon Howard, who in turn enlisted their family and friends to pitch in, and they prepared and served a delicious meal of Roast Pork Tenderloin, with all the fixens'. Amos couldn't have found a better team for the meal!

He honored three of our five Past District Governors, Dr. Bill Walker, who attended with his wife Jolene, Beven Wall, attending with wife Pam, and Daughter, and Derryl Garner along with his wife, Jane. Among our honored wives of past Rotarians, we welcomed our present Assistant Governor, John Scibal and his wife, Rhonda.

To motivate us, he brought in another winner, Rocky Jacobs who attended with his wife, and gave us motivation to be Rotarians and not Rhinos and to remember that the "Future of Rotary is in Our Hands".

Way to go, Amos. You scored BIG !

Thanks to Joe Garner for taking the photos!

Newport Principals Making the Grade

2009-10-27T20:26:00.003-04:00

Newport Elementary Principal, Beth Lanning, and her husband, Newport Middle School Principal, Bud Lanning were our guests, compliments of PDG Derryl Garner, who was responsible for the program.

Beth had visited our club in 2008, and told us then of the various challenges she faced as the new principal of Newport Elementary. Now she is giving us a report on how things are going.

Firstly, as with the entire world, they are getting no funds to help them serve the children with tutoring and extra help classes. In spite of this they have raised their reading and math skills overall scores. For instance, the school's math score went from a low 66 to a terrific 87.7!

Beth told us that Newport Elementary needs tutoring volunteers, as due to the lack of funds, they are having to use their aides for tutoring. They need volunteers to help the children with reading and math skills. On October 29, the school is having a Volunteer Round-Up. If you are interested in volunteering, phone the school, attend the roundup, and connect with a teacher and become a regular volunteer.

Bud Lanning gave us a brief synopsis of how things are going at Newport Middle School, and like the Elementary school, they have raised their scores. The website has information about the school improvement plan.

Please contact either school if you want more information about their programs and ask how you can help to give a child a helping hand.

Service Project for Oct. 5 Postponed due to Rain

2009-10-05T17:21:00.000-04:00

The project date will be reset.

September 21, 2009

2009-09-25T10:20:00.004-04:00

Business Informational Meeting

Tonight’s meeting focused on the many items that our club members needed to address, or get information about.

President Amos asked the members to nominate and approve Marilyn Everett as our President Elect for the year 2010-2011. It was approved and passed.

Derryl reported that there are 5 second grade classes at the elementary school, with a total enrolled of 102. Dictionaries will be ordered, and he mentioned that if you can attend with the group to distribute the dictionaries to the students, that it is a very rewarding project. Plan to go if you can.

October 26 is Family Night, and so far we have about 50 people planning to attend. Larry and Sharon will be cooking (YUM) and decorating our building. There will be surprises and door prizes for the ladies. Amos reminded us to bring potential members and family to the event. 5 Past Governors from our District will also be in attendance and will be recognized for their outstanding contributions to Rotary. A guest speaker is planned. Plan on about 2 hours for this special dinner, and if you need to reserve somebody, contact President Amos Parker.

Our Christmas Party is just a short time away. This year’s party will be held at our Rotary Building on December 14. We are checking into Golden Corral again, as they did such a superb job last year, and at a very reasonable charge per person. More on this very soon.

Our work night on the flower beds on Chatham St. is October 5, 2009, and we will meet at 5:30 pm at the flower beds. We will have dinner after we are finished at our Rotary Building.

Amos gave members information about the Bike Race for Polio that the President's group is planning for next April to fund the $2,000.00 each club needs to raise to match RI funds for Polio. We are also collecting Pennies for Polio and will be putting labeled jars in our places of business for the donation of funds. More information about the bike race will come as specific items are in place.

Our building mortgage has a balance of about $11,000.00, and our monthly payment is right at $295.00. Our funds are very low, so if you can see your way clear to make a payment for the good of Newport Rotary, then step right up and write the check!

We want to participate in the Newport Pig Cooking again this year. It was suggested we get a banner to better display the Newport Rotary Club, and use this time for some positive PR work. It was also suggested that we purchase shirts with our Rotary emblem to wear while working.

The Rotary Leadership Institute in Greenville is October 10, at $95.00 per person. A carpool is possible if members want to sign up and ride together.

RYLA is planned for the first of the new year, and we need to start searching for youth to attend. It was suggested we use the schools to help select good interested kids.

September 14, 2009

2009-09-25T10:10:00.002-04:00

Heidi Gives Us Garden Advice
Yours truly was in the kitchen during all of the discussion with Heidi about our flower beds on
Chatham Street, but I do know we are going to be using Heidi's suggestions on how to improve these beds. Our work night is planned for October 5 at 5:30 pm. We will meet at the site of the beds and return to our Rotary Building for dinner afterwards. Come prepared to dig!

August 30, 2009

2009-09-25T10:00:00.003-04:00

Danielle Mead Visits Newport Rotary

Danielle is a licensed marriage and family therapist, who has been practicing for over 20 years. See has worked with clients ranging from adolescents to the seriously mentally ill.

She is currently in private practice and is seeing couples and families in transition. Danielle holds a Masters Degree from Webster University, and did undergraduate work at Georgia State. She is fully licensed in the state of North Carolina.

August 24, 2009

2009-08-31T13:03:00.007-04:00

District Governor Pays

Newport Club a Visit

Governor Nancy Barbee visited our Club and sat down with us for an informal chat. Her focus was on the goals set for the year 2009-2010.

The first is the total eradication of Polio, with all district 7730 clubs aiding International Rotary match a 255 million donation by Bill Gates. Each club needs to match with a $2,000.00 donation the RI Polio fund. To further highlight this endeavor, our Rotary District is holding "Hands On for Polio Awareness" week, Feb 21 to 28, 2010.

February 1 to 10, Governor Nancy will be leading a polio National Immunization Day to Bahir, India. The cost to join into this trip is approximately $3500.00 per person, but to offset this cost, the Governor has earmarked $10,000.00 to be split among the participants.

We need to strive to make all our members Paul Harris Fellows and try to exceed $100.00 per sustaining member.

Our District Conference is set for April 30, May 1-2, 2010 and is being held at the Hilton in New Bern. Governor Nancy is hoping to have 1000 District 7730 Rotarians in attendance. A large part of her agenda will be the honoring our Military, and our Youth; A RYLA reunion, and Rotoract and Interact Rallies. Why not plan on attending yourself?

Rotary Leadership Institutes are coming up and if you are interested, check our Database Calendar for dates and information.

There is another new club forming in Leland, NC and they hope to be charterd by December, 2009.

Looks like a very busy year!

August 17, 2009

2009-08-31T12:41:00.005-04:00

Have a Sample at Lake Road Winery

Our program, brought to us by Maher, taught us a "Bunch" about wine, the type of grapes, and special blending that creates the tastiest wines. Mitchell Smith, brother of our own Manly Smith, shared information about his new winery called Lake Road Winery. After some history on wine, he noted that the first winery in North Carolina was opened by Paul Garrett in 1850. Mitch and his wife Suzy opend Lake Road in March, 2009. They use only fruits grown in North Carolina combining them to make unique blends. They name their wine based on the town of Newport, it's people, heritage, and spots of interest.

For a visit to the Winery, see Mitch and Suzy at Lake Road Winery, located at 1120 Lake Road in Newport and have a free taste.

August 17, 2009

2009-08-31T12:32:00.004-04:00

Youth Exchange

The Newport Club is sponsoring Lena Mueller from Hamburg, Germany. Lena is staying with PDG Bevin Wall and his family. Earlier in the summer, Bevin and Pam’s daughter, Madison, traveled to Hamburg to stay with the Muellers. Madison confessed she did not know a word of German before departing the U.S., but with her resourcefulness and outgoing personality, she and her host family had a wonderful visit and she had the opportunity to see some amazing sights. In turn, the Wall’s have traveled up and down the east coast, showing Lena some of our beautiful land. If you ask Lena what her favorite part of her visit is, she’ll tell you she loves going to the beach.
Vanessa Ervin, Youth Exchange District Chair (See complete article in the August Newsletter)

Family Night October 26, 2009

2009-08-16T13:05:00.008-04:00

Bring your family, friends, potential new members and

pecial guests to our Family Night October 26, 2009. Mark your calendar, and Be There!!

Arrangements are made for a terrific guest speaker. Be There!!

Food and Fellowship will abound. Be There!!

See you there on the 26th.

More information to follow!

Foundation Seminar is for Everyone!

2009-08-16T12:50:00.001-04:00

August 10, 2009

2009-08-16T12:02:00.004-04:00

The President is Real Person!
Manly Smith brought us a young man who is of the same caliber as McKenzie Wall.
Matthew Haggard, Manly's Grandson, graduated from NC State in 2007 with a degree in marketing. Before graduation, Matthew, who worked all through college, spent time in 2004, working in the campaign headquarters of George W. Bush in Raleigh. This led Matthew on his journey to the White House, working throughout the Bush administration. His first position was as a Presidential Correspondent, followed by time as a Presidential Messager to the People. Later switching into Public Relations, he remained with President Bush until the end of his term.
Matthew gave us a personal glimpse into the daily life of the President, relating humorous stories that showed us just how human a President can be.
Matthew shared mementos from his work at the White House, such photos, letters, and a very special menu.
We wish Matthew all the best in his future. He is a very special young man.

August 3, 2009

2009-08-16T10:50:00.006-04:00

Rainy Day in Newport

On August 3 plans for a work day meeting arranged by Jim Everett, and a picnic dinner arranged by Cliff Schweitzer turned out to be "All Wet"!

As the club was suppose to meet and have a cook-out supper, followed by a weeding and re-mulching of areas near Newport Elementary, the weather had a different idea in mind for the members.

We all gathered under the pavilion across the street from our Rotary building, ate Hot Dogs, macaroni salad and ice cream, and spent our Rotary hour sharing fellowship with each other. It was fun and enabled us to spend time with each other in a very relaxed atmosphere. The work will be rescheduled.

July 27, 2009

2009-08-16T10:07:00.006-04:00

Family Pride

Bevin and Pam Wall are very proud of their daughter, McKenzie, and rightly so. In this age of kids messing up their lives with drugs, alcohol, early sex, and just general rebellion, Bevin and Pam have reared their children to have tremendous self-esteem. Their own knowledge of their talents and the infinite opportunities they have before them, stem from Bevin and Pam's love and faith in their children.

McKenzie had and seized one of these great opportunities that allowed her to explore her love of the theatre, and it's related programs, by spending her last year of high school at the North Carolina School of the Arts. In addition to her regular studies needed to complete credits necessary fro her high school graduation, she was able to take classes that increased her skills in the performing arts.
McKenzie related some of her experiences of her last year of high school, and showed the members of the Newport Club what loving parents dedicated to their children can achieve.
McKenzie is readying herself for Ithaca College, where she will continue her studies in her chosen field.

Good luck to McKenzie and Congratulations to Bevin and Pam!

New President has Some Questions

2009-08-16T09:07:00.004-04:00

July 20, 2009

President Amos Parker asked the membership "What should we do to keep the our club going?"

The membership replied with ideas to increase our cash flow, and increase our membership. Among the topics brought up were, members voted to keep our meals as a donation from the membership, each taking turns preparing the meal for the others.

Increasing our membership is also a priority, as new members will increase our revenue and add new input to our projects and discussions. A membership committee was appointed.

The membership noted that our club needed to become more visible in our community, by additional sinage, and active participation in community activities.

A committee was formed to select and nominate a President Elect for our Newport Club for the year 2010-2011. Larry Howard, Steve Blizzard, and Derryl Garner will meet and make their nomination known to the members upon the conclusion of their meetings.

We plan to spend another meeting in the near future for further discussion regarding these topics and members are asked to brainstorm for new ideas.

Newport Planning Board Notes

2009-07-16T10:47:00.005-04:00

July 13, 2009

Steve Blizzard, our Program Chair for July 13, brought us a visit from John Davis, Chairman of the Newport Planning Board.

John went over zoning ordinance regarding subdivision planning , signage, and more. He shared maps and noted flood zones and high water areas, which is a great concern of our Club members.

The Planning Board meets on the 4Th Monday each month, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Helping People Make Wise Decisions

2009-07-16T10:25:00.003-04:00

July 6, 2009

Wink Mayne from First Citizens Bank is a Financial Advisor, who helps people make wise decisions regarding their investments and savings. He spent a bit of his time sharing information about our 401K's and IRA's. Most people do not know that you can rollover a 401K into an IRA while still working. There are many options available to us to revamp our strategy, and his job is to help us learn and choose which is best for us. First Citizens Bank is a consertive bank that chose NOT to take any TARP money and will never choose to do so.

Thanks, Winston Reese, who had the responsibility for this week, for introducing us to Wink. Call Wink if you have questions or concerns about you financial needs.

...AND A NEW YEAR BEGINS

2009-07-05T00:06:00.003-04:00

THE FUTURE OF ROTARY IS IN YOUR HANDS

PDG Derryl Garner spoke to the members about our Rotary Club, it's past and it's future.

He praised our outgoing President, Cliff Schweitzer, and presented him with a plaque honoring his "job well done" for 2008-2009. Cliff's wife, Inez, pinned him with his Past President Pin. Thank you so much, Cliff, for your leadership, insight and devotion to the Rotary Club of Newport.

PDG Derryl concluded our evening by swearing in our Club Officers for 2009-2010.
Our new President is Amos Parker; Secretary is Joe Garner; our Treasurer is Winston Reese; and named Sergeant at Arms for 2009-2010 is Dick Newton.

We are all looking forward to a wonderful year of Rotary growth, fellowship and succesful projects that will benefit our community of Newport, North Carolina.

Welcome to "The Stroke Belt"

2009-05-20T19:26:00.004-04:00

Did you know that North Carolina is in the "stroke belt" where stroke death is two times greater than the national average? Our program on Monday night, May 18th, was arranged by Dick Newton, who brought us Bob Thomas, who shared information about strokes and stroke prevention.

Strokes are the third leading reason for death in the US, and second in the world. Unfortunately, the coastal areas of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina has the highest rate of stroke victims in the US. 85% are transient ischemic attacks. TIAs are small strokes that can last for minutes or hours. They are treatable and should never be ignored.

To test for stroke follow the FAST Stroke Assessment.

F for Face. Ask the person to smile. Does one side droop?

A for Arms. Ask them to raise their arms. Does one drift downward?

S for Speech. Ask the person to repeat a sentence. Do they slur or possibly cannot repeat
the sentence?

T for Take Action. If a person shows any of these symptoms, TIME IS IMPORTANT!
Call 911 FAST!

Ways to prevent or lower stroke risk:

Treat and Control High Blood Pressure

Quit Smoking

Manage Heart Disease

Control and Treat Diabetes

Eat a Balanced Diet Maintain a Healthy Weight and Exercise

For more information and access to a Stroke Support Group, call 252-808-6474.

Newport Rotary "Keeps on Truck'in"

2009-05-12T18:21:00.006-04:00

The May 11, 2009 Program at the Newport Rotary Club was provided by Sgt. Tim Askew of the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Sgt Askew is the son of our own retired State Highway Patrolman, Jack Askew.

Sgt. Askew works two job functions with the Patrol. He teaches at the SHP Training Academy and also works the road with Motor Carrier Enforcement. Sgt. Askew described his special training that makes him one of the state's experts on Motor Carrier Enforcement, specified what trucks fell within his jurisdiction under federal law, and described some of the special perils that "Big Rigs" bring.

The meal was Subway sandwiches. Extended Happy Dollars were given by Dick Newton on behalf of his son who leads a very impressive ministry of social programs in Indiana, and Bevin Wall who told about the Group Study Exchange (GSE) Night in Jacksonville, and thanks Jim & Marilyn Everett and his wife Pam for their attendance. PDG Derryl Garner thanked the Newport community for their great sense of civic involvement.

The picture to the right shows proud Papa Jack & his son, Sgt. Tim.

Newport Remembers Harold

2009-03-30T21:04:00.005-04:00

March 30, 2009

Tonight we paid tribute to our own Harold Chartley who passed away last fall.
Harold was a member of the Newport Rotary for 50 years, and was also a honorary member of the Morehead City Noon Club.
We placed a granite marker at the foot of a cherry tree, planted in Harold's honor in the Newport Park. Following a dedication prayer given by Newport Mayor and Past District Governor, Derryl Garner, club members had a great grilled hot dog, salad and ice cream supper, compliments of President Cliff.

March 23, 2009

2009-03-29T17:23:00.007-04:00

KEYS TO THE FUTURE
This week's program was brought to us by Winston Reese, who introduced two ladies from the Carteret Community College Basic Skills Department; Corporate and Community Education. Diane Matlock, the Basic Skills Coordinator, informed our club about the special pprograms they offer to help people achieve their GED or High School Diploma. In today's job market, people need to have one or the other of these to be hired, or even to enter into the military. Some just wish to improve their language, math or reading skills. The Basic Skills department offers Adult High School; GED; Adult Basic Education; Compensatory Education and English as a Second Language classes. Classes are varied as to times and locations, so anyone can include school into their schedule. The staff will even go to a business to work with their employees.
Pamela Brecheisen, who is the ESL/CompEd. Coordinator, shared information about the English as a Second Language and Compensatory Education Classes. For more information you can check in to the Carteret County Web site or call 252-222-6212. They also have info on Channel 10.
Nice job, Winston!

Club Announces Plans for "Make Dreams Real" Day

2009-03-16T22:29:00.002-04:00

Plans are underway to participate in the districtwide "Make Dreams Real" Day promoted by District Governor Lee Dixon for May 2, 2009.

Newport Rotary appointed a committee, headed by Rotarian Steven Blizzard, to organize the event. It was proposed that a food drive supporting the local food pantry be the project.

"Make Dreams Real" is the Rotary International Theme for 2008-09 under President D.K. Lee of South Korea.

Newport Pig Cooking Activities Announced

2009-03-16T22:18:00.004-04:00

Newport Rotary will have a crafts booth and sponsor a pig at the 31st Annual Newport Pig Cooking April 3 & 4, 2009 at the Newport Town Park. Funds were raised to sponsor the pig during the regular club meeting on March 16, 2009.

In a "pass the hat" effort spurred on at the behest of Newport Mayor PDG Derryl Garner, he said that Newport Rotarians were integral in starting the Pig Cooking event 31 years ago, most notably PP. Larry Howard, and that we should have a presence at the event.

President Cliff Schweitzer announced the booth, which will feature a goldfish toss, face painting and hair painting. While this is a fundraiser, it is hoped that the presence of Rotarians at the event will be good publicity for the club, what it does in the community, and for the Global Polio Eradication effort, which we be highlighted. Click here foir more information on the Newport Pig Cooking Contest.

AFLAC Agent Touts Importance of Insurance Coverage

2009-03-16T21:44:00.011-04:00

AFLAC Insurance Agent Hal Ledrew was the guest speaker at the March 16, 2009 Meeting of theNewport Rotary Club at The Rotary Building, Howard Blvd., Newport.

Agent Ledrew talked about AFLAC's Major Medical, Supplemental, Cancer and Disability Insurance products. The company has significant coverage in the eastern North Carolina area, and insures employees at many business and most government locales. Several Rotarians recounted a positive experience with the company's representatives in the course of their employment. Prompt claims service, annual reviews, portability of policies, guaranteed lifetime premiums, payroll deductions, and free online billings are all aspects of the AFLAC experience.

AFLAC, American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, based out of Columbus, GA, is a

Fortune 55 Company started by the Amos family in 1955 and insures more than 40 Million employees, worldwide. Interestingly,

they gained a foothold in Japan during the trade restrictions of the 1970s, and now insure 1 in 4 Japanese employees.

He supported his presentation with some product information, and an AFLAC duck for everone in attendance.

Contact Hal Ledrew. For more information on AFLAC products see www.aflac.com.

Special Day March 30, 2009

2009-03-15T10:38:00.004-04:00

On March 30, 2009 we will hold our regular meeting at the pavillion in Newport Park. After a cook-out dinner we will place the memorial stone and dedicate the tree planted in Harold Chartley's honor.
The meeting will begin at 6:00 pm.
Spread the word... let's have an attendance of 100%!

Purple Martins Flock to Newport Rotary Meeting

2009-03-15T10:23:00.011-04:00

During the March 9, 2009 Newport Rotary Club Program, Rotarian Dick Newton shared some information about Purple Martins. He showed us some of the different types of homes they enjoy coming home to each year, and mentioned they were the very nicest guests anyone could have. He tries to count them as well as the number of eggs they lay, and usually each year he gets more and more birds. They like to sleep in the gourds and houses at night and remain with their families until time to leave again.

If you have any questions about how to set up your gourd/house community for the Purple Martins, ask Dick. He's a pro with this project!

Cherry Point Marine Tells of Iraq Progress

2009-01-26T20:33:00.003-05:00

The Newport Rotary Club Program for January 26, 2009 was presented by Lt. Col. Robert D. Curtis of the VMU-2 Night Owls UAV Squadron.

The Night Owls are one of two squadrons flying Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the Marine Corps. As a result, the squadron is the most deployed in the Corps, being forward deployed 7 months for every 5 month stateside.

Lt. Col. Curtis told the group of his four deployments, three in Iraq and one in forward staging offshore the Africa coast with the 2nd MEU (Marine Expeditionary Unit). The Iraq deployments showed an amazing progress over the time he was there. He was on the ground in Bagdad and Tikrit, flew Helicopters the second deployment, and oversaw UAVs in his most recent deployment. He supported humanitarian efforts in Kenya during his MEU deployment.

It was during this last deployment that he related a significant change in the social and political environment in Iraq. The US strategy of developing the people's trust has slowly worked, and they now want to control their own destiny. The Marine Corps is working toward that goal by supporting Iraqi border protection and development of their police force and military. He commended the maturity and patriotism of the young Marines under his command.

Click here for an article on the VMU-2 Nightowls.

Report from The Phoenix Presidential Membership Conference

2009-01-26T20:15:00.004-05:00

Newport Rotarian, Past District Governor Bevin Wall was a recent Presenter at the Rotary Presidential Membership Conference in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Presidential Conference, Called by RI President D.K. Lee of Korea, is one of two in the United States and one of twelve worldwide during 2008-09. President Lee address the group at the beginning of the Conference.

The Conference, which included primarily Rotarians from the Western and Midwestern North America, boasted a registration of almost 500 Rotarians. The focus of the conference was on Club-level Rotarians developing action steps to implement in their own Rotary clubs.

PDG Wall, as Regional RI Membership Coordinator, facilitated several sessions, including sessions on New Generations Clubs, Membership Best Practices, Club Strategic Planning, and Why is Retention so Difficult. Newport Rotarian Pam Wall also attended the Conference.

For more information, including the keynote presentation slides, visit The Phoenix PMC website.

SKILLS - USA

2009-01-18T18:35:00.004-05:00

January 12, 2009

Member Joe Garner brought us a wonderfully gifted young man to speak to us about

SKILLS - USA (VICA). Stephen Lupton is a Newport resident and a junior at West Carteret High School.

VICA started back in the 1920's, offering young people the opportunity to learn trade skills such as welding, carpentry, masonry, and more. In the 1960's, they held their first Olympics and the young people were challenged in the same trade skills. In 1998, VICA changed it's name to SKILLS - USA and added new components to it's agendas with public speaking, Leadership , poster contests, and elections. The membership has grown to more than 300,000 members. One of the biggest sponsors of SKILLS - USA is Lowe's, having contributed over $1,000,000.

Stephen has been to the National Convention ,and there he was elected by his peers, delegates to the convention, to be the North Carolina State President.

SKILLS - USA has a tie in with Rotary as they have adopted the 4 Way Test as part of their creed.

Thank you to Stephen's Mentor, Mr. Whitfield, for bringing this young man so far, and we wish Stephen all the best in all of his endeavors.

January 5, 2009

2009-01-12T10:27:00.004-05:00

Our program came to us compliments of Member Maher Saikali, who informed our members about the high cost of socialized medicine.

He was recently in Canada because two of his family members were in the hospital. Two different hospitals as a matter of fact. One hospital was reletivily new, opened inthe 1970's, the other was opened in the 1900's. There is out of date equipment and the patient bathrooms are shared by all and located in the hallways. Doctors are located in basements and you could sit as long as 12 hours or more waiting to see someone. A person has no choice as to where they go or who they see. Many die before treatment as the system will let many pass as not important enough to be seen. According to the government, everyone has the right and is entitled to health care, but it is not necessarily given, nor is it altogether free. In addition to the high cost of poor medical treatment, families still must pay anywhere from $50 to $100 for a visit.

All diagnosis stands as given, and there are no second opinions. Physicians are salary capped and good ones leave and relocate to America or other profitable areas. Most physicians coming in are from third world countries, which creates a language barrier and lack of proper training. They are overworked and soon are gone to more profitable circumstances. There is only one doctor per ward who is available at any given time.

Quality medical cannot be given free. There is no free. The cost to our families would be too great to give up our freedom of choice when it come to our medical care. As for me I would rather pay for good treatment with new equipment, new techniques, and caring professionals.

Happy New Year!!

2009-01-12T10:10:00.004-05:00

2009...Gonna Be Just Fine!

Each time a person stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others…s/he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of resistance.~ Robert Kennedy

Carteret County Animal Control

2008-12-29T19:41:00.003-05:00

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

2008-12-29T17:52:00.006-05:00

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

2008-12-02T07:49:00.009-05:00

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

2008-12-01T17:53:00.008-05:00

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

2008-11-25T09:25:00.005-05:00

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

2008-11-18T23:50:00.002-05:00

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!

2008-11-18T22:11:00.001-05:00

November 17, 2008 RAD

2008-11-18T21:42:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-18T21:14:00.006-05:00

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

2008-11-12T09:33:00.001-05:00

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

2008-11-12T09:28:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-05T08:15:00.004-05:00

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

2008-11-03T12:44:00.002-05:00

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

2008-10-31T08:05:00.002-04:00

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?

2008-10-30T22:55:00.002-04:00

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!

2008-10-30T22:38:00.004-04:00

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"

2008-10-26T23:43:00.001-04:00

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?

2008-10-19T20:26:00.003-04:00

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

2008-10-11T21:15:00.004-04:00

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

2008-10-01T18:58:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-29T17:36:00.002-04:00

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

2008-09-24T17:52:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-24T16:57:00.006-04:00

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

2008-09-18T16:46:00.004-04:00

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

2008-09-17T17:38:00.002-04:00

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.