March 5, 2006

The First Mississippi River Multi-District PETS was held last week at the Pearl River Resort in Philadelphia, MS. Congratulations to our DGE Mark Doiron and to his Classmate DGE Betty Jo Delaney from District 6800 (northern Mississippi and Memphis area of Tennessee). No question about it, a multi-district PETS creates a more professional training situation for incoming Presidents and a great opportunity for them to see more of Rotary and what we are all about.

The Good News was the way everyone worked to make it a substantive meeting. Our compliments to the meeting chair, Jimmy Nelson, AG Patrick Smith, PDG Jim Stanley, Todd Burwell, and all who participated in the training. PDG Greg Yank, from southern Illinois, “traveled down” to be the principal speaker for the luncheon. The facilities were nice and the food was good. Next year, Districts 6820 and 6800 will be joined by District 6840 (southern Mississippi and the New Orleans clubs.) Where? Maybe Tunica, maybe Tupelo.

The Bad News was that of 43 clubs in our district, only 28 were represented.

District Assembly As District Governor, I was pleased to report that the district is in good shape financially.Membership in the district is up slightly from 2,402 to 2,419. The Rotary Katrina Fund has now received $675,000 and funded about $480,000 requests. Funding of further requests is slowed until a meeting with DG Neil Alford and PDG John Fair can soon be held on the Coast to determine where to direct funds.

Rotary Clubs are Forming Teams to go to the Coast and work with other Rotarians rebuilding homes and businesses. Typically, teams will go down early Friday morning, carrying their own bedding and tools, and will work Friday afternoon, Saturday, attend a church service Sunday morning, and work until mid-afternoon before heading home. Building materials and food will be supplied. Teams will bed down in a Sunday school room at Trinity Methodist Church in Gulfport. There is a modest charger of $10 per day charge for food. There is work for everyone who goes. President-Elect Larry Mullins and Tommy Prentice of Starkville are co-ordinating the effort. Contact Tommy Prentice at 662-418-5602. He can give you full information and make your appointment. This project could be big, and what a wonderful way for you to shed some of that winter growth in getting ready for summer!

Two E-mail Addresses You Will Want to Keep. Our incoming District Treasurer’s address is Angela.beasley@horne-llp.com and our incoming District Secretary Todd Burwell’s is Tburwell@latham-burwell.com (When I asked if Latham-Burwell was a tire company or a butane gas place, he let me know right quick that it was a law firm! My apologies, Counselor.)

An April 1 st Deadline for Presidential Citations. Some clubs in the hurricane-impacted area have suffered a loss of memberships but have fulfilled other requirements. Collins has lost 11 members. Your DG plans to request a waiver from RI on this requirement for clubs in the impacted area.

March is Community Service Month. Maybe it’s a good time for improving the appearance of your town. And don’t forget to spread the word that your Rotary Club is alive and making your community a better place to live. Get someone in your club active in getting publicity for your accomplishments! Public relations is one of the main thrusts of the incoming President of Rotary International.

Welcome Two New Assistant-Governors. Randy Hill of the Ellisville Club will be taking over Howard Williamson’s area and O.A. Cleveland of Starkville will be replacing Jack Forbus.

Jack Forbus of Starkville’s Nomination to become District Governor in 2008-09 was made official at District Assembly. He will follow Merrell Fischer of Lexington who follows Mark Doiron.

From PDG John Turner comes this word on the 2007 Council on Legislation. The Council on Legislation will meet in Chicago in April 2007. The district, as well as each club, may propose legislation to the council. Proposals by clubs must be endorsed by the district and voted on at district conference. If time does not permit the district to consider a proposal, the governor may conduct a ballot-by-mail for the district. Legislation for the 2007 Council must be received by Rotary World Headquarters by June 30, 2006. No exceptions to this deadline. If you have questions, try councilservices@rotaryintl.org or John Turner, johnt3@techinfo.com.

District Conference Registration Information should be in the mail on Tuesday. Presidents, please make copies for distribution to your members ASAP!. We anticipate having this on the district website Wednesday evening, March 8. Some Conference events are limited so postmark dating is important.

Yours in Rotary,

Stuart Vance