December 8, 2001 

Last Week’s Program...
Kentucky Independent Colleges and Universities consist of nineteen institutions that have a strong reputation for providing quality higher education to students from a wide range of backgrounds and with diverse interests and goals, according to Dr. Gary Cox, President of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. Dr. Cox discussed factors that make independent colleges unique, some of which include: affordable higher education, tradition of strong, respected academic programs, good classroom interaction, emphasis on developing leadership and interpersonal skills, strong career development and internship programs, and access to the latest advances in communications technology.

Located across the Commonwealth in small towns, beautiful rural settings, and bustling cities, Kentucky's independent colleges and universities offer students more than just degrees. The small, personalized programs and supportive environments help students develop the skills, confidence and values to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. Kentucky's independent colleges and universities educate over 23,000 students per year, employ 5,000 faculty and staff, offer 125 degrees, and award 3,400 degrees per year.

Our thanks to Dr. Gary Cox for his presentation to Owensboro Rotary and for his distinguished efforts in promoting higher education in Kentucky.

Attendance: 120

Highest Attendance This Year: 124

Invocation, Pledge & 4-Way Test: Alan Braden

Fellowship Report: Carol Higdon

Meeting Makeups: Keith Cain at Breakfast Rotary and Frank Wagner at Breakfast Rotary

Proposed New Members: Albert Ross Leigh, Jr., Senior District Executive of the Shawnee Trails Council (proposed by John Olynick) and Ray Smith II, Owner of Wilkerson Plastering & Acoustics (proposed by Steve Gardner). The waiting period is in effect.

Introduction of Guests: Susie Tyler guest of Donna Risley, Sister Vivian Bowles guest of Wes Poling, Jim Miller guest of Charles Medley, David Blythe guest of Pat McFarling, Karen Timberlake guest of Jane Noble, Pete Kirchoff guest of Bill Kurtz, and Mark Cooper of the Messenger Inquirer.

Thought for the Week: A handful of patience is worth more than a bushel of brains.

YOUR PRESIDENT SPEAKS:
At dawn on Sunday, December 7, 1941, naval aviation forces of the Empire of Japan attacked the U.S. Pacific Fleet Center at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and other military targets. Imperial Admiral Yamamoto cautioned against war with the USA but was overruled by his superiors and then planned the attack at Pearl Harbor. He was later quoted as saying, "We have awakened a sleeping giant and have instilled in him a terrible resolve." This sneak attack brought an immediate reaction of unprecedented unity from the American people. No one was untouched in the effort to bring U.S. resources to bear upon the war.

On Tuesday, September 11, 2001, the United States was again attacked by a foreign power. Our own planes were turned into weapons which caused the loss of many lives as well as great destruction in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania. The reaction was reported to be much the same as it was 60 years ago when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor: total shock.

The Messenger-Inquirer carried an excellent and informative story on Sunday comparing the two events entitled, "1941-2001 Days of Infamy." That story included the reactions of people who had lived through both tragedies. I thought it would be interesting to know the reaction of an Owensboro Rotarian about both disasters.

One Owensboro Rotarian who had deep impressions of both historical events was Cap Gardner, and he provided the following information: "Being a fresh college graduate who had been educated for a career in a peaceful world, I was stunned and shocked to hear on the radio about the attack on Pearl Harbor. I wasn't even sure where it was located but soon found out. We kept up on the news about the war through the newspapers, radio and news briefs at the movies. On September 11, I saw on TV the attack on the buildings on our own soil. I was again shocked and stunned. I was also aghast because I knew we were again in war. I wasn't sure where Afghanistan was in the world but soon found out. I believe we will be successful in this war just as we were successful in World War II."

I think Cap Gardner is right and that the USA and our allies will prevail in this war. Our fight is for all that is honorable, just, and right. We must win for the sake of our nation, the world, and ourselves. With God's help, perhaps there won't be another attack on the USA.

Have a great week!

Marilyn

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBERS: Candance Brake, Darrell Higginbotham, and Bob Hudson were elected to the Owensboro Rotary Board of Directors for July 1, 2002, to June 30, 2004. Congratulations Candance, Darrell, and Bob! We know you will do an outstanding job for us! Thanks to all of our outstanding candidates for board members.

ROTARY ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• A DOLL MUSEUM is being established in Rajkot, India, by the Midtown Rotarian Club for children in a poor section. Our club was asked by Assistant District Governor Deepak Agrawal to provide dolls for the museum. Our club sent two dolls, which were received by Rotarian Agrawal who sends his special thanks to our club for, "giving the under-privileged children of the city a glimpse of various nationalities without leaving their shores. Rotary's ideals of international humanity and brotherhood come alive in this project and show how Rotary makes a difference."
• CHRISTMAS WISH -- Anyone wanting to be a Christmas Wish volunteer should call Sim Davenport at 926-2737 or go to the Christmas Wish location next to Famous Barr at Town Square Mall and ask for Sally Davenport. You can wrap gifts, make deliveries, shop, answer the phone, or anything else you want to do. Christmas Wish is open 7 days a week. Make yourself feel good by helping--you deserve it!
• SALVATION ARMY -- Owensboro Rotarians who volunteered to ring the bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday, December 8, at K-Mart in Wesleyan Plaza are: Martel Wightman, Willis Brook, Ray Stone, Bob Whitmer, Ed Allen, and Avery Smith. Those volunteering for Kroger at Wesleyan Plaza are: Tim Bradshaw, Larry Mercer, Tom Smith, Ray Stone, and Rodney Berry. Special thanks to these members for representing us and helping such a worthwhile cause.
• DOOR PRIZE -- The beautiful poinsettia door prize at the December 5 meeting was provided by Carlos Knight at Welborn Florist. Sister Suzanne Sims won the poinsettia by correctly spelling its name. Thank you Welborn Florist and congratulations Sister Suzanne! At the December 12 meeting, Bob Wayman and Unilever will donate a case of Ragu sauce for a door prize. Thanks Bob and Unilever!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...
Frank Taylor - December 9
Patty Drury - December 10
Bill Barron - December 11
Larry Maglinger - December 13

ROTARY REMINDERS...
• Don't forget to make up your missed meetings at breakfast Rotary at 7 on Tuesday mornings at Moonlite Barbecue.
• The Program Chairman for December is Wes Poling.
• Carol Higdon will be at the Fellowship Table in December.
• If you have an email address and are not receiving the Impetus online, please send an email to kim@mediaworksadvertising.com and you will be added to the Rotary email address list.
• Log on to Rotary’s website at www.owensbororotary.org. You’ll find our current member directory, photos of new members, past copies of the Impetus, some interesting history, and more!

Please mail any questions, suggestions, or comments regarding the Impetus to:

Mike Wallace
MediaWorks Advertising, Inc.
208 West 3rd Street
P.O. Box 1866
Owensboro, KY 42302
Phone: 270-684-4554
Fax: 270-684-7314
Email: mike@mediaworksadvertising.com

DEADLINE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE IMPETUS IS THE WEDNESDAY PRIOR TO MONDAY'S PUBLICATION DATE.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS
December 19: The Rev. Dr. Tom Cheatham, Pastor, First Presbyterian Church. "Christmas Reflections."
December 26: Major General J.D. Humble--Special Operations of the Marine Corps 

2001 - 2002 OWENSBORO ROTARY CLUB OFFICERS 
President: Marilyn Brookman 
Vice President: Larry Mercer 
Secretary: Jeff Ebelhar 
Treasurer: Bob Nation 
Directors: Sim Davenport, Bill Dexter, David Edds, Jr., Tom Smith, Darrell Higginbotham, Pat McFarling, Jane Noble 

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