September 29, 2001 

Last Week’s Program... 
Brad Wise, Vice President of Prudential Investments, discussed how to survive market volatility. Market volatility does not come as a surprise. The steep market drop on September 17, 2001, was not unexpected and was clearly an effect of the September 11 terrorist disaster. Over the past century, other major crises have caused substantial sell-offs only to recover quickly or even gain over previous levels in the following weeks and months. However, the fact that this tragedy occurred at a time when the economy was already weakening makes it especially difficult to predict the exact course U.S. markets will follow. The federal government is taking aggressive action to maintain financial stability. The Federal Reserve's short-term lending to banks has increased from $10 billion to more than $70 billion. The interests rates have been lowered for the eighth time this year. Congress has pledged to spend whatever is necessary and has started drafting plans for a package of fiscal measures to help stimulate the economy. Both political parties have informally agreed that their pledge not to use any of the Social Security surplus should be set aside for the duration of the military and economic crisis. Brad Wise's advice to all Americans at this point in history is best summed up by a quote from Warren Buffet. Mr. Buffet stated, “The worst thing anyone can do right now is bet against America---anyone that did in the past has been very wrong since 1776!”

We express our thanks to Mr. Wise for the important information he presented to us concerning our investments in today's economy.

Attendance: 104

Highest Attendance This Year: 111

Invocation, Pledge & 4-Way Test: Dean Ehrenheim

Fellowship Report: Donna Risley

Introduction of Guests: Virgil Barker guest of David Edds, Sr.; Julie Cox guest of Todd Rust; Wil Carpenter, visiting Rotarian from Cape Girardeau and his guest Bob White; and Don Griffith, visiting Rotarian from Covington.

We Welcome Our Newest Member: Jill Chenault, introduced by George Thacker. Welcome Jill!

Thought for the Week: Face each problem in life as it comes...You can only handle one at a time anyway.

YOUR PRESIDENT SPEAKS:
Have you noticed the leaves are beginning to change colors? The pretty colors in nature's scenery and the cooler weather makes us very aware that autumn has arrived. Speaking of leaves, we all know that leaves are green because of the chlorophyll in them. And, the more sugar in a leaf, the redder it will turn in the fall. This kind of sugar in leaves is made from sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. The colors exist in the leaves all along but are hidden by chlorophyll during the spring and summer. As the days become shorter and the leaves receive less sunlight, the chlorophyll drains away, and the leaves change colors. Perhaps we can draw an analogy between the leaves and ourselves. Sometimes our true colors are hidden by our exterior activities and concerns--like the chlorophyll in the leaves. When the sunlight in our lives (i.e. good times) lessens, our real selves can shine through. We can rise above ourselves and become great examples of placing others before self. We saw this happen in Owensboro when the tornado struck--how our officers, firefighters, utility workers, elected officials, educators, and everyday citizens worked together to return normalcy to people's lives. We have just witnessed a gigantic effort to help in whatever way possible by all kinds of people, every nationality, to cope with the tragedy in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania. Heroes were visible in every area--true colors of people's inner strength and caring becoming visible to the world. You know, we all don't have to be heroes to let our true colors appear to those around us. We can take time to be kind, to care about others, to share. Every one of these actions has an avenue through our daily lives to give us opportunities to display our inner colors and to be heroes in our own way. As you look at the leaves this fall, reflect on how your own true colors can be made visible. In the words of William Arthur Ward, “You can be a finely-tuned instrument of love, health, peace, harmony, and generosity.” The world (and Rotary!) is waiting for you to put your greatness into action and to rise to new heights of enthusiasm, service, attainment, prosperity, and freedom.

Have a great week!

Marilyn

SHARE THE VISION DINNER - THURSDAY, SEPT. 27 AT 6:30 P.M. 
Don't forget the Alma Randolph Charitable Foundation “Share the Vision” Dinner on Thursday, September 27, at the Executive Inn at 6:30 p.m. Special thanks to the Rotarians who are helping with the dinner: Kirk Kirkpatrick, MC, Brenda Clayton, Brian Crall, Darrell Higginbotham, Larry Mayfield, Ron Payne, Stu Silberman, Susan Tierney, Mark Treesh, Jean Wells, James White, and Jim Wood. The Alma Randolph Foundation provides clothing for disadvantaged children on an annual basis and is one of Owensboro Rotary’s projects.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:
• Our Mystery Guest last week was “4-Way” the Owl! Special thanks to “4-Way” (Chuck Green), Janet Neely for the candy and bookmarks, and Stu Silberman for making the special appearance by “4-Way” possible. We appreciate your special contribution to our meeting!
• Everyone who will be attending the Hayride and Cookout at Bob and Barb Carpers must sign up. The sign-up sheet will be available at the Fellowship Table each week, for your convenience. The hayride will be on a LOW wagon, so everyone doesn't have to climb. That's Saturday, October 13, at 4:00 P.M. Plan to attend! It is guaranteed to be a lot of fun!
• On Wednesday, November 14, our Club will meet at the Executive Inn for Philanthropy Day. Mark your calendars for the change in location for the meeting.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...
Tim Bradshaw - September 28
George Collingnon - October 1

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 September is Gary Exline. The Program Chairman for October is Tim Bradshaw.
• Donna Risley will be at the Fellowship Table in September. Dean Ehrenheim will be at the Fellowship Table in October.
• 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
October 10: Sheriff Keith Cain - The Methamphetamine Problem
October 17: Sherie Stiles - Special Needs Adoption Program
October 24: Crit Luallen - Kentucky Economic Development
October 31: TBA
November 7: Wes Poling - KWC Anniversary
November 14: Executive Inn - Philanthropy Day
November 21: Todd Love - Minister’s Thanksgiving Message
November 28: Larry Vick - Superintendent of OPS

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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