November 8, 2003

Last Week’s Program...
Zev Buffman, President, River Park Center and the River Park Foundation, Inc., has been in Owensboro for five weeks. He has been involved in theater and sports activities for over 40 years and has moved 25 times during his career. His background includes the production of numerous Broadway plays in New York, production of television programs in Hollywood, CA and a part owner and founder of the Orlando Magic. With this background, the question he is most often asked since moving here is... Why Owensboro? In response he explains that 11 years ago while visiting Louisville he was told about the "Miracle out West". He rented a car and drove to Owensboro to see the River Park Center. He described the activities he witnessed that Friday afternoon in May (before "Friday After Five") and the evening sunset. He was hooked!

Everything about his move from California and his first five weeks in Owensboro has been very smooth, positive and upbeat He and his wife Velma, who he then introduced, plan for Owensboro to be their final move. They long to put down roots and find that Owensboro is exactly what they have been looking for.

Zev then spoke about his vision for the next ten years. It includes the following:
• Oktoberfest: starting in October 2004. River Park along with the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra will produce a series of Operetta’s. These events will have the label "Made at River Park" attached and the show will be taken on the road to perform at other venues. The Oktoberfest Operetta’s have already contracted to perform elsewhere. Zev stated that this will be the first of what he anticipates will be many "Made at River Park" productions to be taken on the road. This will create jobs for the community and a source of revenue and recognition for the River Park Center.
• Mystery Theater New Play Writes Festival. New Play Writes will be invited to write and produce a performance. A panel of distinguished judges will select the winner. This event will be Co-presented by Angela Lansbury.
• Grand Prix racing modeled after the Miami, FL event. Zev stated that this would bring people in from far away thus providing a new source of revenue for the community.

It is obvious that Zev brings a fresh and exciting vision of possibilities for Owensboro and River Park.

Welcome to Owensboro and thanks for a great program!

Attendance: 89

Highest Attendance This Year: 98

Invocation, Pledge & 4-Way Test: David Edds, Sr.

Fellowship Report: John Bryenton

Meeting Makeups: Buddy Maddox, 2 make-ups at the Daviess County Rotary Club, David Edds, Sr. 1 make up at the Daviess County Rotary Club.

Introduction of Guests: Joseph Spadefore, guest of Randy Spaw; Chris Lord, guest of Jane Noble; Joe Gamble, guest of Gary Sisk; Roxi Witt, Debbie Nunley and Pat Taylor; guests of the club and visiting Rotarian Steve Bright from Paducah.

Thought for the Week: "Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk."

YOUR PRESIDENT SPEAKS:
It was my pleasure to present perfect attendance awards for the 2002 – 2003 year. The recipients are as follows: Keith Cain – 1 year (he had 24 make ups), Pat McFarling, Larry Mercer and Bill Dexter – 2 years, Pete Moore – 4 years, Cap Gardner, Marilyn Brookman and Buddy Maddox – 6 years, Jane Noble – 7 years, David Edds, Sr. 8 years, Drew Kirkland – 26 years and Frank Wagner – 30 years. Congratulations! You are an inspiration to us all.

Why Join Rotary? Reason # 12: The Development of Social Skills: Every week and at various events and functions. Rotary develops one’s personality, social skills, and people skills. Rotary is for people who like people.

Have a great week,

Jeff

WELCOME!
Joe Gamble is our newest member. Congratulations Joe and welcome to Rotary.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• Everyone who tells a joke-of-the-week will get a chance to win up to $1,000,000.00. See Jeff Ebelhar to have your name added to the list of joke tellers. John Kazlauskas told last week’s joke-of-the-week. This week’s joke-teller is to be determined.
• Our Thanksgiving message this year will be very personal. Please write your personal message of why you are especially thankful this Thanksgiving and give it to either Todd Inman or Larry Mercer or email your message to Todd at todd.inman.lvh4@statefarm.com or fax it to Todd at 689-1490. The last day for submissions will be November 19th.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...
Ted Lolley - November 7
Gorden Barnett - November 10
Wendell Booth - November 13

ROTARY REMINDERS...
• Don't forget to make up your missed meetings at Daviess County Rotary (formerly breakfast rotary) at 7 on Tuesday mornings at Moonlite Barbecue.
• The program chair for November will be Todd Inman.
• John Bryenton will be at the fellowship table for November.
• If you have an email address and are not receiving the Impetus online, or you have changed your email address, 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
November 19: Gary Noffsinger, Planning Commission, Owensboro, Whitesvillle and Daviess County Master Plan - "Where Are We Going?"
November 26: Larry Mercer, Thanksgiving Program, Owensboro Rotarians Give Thanks.

2003 - 2004 OWENSBORO ROTARY CLUB OFFICERS 
President: Jeff Ebelhar 
Vice President: Pat McFarling 
Past President: Larry Mercer 
Secretary: Bill Dexter 
Treasurer: Bob Nation 
Directors: Candance Brake, Darrell Higginbotham, Bob Hudson , Tish Correa-Osborne, Todd Inman , & John Kurtz .

Back to "IMPETUS"