February 7, 2004

Last Week’s Program...
The club was treated to a visit from Kentucky’s great orator and statesman, Henry Clay. In his eloquent and captivating manner, Mr. Clay related some of the more interesting and humorous experiences of his long political career. His reenactment of the duel with Federalist Party legislator, Humphrey Marshall, was particularly well received, especially as Mr. Clay was able to persuade club members George Thacker and Jean Wells to assist him in this endeavor. (Kudos to George and Jean – you all were great!) Mr. Clay, who is known as the "Great Compromiser," also provided commentary regarding slavery, Andrew Jackson and political life in general.

In "real life," Henry Clay is George McGee, director of theater at Georgetown College, and a veteran actor who has worked on the stage, in films, and on network television. He has portrayed Clay across Kentucky as part of the Kentucky Chautauqua program of the Kentucky Humanities Council. Henry Clay’s contributions to the nation were enormous. Although he never achieved his greatest ambition - the presidency - he still cut a pathway through American politics in the first half of the nineteenth century. During his forty-year career as a national leader, Clay served as senator, Speaker of the House and Secretary of State.

Our thanks to Mr. McGee for bringing this great American to life for us. Thanks also to National City Bank for its sponsorship of the Kentucky Chautauqua program which made today’s performance possible.

Attendance: 98

Highest Attendance This Year: 111

Invocation, Pledge & 4-Way Test: Todd Rust

Fellowship Report: Larry Mercer

Introduction of Guests: Cindy Whitmer, guest of Bob Whitmer; Bryan Leazenby, guest of Ross Leazenby; Jim French, guest of Martel Wightman; Ron McCracken and Scott Tooley, guests of Seth Allen.

Thought for the Week: "Be more splendid, more extraordinary. Use every moment to fill yourself up." ~ Oprah Winfrey, O Magazine, February 2003

YOUR PRESIDENT SPEAKS:
SPECIAL THANKS to Pat McFarling for filling in for me last week. In addition, the much-improved writing style in this issue of the Impetus is courtesy of Pat, who filled in for me on this duty as well. It is obvious our club will be in good hands next year!

We have a new emblem for our podium!!! Many, many thanks to David Nelson, Bill Stinnett, Dave Silvert, Sim Davenport, Pete Moore, George Nall, Rayburn Ford and Frank Wagner. Through the generosity of this fine "table" of distinguished Rotarians we can now retire our battered paper emblem and hang in its place a gleaming metal one. Thanks, guys, for sprucing us up and for reminding us to take pride in the symbols of Rotary.

Have a great week,

Jeff

ANNOUNCEMENTS
• The Daviess County Rotary Club has moved its meeting location to the Executive Inn Patio Restaurant.
• Introduction of New Member: Gary Noffsinger, Executive Director of the Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission, was introduced by John Kurtz. Welcome, Gary!
• Recognition of Past President: Last week we honored Marilyn Brookman. Marilyn served as President during 2001-2002 and became a Paul Harris Fellow in 2002.
• Membership Drive: Donna Risley and Jody Wassmer remind everyone to continue to submit names of prospective members. Those who have already submitted names should check with either Donna or Jody to follow up with formal membership proposals.
• Joke of the Week: No joke for this past week due to a full program. 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.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...
Tim France - February 11
Ben Hartz - February 12
Esther Jansing - February 13
Ross Leazenby  February 13

ROTARY REMINDERS...
• The program chair for February is David Edds, Sr.
• Dean Ehrenheim will be at the fellowship table in February.
• 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:
February 18: Bob Hill, Vice President with MPD with the very latest in Radar, Breath Analysis and other interesting subjects.
February 25: Sister Suzanne Sims, OSU and Sister Amelia Stenger, OSU, The Ursuline Flatboat Adventure; The Journey Continues.

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 .

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