October 28, 2006

This Week’s Program…
Senator Mitch McConnell

Last Week’s Program...
John-Mark Hack – "Say No to Casinos"

John-Mark Hack is a Woodford County businessman and former state agriculture official who is spokesman for "Say No to Casinos", a group that wants to educate the Commonwealth about the bad side of casino gambling.

The Say No to Casinos Campaign is a movement of Kentucky Commonwealth citizens who believe the proposed Kentucky Gaming and Revenue plan is a lie foist upon on the state by a handful of race track and casino owners looking to add to their personal profit.

John-Mark asserts through research and observation of expansion battles in other states, citizens for, against, or undecided can discover that expanding gambling pitches made by casino owners and supporters are predictable, as is the impact of gambling on any community. "Case by case, the promises of additional revenue are falling through, small businesses close, addictions, crime and abuse increase and families are torn apart. Furthermore, those making the additional revenue promises are never held accountable."

Hack also believes that Kentuckians are being stroked by expansionists with horse-loving spiels and told that millions of dollars are being sucked from us by other states that do have casinos. Hack said that the casinos are not a solution to the failure of Medicaid and that the promise of increased literacy is "madness."

We were left with Hack’s following statement and question. "We have an opportunity in Kentucky to give some really thorough consideration to what kind of business and economic development environment we want to provide". he said. "Do we want an environment that exploits Kentucky or that empowers Kentucky?"

Attendance: 69 (Let’s pick it up!)

Highest Attendance This Year: 93

Invocation, Pledge & 4-Way Test: Donna Risley

Fellowship Report: Tish Correa-Osborne

Introduction of Guests: None

Meeting Makeups: Joey Taylor had a make-up at Lawrenceburg, KY

Thought for the Week: "Let us not look back in anger or forward in fear, but around in awareness."  ~ James Thurber

YOUR PRESIDENT SPEAKS:
As the world's first service club organization, Rotary has been offering people volunteer opportunities for more than 100 years. However, today's social, political, and economic circumstances and the culture of our Owensboro Rotary Club have changed the landscape of volunteerism considerably.

People seeking volunteer opportunities can now choose from organizations connected to very specific causes, such as cancer research foundations, child advocacy groups, and housing and shelter organizations. Many groups also offer short-term options, allowing volunteers to sign up for projects that require only a few weeks, days, or even hours of work instead of a long-term commitment.

Our modern technology makes finding these opportunities easier than ever. Organizations now communicate their missions and projects through Web sites, Radio, TV and Internet ads. Busy professionals can search and sign up for various volunteer opportunities online in a matter of minutes.

Understanding these changes can help our club gain deeper insight into attracting and retaining members. By staying aware of current volunteering trends, we need to do what we can to ensure that Rotary's important work will be embraced and carried out by new generations.

So what can we do to keep up with the changing landscape of volunteerism?

• Maybe we could enhance our website to include information on how community members can get involved in Rotary projects.
• Appeal to prospective members with more short-term projects.
• Research specific volunteering trends and opportunities in our area.
• Assess club projects to make sure they meet the needs of our community and are interesting to prospective and current members.
• Publicize club projects and volunteer opportunities in our area.

These are just a few ideas on how to build and sustain membership for Owensboro Rotary Club’s future. This Club needs your ideas on this topic and many more. We have 185 members, we’ve had as many as 200. We’re not in dire straits but with only 69 members in attendance this week – this club needs your help, your ideas, and your commitment to make it the best version of itself. Call a member you haven’t seen at a meeting in a while and offer to pick them up for Rotary.

Have Fun!

John

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO...
Jarred Barron - October 30
Brenda Clayton - October 31
Mike Dick - November 3

ANNOUNCEMENTS...
• Tish Correa-Osborne is in need of program chairs for June & July in 2007- Please help if you have good program ideas.
• Register for the 2007 RI Convention in Salt Lake City before October 31 and save money! https://riweb.rotaryintl.org. Hotel Room Reservations at www.visitsaltlake.com/r/rotary.

ROTARY REMINDERS
• Don’t forget to make up your missed meetings at Daviess County Rotary, 7 a.m. on Tuesdays at American Bounty.
• John Bryenton is program chair for November.
• Becky Englehart will be at the Fellowship Table during 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
Nov 1: Senator Mitch McConnell
Nov 8: Tubby Smith - UK Wildcats Coach
Nov. 15: Tracy Marksberry - The Learning Community
Nov. 22:
•Tina Dillion; Director of Financial Services - Daymar College
•Karen Dueker: Executive Director - Volunteer Center
•Owensboro/Daviess County Asset Building Coalition: Earned Income Credit Project
Nov. 29: Owensboro "SCORE" Program Service Corp. of Retired Executives

2006 - 2007 OWENSBORO ROTARY CLUB OFFICERS
President: John Kurtz
Vice President: Tish Correa-Osborne
Past President: Bill Dexter
Secretary: Tim Bradshaw
Treasurer: Bob Nation
Directors: John Kazlauskas, John Medley, Sister Suzanne Sims, Jeremy Bradford, Kirk Kirkpatrick, & Ed Wathen.