We had a good turnout for today's luncheon meeting (about 30 - but no guests or prospective members except for our speaker). Pres. Sidney called on Perry Law for our invocation and pledge to our flag. Actually by that time most of us had already eaten, so we went right into Gov. Casteel's convention report. He was enthusiastic about the quality of the training sessions, but was concerned that district membership was off by about 70. He added, though, that one club whose charter had been pulled some time ago had been working hard recruiting members and had applied to be re-chartered. And he said other activities are underway to build membership.
Lt. Gov. Alberto has been talking with the Hawthorne Conservatory people about the fund-raising pancake breakfast now scheduled for Sat., Sept. 29, 7 am, at the Central Presbyterian Church as in prior years. He has several volunteers to including parents of some of the Hawthorne students. Mark your calendars. As before, tickets will be $5 with each club member asked to take at least 10 tickets.
Al Castelli announced that he failed to pick up some door prizes earmarked for the convention, but will have them at the meeting next week with all convention attendees eligible via a drawing. By the time you. receive this bulletin it will be known if our Chamber of Commerce application for non-profit organization of the year was successful. Win or lose - thanks to those who worked this project.
Before Duane introduced today's speaker he urged members to invite many guests to next week's timely program on Bridge Street by CEO Steve Ragsdale. This development is set to open November 3. Our speaker today, Supt. of County Schools Dr. Terry Davis, has been in his present office less than a year, but is well grounded in progressively-responsible school positions. He was complimentary to our club's recognition of God and Country in our opening procedures. He, too, opens meetings in this fashion, and puts great emphasis on 4 areas he has gleaned from the teachings of Jesus - heart, head, hands and habits. He indicated his interest in joining our club. When he described some of the challenges he is faced with he definitely needs Optimism. State funding falls far short of what is needed as BRAC expansion approaches. If a half-penny sales tax for schools, to be voted on in February is denied an increase in portable class rooms will be necessary. The Raleigh-Durham schools system is struggling with similar problems, and is being closely monitored. An unstated compliment to former Supt. Ray Swaim was implied by our county being the top performing large school system in the state.
John Shirey won the attendance prize. I need programs for September (Jeff Klimek - I think).
