Ms. Carlene Leaper, Executive Director of the Arc, Mid-south

Our speaker was Ms. Carlene Leaper, Executive Director of the Arc, Mid-south. The Arc Mid-south is a non-profit organization that provides programs and services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.They help people achieve their life goals and become productive members of the community through opportunities in education, employment, housing, and recreation.  Their programs include Advocacy, Elder Care, Family Support Services/personal Assistance, Respite/Summer camps and Weekend Retreats, Vocational Evaluation, Career Development and Job Placement, Life, Education, Training, Skills (L.E.T.S.) programs, Support Groups, Information and referral, Disability prevention training, focusing on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and Community Training and Education. The L.E.T.S program focuses on G.E.D. Test preparation, Money Management, Benefits Planning, Sex Education, Job Readiness, Health and Wellness,  Nutrition, and Literacy Education. She talked about upcoming programs - Hoops from the Heart on March 28 and Annual International Tea on April 25.  

Ms. Grace McLaren of First Responder Coaching

Our speaker was Ms. Grace McLaren of First Responder Coaching.  Suicide is the second leading cause of death for ages 10-24 and the third leading cause among ages 25-44. Main reason is that people do not know how to recognize and respond to people who are fragile and struggling.  Suicide is the ultimate action someone takes to escape their pain; many more lives are taken by addiction and other destructive behaviors because so many people are seeking a way to escape their pain - and because they feel alone in their pain.   The foundation of preparing individuals to be First Responders to those in such distress involves teaching them to recognize signs, broadly assess the underlying causes, and discern which tools to use in responding.  This includes equipping individuals to do this for themselves first, and then for others. There is much more information on their website www.firstrespondercoaching.com.

Strategic communications consultant: Ms. Kesha Whitaker

She talked about Toastmasters.  Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Toastmasters has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders. Ms. Whitaker said that when you speak, it is important to captivate the audience. Many people are afraid of public speaking because they are not sure what to say.  Communication is important if you want to succeed.  With practice in a group setting you can easily overcome the fear.  Keys to conversation - know your audience, body language, eye contact, and vocal variety.  Sometimes you are asked to speak without any notice.  In these cases listen carefully,  pause, confirm, speak, and end by summarizing your comments.

Matthew Fields

Our speaker was our own Matthew Fields. He represents Farmers Insurance and talked about Auto, Home, Commercial, and Umbrella insurance.  Most of the people have $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident liability insurance for their cars.   Mr. Matthew feels that based on recent claims, this is not enough unless you have Umbrella insurance.  Umbrella insurance is a secondary type of liability insurance that covers your personal liability above and beyond the standard liability you have taken on your homeowner policy. Umbrella liability can cover you on multiple properties and cars depending on what coverage you select. Typical Umbrella insurance is for $1 million. Farmers also offer commercial and earth quake insurance. Workers’ compensation insurance, commonly known as workers’ comp, is insurance that covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for employees who become injured or ill on the job. Coverage also includes employee rehabilitation and death benefits. Mr. Fields thinks that if you ever have to use it, this is a good deal.  

Roy Ray, Executive Director of Rotary Family Youth Initiative (FYI)

Our speaker was Rotarian Roy Ray, Executive Director of Rotary Family Youth Initiative (FYI).  In many cases Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) disrupt the normal brain development process in young children.  ACEs can, if not prevented or mitigated, make children, youth, and young adults prone to experience emotional, cognitive, and behavioral difficulties for the remainder of their lives, and even reduce quality of and shorten their lives by as much as 15-20 years. 67% of the population have at least one ACE. 1/8th of the population have more than 4 ACEs. Our district has initiated this project of creating awareness of ACEs in the schools and surrounding communities.  It will be done with the help of Parents, Pastors, Principals, Police, Proprietors, Politicians, and other community Partners, assisted and facilitated by Rotarians. 

Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute

Our speakers were Mr. Tim Flohr and William Mullins from the Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute. The Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute (KWCI) is a separate unit within Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and Resort Management offering a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree  in Hospitality and Resort Management with a concentration in Culinary Arts. The Institute also offers Culinary Certification programs, continuing education credit programs and other non-credit programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry. Other programs for executive education and professional certification for industry professionals and food enthusiasts are also offered. The mission of KWCI is to advance culinary knowledge and skills and develop leaders in the global culinary and hospitality industries for the 21st Century. The ambition is to: Provide the best resources available to the students for education, training and academic development; Enhance student careers through networking, professional development, internships and placement opportunities within the industry; Foster understanding through experiential learning, cultural immersion and study abroad programs; and Mitigate the financial constraints by providing scholarships, graduate assistantships and work-study programs.  

Mr. Jeff Lyash, CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority

Today we had a join meeting with the Memphis East club.  Our speaker was Mr. Jeff Lyash, CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority.  The Tennessee Valley Authority is a corporate agency of the United States that provides electricity for business customers and local power companies serving 10 million people in parts of seven southeastern states. TVA receives no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation and land management for the Tennessee River system and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation. Mr. Lyash said that "from the time it was founded in 1933, TVA has worked tirelessly to make life better for the people of the Tennessee Valley region. Every day we work to improve lives by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable electricity; supporting a robust, award-winning economic development policy that has created prosperous communities throughout our region; and upholding an environmental stewardship program that has created some of the most beautiful and productive waterways in the United States". TVA's reliable, low-cost safe, clean, reliable and affordable electricity helps the region recruit industry and keeps power bills lower for homes, businesses and industries.  

Dr. Nathan Moran, Research Associate, Center for Earthquake Research and Information

Our speaker was Dr. Nathan Moran, Research Associate, Center for Earthquake Research and Information (CERI) at the University of Memphis. CERI seeks to understand the puzzling absence of all but the most minor topographic manifestations of the New Madrid seismic zone earthquakes, by refining and blending techniques from geology, archaeology, civil engineering and soil science. This evolving multidisciplinary process, now joined by investigators from several institutions, is beginning to unravel the earthquake history of the region, putting the present earthquake hazard in clearer perspective. Dr. Moran talked about the New Madrid Earthquake.  It happened in 1812, almost 207 years ago.  There were three major events in three month period.  This earthquake felt across the United States, damage was widespread and the people were puzzled over the origins of the shaking.

Ms. Charmeal Neely and Mr. Terry Watts

Our speakers were Ms. Charmeal Neely and Mr. Terry Watts.  Charmeal is Great Niece and Terry is Great Nephew of Tom Lee. They told us the heroic story of their Uncle Lee.  Tom Lee was a quiet man, born in poverty across the river in Hopefield, AR.  He became famous, at 39 years old, working for the C. W. Hunter Co., which had a contract to work on the levee.  On May 8, 1925, Tom Lee took a company official down to Helena in the company’s open motorboat and was returning to Memphis.  This was the week that the American Society of Civil Engineers was holding its Mid-South convention in Memphis.  That Friday afternoon, the Army Corps of Engineers provided two boats, the Choctaw and the M .E. Norman, for a sightseeing excursion for the engineers and their families.

Colonel Michael Ellicot, Jr., Commanding Officer, Memphis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Our speaker was Colonel Michael Ellicot, Jr., Commanding Officer, Memphis District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  He is responsible for flood damage reduction, navigation, environmental stewardship, emergency operations, other authorized civil works and work for others along 610 miles of the Mississippi and White Rivers encompassing some 25,000 miles in six states. He talked about how big ideas are developed, Deep Thoughts go into these ideas and then action is taken.  He gave couple of examples.  Great Flood of 1927 - 27,000 sq. miles inundated, 700,000 people impacted, 500 deaths and $350 M damages.  The Mississippi Rivers and Tributaries Project - Channel improvements, levees and flood walls, Backwater areas and Flood ways.  Because of these projects 10 million fewer acres flooded in in 2011 than 1927 and the economic impact was $234 billion.  It also helped Ground water and World wide food supply.  On the occasion of the Veterans day, Col Ellicot thanked everybody  for giving him the opportunity to serve them. 

Claudia Haltom, founder of a Step Ahead Foundation

Our speaker was Claudia Haltom, founder of a Step Ahead Foundation. She is a retired Juvenile Court Judicial Magistrate. From the bench, Haltom saw and ruled on cases in which the parent was a single mother who had become pregnant while she was in school, dropped out, and had one or more babies before she was emotionally, physically, or financially prepared to provide for her children. The goal of A Step Ahead Foundation is to help women get a step ahead in life by enabling them to plan their lives and plan their families. They aim to ensure that teens and women have access to the most effective contraceptives: long-acting, reversible contraceptives (LARCs), which are proven to be over 99% effective in preventing pregnancies, at no cost to the client. They also help ensure that women and teens are able to access LARCs at community clinics where the vast majority of their clients already receive their primary health care, and to help ensure that an adequate number of medical professionals at community and private clinics are trained and willing to provide the clinical services needed to ensure prompt, hassle-free access.

Ms. Lynn Ward, Certified Patient Educator and Advocate

Our speaker was Ms. Lynn Ward, Certified Patient Educator and Advocate.  She works with Compwell company as a Clinical Care Coach.  As we age, the prevalence of chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol become more difficult to manage.  This can mean more doctor visits, hospitalizations, and more medications.  Compwell specializes in Chronic Care Management (CCM).  Each month  Compwell coaches spend time with individuals reviewing their blood pressure, blood sugar readings or other problems. The benefits of CCM are decreased hospitalization rates, increased adherence to medications, decreased complications of chronic conditions, and improved quality of life.

Geoff Calkins, Sports Columnist at the Daily Memphian

Our speaker was Geoff Calkins, Sports Columnist at the Daily Memphian.  He said that sometimes obituaries include some humorous language so that people can laugh e.g. when Bob died, his son wrote  “Bob's only regret is that his beloved Tennessee Volunteers Football team preceded him in death,” and when Lee died,   “Lee has requested six Buffalo Bills players as pallbearers so they can let him down one last time." Mr. Calkins said that many times sports is used as a vehicle to get everybody together and have fun. He talked about recent induction of 22 people in the Sports of Hall of Fame and how important it was to recognize them and what it meant to them. These sports personalities chose Memphis because they could make an impact here and local people care. At present it is a fun time in sports in Memphis.  All the teams - Baseball, Soccer, Football and Basketball are doing good.  Basketball has played a big role in Memphis community and Penny has helped tremendously to raise their expectations. 

Ashley Holmer & Shaban Abdul

Our speakers were Ashley Holmer, Executive Director of Red Sweater Project and Shaban Abdul, Operations and Tour Manager at the same institute.  This organization collaborates with developing communities in rural Tanzania to create affordable, accessible, and innovative opportunities for secondary education where it currently does not exist for the majority of children.  In 2012, they built first secondary school in Mungere Village which has grown in a few short years to support more than 300 students.  The Mungere School provides education in small, individualized classroom settings taught by highly qualified teachers. Shaban described his life story and how he got involved with the project.  It was very touching.

Mr. Steven Mizell, Director of Player Relations

Our speaker was Mr. Steven Mizell, Director of Player Relations for the football program at the University of Memphis. Mr. Mizell said that he works closely with all the players and guides them with academics, community involvement, and any other questions they may have.  University wants to make sure that when these players graduate, they are ready for the work force .  Currently they have a roster of 120 players and a staff of 40 which includes all the assistant coaches. Coach Norvell insists all players to pay attention to service on and off the field, sacrifice time and family, and behave like a gentlemen and earn full respect by coaches, players, family as well as community. Mr. Mizell thinks that if Universities start paying students, it will destroy the locker room strategy. 

Red Sweater Project

Next week - Wednesday October 9 - we are going to have a special program. Our speaker will be Ashley Holmer and Shaban Abdul.  Both are from Tanzania and they will be talking about the Red Sweater project they have started.  They presented this program at the Rotary International Convention in Hamburg.  

Please see the attached flyer for brief summary.

Please plan on attending and bring prospective member with you.

https://static.wixstatic.com/ugd/a9884d_32807ea12d854ad6ba3493e65ec1a51c.pdf

Rotary District Governor (DG) Jonathan Mattox

Our speaker today was Rotary District Governor (DG) Jonathan Mattox.  He asked all the Rotarians to find out what they like about Rotary.  Some may like friendship and networking, some may be impressed with what Rotary has done worldwide, some may be happy with the eradication of Polio and others may be happy with local projects and community involvement. It is extremely important that we let everybody know what Rotary stands for and what they are doing in the local community as well as worldwide. He reminded Rotarians to plan some special activities on Polio day on October 24. He also requested them to attend District Conference in Cleveland, MS on April 24-25.

Andrew Douglas WMC TV 5

Our speaker was Andrew Douglas, morning news anchor at the WMC TV 5.  He talked about the interview he had with author Wylie McLallen. Mr. McLallen just wrote a book - Tigers by the River: A True and Accurate Tale of the Early Days of Pro Football. The Memphis Tigers were a professional football team in the early years of professional football. They were first organized by Early Maxwell, a well known Southern sportswriter, who quickly gave way by selling his interests to the wealthiest entrepreneur in Memphis, Clarence Saunders, who founded the Piggly-Wiggly grocery chain. In keeping with the times, Saunders quickly bought the services of the finest players available. In 1929 their last game of the season was against the NFL champions Green Bay Packers, whom the Tigers beat before a packed stadium in Memphis. This is a story of the early years of professional football when players moved from team to team.

Memphis in May

Our speakers were Ms. Denise Bollheimer and Mr. Rodney Baber. Both of them are co-founders of Memphis in May. In the early 1970s, the Memphis Area Chamber of Commerce developed plans for a festival, which would serve as a promotional umbrella for the numerous events Memphis hosted each May, including the Cotton Carnival, the Danny Thomas Golf Classic, the annual visit by the Metropolitan Opera and others.  In 2018 the MIM supported 1,400 jobs and the economic impact was approximately $141 million. 

Peabody Hotel

Our speaker was Mr. Douglas Browne, President of Peabody Hotels and Resorts.  Peabody is one of three four start hotels in the State of Tennessee. The Hotel is probably best known for a custom dating back to the 1930s. The General Manager of the time, Frank Schutt, had just returned from a weekend hunting trip in and found it amusing to leave three of their live duck decoys in the hotel fountain. The guests loved the idea, now five ducks play in the fountain every day.  In 1940, a Bellman named Edward Pembroke volunteered to care of the ducks, and taught the ducks to march into the hotel lobby. Every day at 11:00 a.m., the Peabody Ducks are escorted from their home, on the Rooftop, to the lobby. The Ducks stay in the fountain all day until 5:00 p.m.  Mr. Borwne shared many memorable stories that happened in The Peobody.

Bill Pickens, founder of Gift of Life Mid-South (GOL)

Our speaker was Bill Pickens, founder of Gift of Life Mid-South (GOL).  Mr. Pickens established this program in 2007.  Each year, more than 5 million children are born with congenital heart defects.  Only six percent of them get the care they need.  Without surgery these children have no future.  Children in developing countries have no access to advanced medical care. Thanks to the clinical excellence at LeBonheur Children's Hospital, the hospitality at the FedEx Family House, and the generous spirit of countless volunteers, Gift of Life Mid-South is making a difference one heart at a time. 

MAAG Works For Community Development

Mr. Ralph Moore, Executive Director of Memphis Area Association of Governments (MAAG), spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of Germantown. MAAG serves as a regional clearinghouse for federal programs in support of economic, housing, and community development initiatives. MAAG endeavors to work closely with member governments and nonprofit organizations to identify craft and lobby for legislation and public policy that serves to improve the overall quality of life for residents. 

A Fresh News Source for Memphians

Mr. Eric Barnes, Executive Director of the Daily Memphian, spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of Germantown.  The Daily Memphian is a nonprofit news source with a staff based solely in Memphis.  The publication, which will cover sports, business, neighborhoods and local politics, will be only available online and with a subscription of $7 a month. 

Training Solutions in Memphis

Our speaker was Mr. Marc London, Managing Director of Operations at Crew Training International (CTI). CTI’s mission is to help clients achieve optimal performance through the use of our cutting-edge learning solutions. 

What a Great Cause!

Last week our speaker was Mr. David Jordan, President and CEO and Latoria Taylor, Director of Development at the Agape Child and Family Services Inc. Mr. Jordan said that their missions is to be a Christ-based ministry that is dedicated to providing children and families with healthy homes. 

Great Work at St. Jude

Dr. James Downing, President and CEO of St. Jude was our speaker. He talked about their new Proton Therapy program, one-of-a-kind in the world; the Pediatric Cancer Genomic Project; and the St. Jude Cloud, an online data-sharing and collaboration platform that provides researchers access to the world's largest public repository of pediatric cancer genomics data. 

Increasing Quality Educational Opportunities in Memphis

Mr. Tom Marino, Director of the Poplar Foundation spoke to the members of the Rotary Club of Germantown. Mr. Marino said that mission of the Poplar Foundation is to increase quality educational opportunities for low income students in Memphis. 

News Matters

Andrew Douglas, Morning Anchor WMC-TV discussed why local news matters and why the public should care. 

Beef Jerky and Hot Dogs

Our speaker today was Mr. Carl Schledwitz, CEO of Monogram Food Solutions. Monogram creates and delivers flavorful meat snacks and appetizers that have originated from the many different cultures that are an integral part of the USA. 

A Rotarian Visit From the Other Side of the World!

Rotarian Krishnand Jeewon from Mauritius visited with us today. In the picture President Remsen giving Krishnand the Rotary Club banner.

UMRF Ventures Doing Great Work in Memphis!

Our speaker was Mr. Tom Kadien, CEO of UMRF Ventures. UMRF is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the U of M Research Foundation. They are committed to helping U of M students by building collaborations that create pipelines for professional development, exposure to new opportunities, and build a talented Memphis-based workforce.

Welcome Ron Carlsson!

Ron is a Hardwood Exporter.

Lots Going On at Dixon Gallery!

Our speaker today was Chantal Drake, Director of Communications at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Founded in 1976 by Hugo and Margaret Dixon, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a fine art museum and public garden distinguished by its diverse and innovative programs in the arts and horticulture. The Dixon features a permanent collection of over 2,000 objects, including French and American Impressionist paintings and significant holdings of German and English porcelain. Pictured are Penn Oven, Director of Dixon Gardens, Chantal Drake, Rotarians Walter Wills and Jerry Klein.

Great Report on Germantown Schools!

Our speaker was Mr. Jason Manuel, Superintendent of Germantown Municipal School District (GMSD). At Houston High, there are more than 228 students whose ACT scores are 30+. Students who graduated in 2017 received $34.9 million in scholarships from various schools. Besides education, GMSD is the top district in athletics. Mr. Manuel also talked about just completed Riverdale expansion and the new elementary school to be opened in 2019. 

Welcome Mark Allen!

Today we also inducted new member - Mark Allen. Mark spent 25 years working in marketing and branding for Vining Sparks. He now has his own marketing/branding firm called Growth Marketing. He is already helping our club with a new website. Welcome, Mark.

Take Me About to the Ballgame!

Our speaker was Mr. Carl Unger, President of Memphis Redbirds and Memphis Professional Soccer League. In last two years their attendance has increased by 26%. They recently announced bringing of United Soccer League Franchise to Auto Zone Park. The team will play 18-20 games starting in 2019. Potential seating in the park is 9241+. They are planning on announcing team name and pricing in the next few months.

Rotary Members Give Fascinating Look at Their Native Poland.

Jacek Dutkiewicz and Pawel Jankowski, both Rotary members,. gave us some back ground on Poland. In the picture Jacek, his wife Halina and Pawel.

Update on Germantown Parks

Pam Beasley from the City of Germantown, Parks and Recreation, gave us an update on some exciting revisions that will be coming to some of the parks in our area.

Welcome Dr. Tony Stasi!

We inducted Dr. Tony Stasi as a new member. He and his wife Paige are both Chiropractors and are getting ready to open their Neurologically-based Chiropractor practice, Launch Chiropractic, in Germantown. Welcome Tony.

Great to hear from Mike Palazollo

We always enjoy have Mike Palazolio, Mayor of Germantown, come to speak at Rotary 

The Farm Park in Germantown is a Great Place to Visit

Ms. Joni Roberts, Farm Park Programs and Outreach Coordinator at the City of Germantown spoke at our last meeting. She talked about various programs and activities at the park e.g. REACH youth enrichment classes, After School programs and Camp, Environmental education, Special recreational activities, 50+ programs, Adult and Children programs, Community events, Sport and fitness classes and Cooking classes. It was a very interesting and educational program.