Friday, April 6, 2007 - Airport Improvements to be Discussed

Airport Improvements to be Discussed

      Today, Union City Rotarians will get the latest on planned improvements to Everett Stewart Airport from a trio of experts, including Jo Ann Spear, Ron Cooper and Randy Hudgings.  Thanks to Rotarian Mike Rinker for helping Barry Keathley arrange today’s program.
     Jo Ann is the fixed-base operator at Everett Stewart Airport while Ron is owner of Southern Machinery Repair and currently serves as a member of the Tennessee Aeronautics Commission. Hudgings is a professional civil, structural and airport engineer, currently working on a number of airport projects in West Tennessee through Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, Inc.
     As you know, the local airport in the midst of a major overhaul, which includes a runway extension, new hangars, a new $5 million access road to State Route 22, and a teaming with Weakley County to convert the facility into a “regional airport.”
     Welcome to all our guests today!

Commissioner Virginia Betts on Mental Health Issues

     Next  week, Rotarians will here from Commissioner Virginia Betts with the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.
     Commissioner Betts is traveling throughout the state speaking to various civic clubs, business groups and mental health agencies on the stigma of mental illness with a focus on Tennessee business.
     The mission of the TDMHDD is to plan for and promote the availability of a comprehensive array of quality prevention, early intervention, treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation services and supports based on the needs and choices of individuals and families served.
     Betts is on leave from her position as Director for Health Policy and Professor of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center in Memphis.  She is an advanced practice psychiatric nurse and an attorney.
     Please make plans to join us next week!

Gary Roach Touts UTM Intercollegiate Rodeo

     Last week, Rotarians heard from UTM Rodeo booster Gary Roach, concerning the upcoming intercollegiate rodeo, set for April 12-14, at the Ned Ray McWherter Pavilion on the UTM campus.  Gary’s step-son, Lynn Phegley, was a special guest last week.
     Roach, a former Union City Rotarian and former plant manager at the local Goodyear Tire & Rubber plant, now spends most of his “free time” promoting the UTM Rodeo and helping that organization raise the necessary money to keep operating and keep attending far-away rodeos, including the national finals, which UTM finished 6th in last year.
     “I love rodeoing,” Roach said, “as evidenced by my twenty-seven years as a active booster club member.”
     Generally speaking, the Union City Rotary Club is the largest group he speaks in front of during his annual visits.
     “I dare say the UTM Rodeo team is the most successful college athletic team in the entire state,” Roach said.  “The UTM cowboys and cowgirls have won the Ozark Region 27 of the last 33 years. There are 111 schools with rodeo teams nationwide.”
     Some of the events planned around this year’s rodeo include the 2nd Annual Aaron’s Jr. Miss and Miss UT Martin Rodeo Pageant tomorrow afternoon, Aaron’s Crawfish Supper April 11th at 5:30,  and a Bluegrass Music and Celebrity Scholarship Auction on April 14th.
     Of course, the thee-day rodeo is set for Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights on next week and next weekend.
     Thanks Gary for an informative talk and for your continued support of UTM Rodeo activities. 

Coming Attractions

4/19     (Thursday)—DSA Banquet featuring Jim Ellis
4/20     No Meeting Today
4/27     Rotary Relays and Exchange Student Program   
5/4       Rotary Scholarship Program

Happy Birthdays

4/6        Hunter Kirkland
4/7        Bob Cartwright
4/7        Bob Hunt
4/9        Marty Sisco

Happy Anniversaries

4/6        Doy and Nancy Daniels
4/6        Paul and Suanne Marsidi

Seven Rotarians Installed

Last week, past district governor for the 6760 district, visited Union City to help with the formal installation and induction of seven of our most recent new members—including Chuck Doss, Matt Goodrich, Craig Atwill, Phillip Creswell, Victor Castro, Larry Baker, and Doug Carter.  Another special guest for the ceremony was week was assistant district governor Audrey Roberts of Martin.

Rotary Relays Coming

Last week, Rotary Relays Chairman Randy Barnes reminded Rotarians to mark Friday, April 27, on the calendars.  That’s the date for the 2007 edition of the Rotary Relays—West Tennessee’s best-staged high school track meet.  That’s just three weeks from today!

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