March 13, 2009

Today, is a special day for Rotarians in Union City as we celebrate "Kids Day". At last count there were some twenty five children scheduled to be the guest of our club for the noon meeting.

We also welcome Larry Mink back for another visit, and look forward to some of his magical illusions as he entertains both adult and children alike.

Larry, alias "Magical Mink" has been entertaining children and adults alike across five states for the past thirty years. His specialty is "Cinedt Magic" involving audience participation. Larry’s magic has expanded to include Inflatable balloons, game shows, train and fire truck rides, costume characters and the newest addition, "Duke the mechanical Bull".

The Logo on Magical Minks’ Entertainment shirts and business cards is "We Make Smiles That Last". Seeing those smiles on the faces of young and old is what keeps Larry performing and always looking for new sources of entertainment for his audiences.

Larry is a native of Union City, and owns several pieces of property in the city which he maintains in his spare time when he is not entertaining. Among the property he owns is The Fear Factory downtown U.C. and he is also busy with the Obion Co. Museum and Discovery Park America.

Next Week, as we all know our Airport at the present time is going through some major changes. In the recent past, we have merged the airport with Weakley County, so as to become a Regional Airport, along with that comes several benefits, such as being eligible for extra Federal Grants, along with being able to expand and grow, and growing it is. Recently being able to purchase more land on the South end of the Runway in order to extend the runway several hundred feet to accommodate larger Aircraft, so as to benefit existing Industry and hopefully attract more.

We will hear first-hand next week, on progress being made at our local Airport from Jo Ann Speers, who took over the management of the Everett Stewart Airport, after the retirement of long-time manager Al Howell. If you travel to the Airport, you will see new buildings, new construction and miss some of the structures which have dotted the landscape for years, such as a new Hanger, which is under construction at the present time and the removal of the Water Tower, just to name a couple.

Jo Ann has been employed by the airport for several years, under Mr. Howell, and at his retirement she stepped in as his replacement.

Last Week, Thanks to Randy Barnes Rotarians and their guests were treated to a very special evening, "Ladies Night 2009".

On Thursday Evening March 6, a large crowd gathered at the Hampton Centre’ for an evening of fine food, and some "Easy Listening Music" played on the Keyboard by pianist Harold Johnson from UTM. Social time began at 6:00 p.m., and at 6:30 a delicious meal was served, catered by the Sasafraz Restaurant. After the meal, Randy welcomed everyone, and called on John Warner to introduce the Guests of Honor, which included Widows of past Rotarians. Among the special guests were Peggy Drerup, widow of Jack Drerup, Jo Glasgow, widow of Jim Glasgow, Sr., Beverly Terrell, widow of Bob Terrell and Lelia Lowry, widow of Bill Lowry, longtime secretary of the Jackson Rotary Club and John Warner’s mother-in-law.

"Ladies Night" is a time when Rotarians can express appreciation to their Spouse, Date, Girlfriend, in a special way and also enjoy an entertaining evening with friends and fellow Rotarians. So if you could not attend the event this year it would be well worth your time to plan to attend next year.

Two Weeks Ago. Union City Chief of Police Joe Garner visited and enlightened us on some of the modern-day law enforcement tools, and also on the turn-over within the Police Department, due to retirement of some of the Officers. He said that he was very pleased with the Officers he has on staff now, and over 50% of these Officers have a College Degree.

He also said that due to the economy he has had to cut back on some of the patrols and use a more responsive mode rather than a pro-active mode of patrol. Chief Garner commented on the placement of an Officer in the schools, saying that "this is a very important link between our Youth, Police Department and our community", he said. He also said the officers in the schools are more able to report any problems which they may see developing, such as home problems or other problems that may cause community stress. He also said this is a way to know about gang problems and has deterred some crime in our city,

He explained that he has several cars on his force, some good - some bad. The bad cars "we park in strategic locations so as to let the criminal will know that there is an officer in the area", he said. He also said that "Drug Fund", which is money confiscated from drug dealers, buys cars for the Police Department also "Homeland Security Funds have helped the Force tremendously over the past few years", he said.

Chief Garner then explained the usefulness of some of the modern deterrents, such as the Taser Gun which he said once that thing is used on a person, that person will come quietly from then on.

Mar. 20 - Jo Ann Speers - Update on the Airport

Mar. 27 - TBA

April 03 - TBA

Mar. 13 - Rob Terrell

Mar. 15 - Jim Cooper

Mar. 17 - Trent Arnold

Mar .19 - Bill and Doris Tanner