The Rotary Club of Kernersville, NC

On December 27th, The Rotary Club of Kernersville met and presented the First Annual Kernersville Rotary Scholarship to Forsyth Tech student Ashley Cerecke. Ashley is pursuing an Associates Degree in Emergency Medical Services and has maintained a 4.0 GPA at Forsyth Tech. Her plans are to continue her education at a four-year college to obtain a B.S. in Nursing. She is also a certified nursing assistant and currently volunteers with the Piney Grove Volunteer Fire Department as an EMT.

December 19th, East Forsyth Finance Academy

On December 13th, Bill Dean - President, Idealliance - "Piedmont Triad Research Park" spoke at our breakfast. Bill spoke about redeveloping communities based on research & development where entrepreneurial businesses use innovation. This way long term intellectual capital is built with ideas. The Piedmont Triad Research Park, affiliated with the WFU Lifescience department, helps develop nanotechnology, biotechnology and information technology businesses.

On December 6th, we met at Kevin Bugg's new State Farm Insurance office for our breakfast meeting. Pete Huminski thanked all for their work on the Pancake Supper, Allan informed us that the hayride was a success and Roy had some traditional insurance humor.

On November 29, our annual "Roundball Preview" occurred. Basketball coaches from East Forsyth & Glenn High Schools spoke about the upcoming year. Coach Lee Reavis (Glenn) and Coach Clyde Reynolds (East) both were optimistic about their chances and complementary of their young student athletes.

On November 1st, "Buddy" Collins, School Board Member, spoke on "Single Gender Education".

On October 25th, Owen George & Gayle Taylor, from the Asheboro Rotary Club spoke about their recent GSE trip to Taiwan. GSE (Group Study Exchange) is a Rotary project that invites a small number of non-Rotarians from each district to travel abroad and study other cultures. This group from 7690 were immersed in Mandarin culture, religion, business and rather exotic foods during their March 2006 visit. "Take a Closer Look", "Never Give Up" and "Sharing Business, Culture and Life" were some of the experiences they brought back to NC.

Gregg Schlaudecker, CLU, ChFC of the 2006 Triad Business Ethics Awards spoke at our breakfast on October 18th. In its 7th year, the Triad Business Ethics Award is given to deserving local businesses who complete a lengthy application process and achieve the very highest ratings for proper business ethics. Judges for this year include the Dean of the Business Schools from UNCG, Elon University, Wake Forest and High Point University. This program is sponsored by our local 7690 Rotary District and fits well into our theme of the "4 Way Test".

On October 3rd, Dr. Gary Green, President of Forsyth Technical Community College spoke at our breakfast. His remarks concentrated on information regarding the Swisher Center in Kernersville, how it presently serves 900 students in computer, logistics , public safety and health care training. To compete in the global economy, Forsyth Tech is working with Dell and others in supply chain management techniques. The upcoming bond referendum includes plans for needed expansion to the Swisher Center.

On September 27th, Adam Cook, District Executive for the Boy Scouts of America spoke at our breakfast. As a professional Boy Scouter for the Winston-Salem area, Adam does everything from recruitment, training, fundraising and more for the Boy Scouts. 10,000 kids are served by the local Boy Scouts, which includes the 20 Cub Scout programs (ages 7-10) 19 Boy Scout programs (ages 11-18) and 5 Venture programs (co-ed program).

On September 20th, Arnold King, Jake Cashion and Brian Stewart discussed the various foundations we support. They are the Kernersville Foundation and the Rotary Foundation . The Mission of the Kernersville Foundation is to provide Financial assistance to non-profit organizations that serve the Kernersville Community. The Rotary Foundation is committed to achieving world peace and understanding through local, national, and international humanitarian, educational, and cultural programs.

Pamela Cable, Author of "Southern Fried Women" , spoke at our breakfast on September 13th. Her autobiographical story described living through the "dark side of televangelism". Her community and marriage was filled with pressure, divorce, homelessness and depression until she found her own way out. Pam struggled for a simple existence and freedom from the cult’s grip only to have her life and the lives of those she loves threatened. TELEVENGE is a story of tragedy, faith, and redemption in the lives of five families and a nation of evangelicals.

Our annual "Pigskin Preview", featuring the football coaches from East Forsyth and Glenn was today, August 30th. Both coaches discussed their kids' talent, the difficult schedules ahead, as well the fact that both programs are run "clean" and in a professional manner. It is always a good game, but in the end both schools are winners!

Thank you note from Alison Harris

On August 24th, Darrell Walker guided us through our semiannual Open House. We had around 12 guests and a presentation was given outlining the history of Rotary as well as the history of our club.

Mark Brazil, Tournament Director for the Chrysler Classic of Greensboro, spoke at our breakfast on August 16th. Being the 7th oldest tournament on the PGA tour, the CCG has had many famous winners as well as a rich history. The CCG has always been committed to the Piedmont, the PGA , many local charities and is now more successful than ever since Mark joined the board. Being the only regular major league sporting event in the Piedmont, we look forward to October.

Help a Kid with School! - We need your help! The children of our community need your assistance with supplies for going back to school or actually starting school for the first time. Too many children are showing up for school unprepared. Children show up in their Sunday school shoes. They are kept out of recess due to having improper equipment. Lets all come together to make sure the kids are prepared and have the same advantages that all children should have.

The Kernersville YMCA would like to have money for school supplies to fill the back packs. In addition to the school supplies we would like to have new shoes and a new outfit for every child. Please consider making a monetary donation for a needy youth. All the money will be spent on a shopping spree for school supplies on August 19th.

The Rotary Club of Kernersville passed the hat this week and collected $1,700. The Rotary Club will also be contributing $500 - bringing our total to $2,200. See John Coulter at the Kernersville Family YMCA 996-2231 for more details. Thank you for your generosity in helping the children of Kernersville!

On August 9th, Tom Fitzgerald spoke to our group on Motorcycle Safety. Tom is a long time member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association and has been riding for some 43 years. The GWRRA's goal is to reduce accidents and for all driver to "Ride Aware"! Their philosophy is ... "Wear your helmet and you may survive the road". All vehicles should "Respect their rights to Ride".

Jeff Howard, from the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, spoke to our club on August 2nd. Jeff discussed the "Changing Nature of Leadership" and how we as leaders must be flexible, be role models and have specific relationship skills if we expect to be successful in today's complex world. CCL integrates cutting-edge research with innovative training, coaching, assessment and publishing to create proven impact for leaders and organizations around the world.

The 10th Annual Rotary Youth Leadership Academy was held the week of July 17-21, 2006. Outstanding young leaders from both East Forsyth and Glenn High Schools participated in the program which is modeled after the Leadership Kernersville program. Topics for the week included History of Kernersville, Education, Law Enforcement, Government and Leadership. Speakers included Mayor Curtis Swisher, County Commissioner Dave Plyler, Police Chief Neal Stockton, School Board Member Buddy Collins and local businessman Joe Dudley. The group also toured Korner's Folly, the Kernersville Police Department and the Forsyth County Jail.
RYLA Testimonial

Ethan Albright, Professional Football Player for the Washington Redskins spoke at our meeting on July 19th. Ethan was originally from Greensboro, where he attended Grimsley, then UNC, then moved to the NFL. After playing for various teams, including the Bills and Dolphins, Ethan is very happy to be playing for Joe Gibbs in Washington. He spoke about the teams drive and dedication towards perfection and how the spirit of the team is extremely focused.

Dr. Todd Lasseigne, Executive Director of the Paul J. Ciener Botanical Gardens spoke to our club on July 12th. Todd outlined the upcoming plans for the botanical gardens which include a visitors center, grand terrace, vegatable garden, Japanese garden, winter garden and a formal garden. Ground breaking will most likely be in the fall of 2006 and the garden to open in 2008.

On July 5th, Mike Wells, senior partner of Wells, Jenkins, Lucas & Jenkins spoke to our club about leadership. Leadership was instrumental in the Dell project, last year. Some of the best quotes that Mike discussed were: "The best vision is insight" - Malcolm Forbes. "The greatest commodity is change." "Leaders know the difference between opinions and principles." "Goals help to achieve high expectations." "Success is more common sense than genius." "You can measure a leader by the amount of effort needed to change his direction." "Use soft words and hard arguments."

On June 28, Dr. Joel Berry, from the WFU Department of Biomedical Engineering spoke at our morning meeting. Dr. Berry is a research professor specializing in mechanical origins of vascular disease, design and development of vascular stents coated w/ medicines to reduce post-surgical complications. His patented stents should reduce blood flow turbulence as well as reduce the bodies natural tendency to attack unnatural foreign objects.

On June 21, Dr. Don Martin, Superintendent of WS/FC Schools spoke at our morning meeting. He briefly explained the reasons for the latest bond issue and how it effects the nearly 1000 student growth per year we are experiencing. With the Governor's push towards an 18:1 student teacher ratio, that equals more building needs. Even though the NC Lottery "may" bring in some $ 7 million per year, that amount does not cover even 5% of Forsyth County School needs.

On June 16, The Rotary Club of Kernersville celebrated annual "Awards Night". This past year was highlighted by our Gold Club Award where all members contributed. In attendance were Past D.G. Everett Padgett and our current D.G. Phil Morris.

On May 24, Dr. Larry Stowe, Chairman and CEO of Trinity BioGenics, a company that works exclusively within the adult stem cell and biological areas spoke to our club. To restore immune system deficiencies, DNA can now be captured from your own bone marrow, harvested and replaced in your own body that will NOT case the death to any fetus! Dr. Stowe also explained the principal of "PITTS" (Poor Diet, Infectious Diseases, Toxins, Trauma Syndrome) and how this/these are the major contributing factors in the 4 major chronic diseases of our time. (Heart disease, Cancer, Diabetes and Arthritis)

On May 3, Barbara Fulp (President Elect) gave us a classification talk which included her reasons for joining Rotary, her family history and her work history. We welcomed a new member, Bill Phipps VP of Richardson Properties.

On April 26, Tina Stearns and Carol Ford from the "Hospice & Palliative Care Center" spoke to our club. Hospice's goal is quality of life, comfort and symtom management. It can include any serious illness, home care and locally is centered at the Kate B. Reynolds Home. Tina described the various services and Carol spoke about the importance of having proper legal documentation.

On April 19th, Mary Lu Holder and 4 students from the East Forsyth Academy of Finance spoke to our club. The high school program teaches students about the business world, including economics, banking, insurance and commerce. They have various guest speakers from the community and internships to further their business education.

On March 29, Paul Norby, Director - City/County Planning Board, gave us an update on "HOT" Project - "Heart of the Triad". HOT is an economic planning effort underway to help shape the development of the area between the Dell plant and the future Fed Ex hub in association w/ www.PARTNC.org . This plan will include future roads, transportation, types of businesses that will help with job creation and developing a “brand name” for the area.

On March 22nd, Gwyn Riddick, Director of NC Biotechnology Center in RTP spoke to our club. Gwyn explained how the biotech industry encompasses agriculture, textile research, as well as nantechnology research for such industries as the military, animal vaccines, blood products, consumer products and pharmaceuticals. Gywn also explained how important higher education is in the biotech community.

On March 15th, Pat Riley, President of Allen Tate Company, spoke to our club about the current real estate issues and expectations. Pat has been in the real estate business for more than 30 years and has guided his company to be one of the most proficient in the industry. "Real estate had been on an upswing during the past 4 years, due to low interest rates, but is always based on local and regional particulars ...Yes, there is a real estate bubble, but it is in the commercial, not residential markets."

March 1st was our Open House. Guest speakers were Judy Jones, Principal at Cash Elementary and Beth Boswell, Director of Development for Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County. H4HFC has built over 200 houses in 20 years and is the 29th most proficient affiliate of H4H in the US. H4H's goal is to build affordable homes for all qualified families in substandard housing who desire to own a home.

On February 22nd, Nido Qubein, President of High Point University, spoke at the annual Kernersville Foundation luncheon. Arnold King, president of the Kernersville Foundation, was presented a $78,000 check from the chamber of commerce to be placed in an endowment. At this year's meeting, several local non-profit organizations were awarded grants from the current fund.

World Understanding Month was celebrated on February 8th. René Planté, Pam Ray & Ray Smith all discussed various programs that both Rotary and the Rotary Club of Kernersville are invloved in to better the world. The Rotary Foundation supports international programs, scholarships, cultural exchanges, polio eradication, sister cities, Pakistani earthquake and Tsunami Relief, as well as the GSE (Group Study Exchange). WS-Journal Article "Kernersville Rotary Club sending supplies to girls' school in Pakistan"

The annual "4 Way Test Award" was presented to the legendary Kernersville coach Jack Blaylock on February 1st. Coach Blaylock described many happy memories from his earlier years at Kernersville High School, East Forsyth, Oak Ridge Academy and various duties with the Brooklyn Dodgers after W.W.II.. Coach Blaylock has been a tremendous asset to our community and is a fine example of a person who has promoted high ethical standards. The 4 Way Test Award is given annually to a non-Rotarian who has contributed to the Kernersville community. Past award winners include: Solly Coltrane, Joe Dudley, Roger Swisher, Charlie Snow, John Staples, Doc Long, Garry Snow and David Fitzpatrick.

On January 25th, District Court Judge William Reingold spoke to our club on the changes that have occurred in his 8 years as the senior judge in Forsyth County. His examples of truancy reform, and impressing upon the students, that come before his court, the importance of education were excellent.

On January 18th, Jake Cashion presented the "Rotary Awareness" report. The various directors presented status reports, including Chris Oakman - Community Services, Ray Smith - Club Services, Rene Plante - International, Karen Bohner - Vocational, and Barbara Fulp - Gold Club.

Colonel J.R. Gorham - was welcomed back to our Rotary club on January 11th, after 14 months in Iraq, serving our country. JR spoke eloquently and with emotion about his and many other service men and women who are "protecting our freedoms". JR served as Finance Battalion Commander, mostly in Balad, but also throughout Iraq. His battalion was fortunate to return to the US with no casualties and JR credited the 91st Psalm and his faith. "The war will be won not with bullets and bombs, but by winning the hearts of the Iraqi people." Duane Long and Van Sherrill presented JR with a plaque that included the 91st Psalm and was hung on our wall during JR's time in Iraq.

Police Chief, Neal Stockton - On January 4, spoke about the status of Officer Jeff Weathers, and the Rehabilitation Fund progress. Chief Stockton explained the work behind the scenes for President Bush's recent trip to Kernersville. Over 7 divisions, 170 officers worked in conjunction w/ the Secret Service to secure the entire event. From securing the travel plans, to the area outside of Deere-Hitachi, to the plant's interior, to the communicating w/ the many agencies, Chief Stockton stated that this was a once-in-a-lifetime event and was a highlight of his career.