Meeting |
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Report |
Meeting |
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Report |
May 28, 2002 |
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| "How I Got Where I'm At": This program
continues to be popular with our members. First to take center stage with a guitar strapped to one shoulder was David Erdman. A lawyer by profession, this talented member sang and played "American Pie," and we remembered a long, long time ago. David credited his membership in our Rotary Club with self-deprecating humor. He claims he was recruited to be part of the music committee, and his profession had nothing to do with it. 9-11 was a day of service above self for David. That morning he left his law office immediately for the Red Cross to give blood. He then spent the rest of the day shuttling stranded passengers at Charlotte Douglas International Airport to various area hotels. David has succeeded in his law profession, a profession that requires communication skill. His musical talent supports him in his ability to connect with people. His law firm Erdman, Hockfield, and Burt is the result of his special talent. Our second presentation of the day was that of Jody Morris. Jody is the son of distinguished Rotary member Lee Morris. Jody credits his father with stressing the importance of community service. In fact, at the young age of 15 Jody was already an Eagle Scout. In addition to his father, who he claims was the biggest influence in his life, Jody mentioned another Rotary member, Byron Bullard. Byron was able to jump-start Jody's career in healthcare through exchanged ideas and informational interviews. Jody's career path has led him to his current position with Presbyterian Health-Care. It just so happens that Byron Bullard is President Emeritus of Presbyterian HealthCare, which makes Jody's work an honor to his mentor. Our third speaker, John Paul Galles, as the son of a steelworker and a school-teacher, two occupations strongly supported by unions, learned the value of strength in organization. While at Indiana University, John led one of the largest nonviolent demonstrations in Indiana history. 8,000 students protested a 60% increase in tuition. So significant was the demonstration that Walter Cronkite gave time on his newscast to applaud their non-violent efforts. After graduation from Indiana University, John headed to Washington and life as a roving bureaucrat. His tenure started with political campaigns and ended with public policy efforts. And now, John is the founder and chairman of a local business-to-business magazine called "Charlotte Biz." This publication has grown to become one of the largest business publications in the area. Our final speaker, Selena Rogers, credits "ballet and bum knees" for her career choice. She pursued dance arts while attending Columbia College. During her junior year, her knees caused her to direct her focus to computer science. Selena used her skills of persuasion to land her first position with the Leukemia Society of America. She just happened to be at the right place at the right time, a Leukemia society fundraiser, the night before her first interview. Selena jumped in and started helping them that evening and got the job she was interviewing for the next day, that night. Selena became the youngest executive director of the Leukemia Society when ill health forced the existing director into retirement. Unfortunately two days into her new position her husband was transferred to Charlotte. Commuting for two years to get the experience, Selena was offered the Leukemia Society North Carolina Executive Directorship based in Charlotte. That was seventeen years ago and today she continues to excel in a role her father claims was her passion while growing up, "asking for money." Selena Rogers has succeeded by taking what might be conceived as bad luck to change her life. A dream of being a dancer was shattered by injury, no problem. She received a rapid promotion, and her husband was transferred, no problem. Selena shows us that there is a silver lining if you look for it. The head table consisted of Henry Lafferty, Jody Morris, David Erdman, John Galles, Selena Rogers, President Jim Woodward, Warren Kean, and Tony Marciano. Warren Kean gave a moving invocation, and Tony Marciano had the head table responsibility. Tony did a nice job introducing our speakers. Jeff Wise led us in song. Special business of the day was the introduction by Rusty Brink of new member Rufus Robinson of JC Smith University. Look for his impressive credentials in a coming reporter. Jim Woodward handled the Health and Happiness report. He noted to keep in your prayers Ralph Howie, who suffered a stroke, and honorary member Leighton Ford, who had a heart attack. * * * |
New Member
2002
The Morehead Group, Inc. What do Kenneth R. (Ken) Samuelson, beaches, and BBQ have in common? Eastern North Carolina! Though Ken was horn in Baltimore, Maryland, his family relocated to Washington, N.C., during his formative years. There he learned to love Parker's BBQ, water skiing, and tennis. He is a graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill (BA/Accounting, 1980), and he earned his CPA designation in I9S2 while employed in the High Point office of BDO Seidman. Ken met his wife, Ruth, before leaving UNC, and they have been married for 21 blissful years. Ruth serves as a Mecklenburg County Commissioner representing District 5. They are currently raising five (it's a long story) children: Bobby, 16; David, 15; Adam, 14; Joy, 13; and Alex, 13. In 1986, Ken changed professions and joined The Morehead Group, Inc., a local financial services firm, and has developed a personal interest in promoting philanthropy as an important part of his business. In 2000, Ken was awarded the American Red Cross "Codicil Award," an honor given to professional advisors in Charlotte demonstrating commitment to the promotion of philanthropy. He is also a Chartered Life Underwriter and a Chartered Financial Consultant. In addition to work and family responsibilities, Ken has served in a number of civic and philanthropic roles, including Chairman of the Charlotte Estate Planning Council, and Chairman of the Board of Deacons at Uptown Church. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Queens College Estate Planners Committee and is on the Dowd YMCA Board of Advisors. Welcome to Charlotte Rotary, Ken. * * * |
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