The Olympic Games
By Suzanne Bledsoe
              
Mike Crum, Board Chair for the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission ("the Commission") introduced Bill McMillan, UNCC graduate and Director of Marketing and Business Development for the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission Bill traveled with the team sponsored by the USA Canoe Kayak Association, which is headquartered in Charlotte, to Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Games. The opportunity arose in March 2008 and after a whirlwind round of meetings and a lot of planning, culminated in the three week visit to China.
 
Bill reminded us of the purpose of the Commission, which was founded in 1994 to economically impact and enhance the development of our community and region through sports. The Commission has been directly involved in and successful at bringing many highly visible, high level sports events to our area. One of these events, which led to Bill's Olympic trip was the Olympic trials held at the Whitewater Center last summer. His visit to Beijing, paid by for the U. S. Olympics Committee, was intended to raise awareness of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission and its mission. Several media events, both locally and regionally, were planned and implemented to accomplish this goal.
 
Bill shared with us his thoughts and impressions, along with some great pictures, of life in and around Beijing. With a population of over 15 million and a per capita average income of less than $2,700, the lifestyle and customs of the people are very different. Bill commented that it was very apparent to him that Americans are still an oddity to the citizens of Beijing and surrounding areas.
 
The economic impact of the Olympics is vast: NBC alone paid $894 million for the broadcast rights and China spent $40 billion to host the games, which included building sports venues (the most difficult Canoe park in the world, for example), as well as decorating and upfitting other sites in and around the city. Over 400,000 volunteers were strategically placed to direct participants, their families and spectators and 70,000 volunteers were similarly placed in and around the games' sites. All of the volunteers (over 1.2 million people applied) were very proudly engaged and helpful. At the end of the day, the United States athletes won 110 medals: 36 gold, 38 silver and 36 bronze and the Chinese athletes were at a close second with 100 medals: 51 gold, 21 silver and 28 bronze.
 
The next Olympic Games will be in 2012 in London. Chicago is furiously working on making its bid to host the Games in 2016. That decision will be announced in December 2009.
    
  
Head Table: Wes Sugg, Joel Ford, Mac McCarley, Mike Crum, Brent Royall, Ervin Jackson;
Invocation: Carol Jordan;
Visitors & Guests: Lee Tabor; Health & Happiness: Elsie Garner; Song: Alan Barnhardt; Piano: Thomas Moore; Photos: Bert Voswinkel

• Phil Van Hoy introduced Hank Donaghy as the club's newest member. Hank has been a Rotarian since 1970 and was most recently a member, and past president, of Matthews Rotary. Hank is a chartered financial consultant in partnership with his son, Ryan, at Donaghy Financial. He can be contacted at hdonaghy@finsvcs.com.
   
• Health update: Darrell Holland suffered a very mild stroke just over a week ago; Brent Trexler was hospitalized for blood clots in his lungs; Gail Norman was hospitalized with viral pneumonia. The good news….ALL these people were back at Rotary this week!
    
• Sammy Black called to say new grandson, Colin Preston King, is fantastic; Greater Charlotte Biz featured an article on Janet Fortner and Hospice Palliative Care Charlotte Region in their October issue; Jerri Haigler has joined CMS as executive director of Parent University, a community collaborative led by CMS to help parents become full partners in their children's education. Jerri extends an invitation for you to attend family fun day October 18, 10:00 - 4:00, at the US National Whitewater Center (free admission and parking).
   
• Tony Zeiss passed around the club's new membership brochure and challenged everyone to become involved in recruiting new members. The goal is to bring in 36 new members and retain the membership base we currently have. To date, there have been 13 new members and 10 resignations.
   
• Alan Adler thanked everyone for making the golf tournament a great event in a challenging year. With gross proceeds of $87,000 and a net around $71,500 you would think the team has everything under control. It is important to remember the tournament is not a one day event and there is always room for improvement to make it even better. Now is the time to start thinking about auction and goody bag items. Alan concluded his report by saying scholarships have been provided for 35 students, totaling around $375,000.
 
• The club is hosting two exchange students in 2008-2009: Carol and Luciano. John and Lee Tabor are hosting Luciano and reports both are looking for American experiences and Rotary relationships. Luciano is doing well in school and recently attended a Panthers game with John. In fact, he would love to attend more Panthers games. If anyone is able to include Carol or Luciano in a game or dinner or weekend trip, please do it! In fact, Luciano's birthday was October 14th and even a belated card would be appreciated. Send to the Tabor's at 2425 Sharon Rd, Charlotte NC 28211.
 
• Group Study Exchange team members are needed. The application deadline is November 15 and your help is needed to spread the word and drum up interest. DETAILS: Exchange will be with Egypt. Inbound group from Egypt will be in the USA March 28 to April 28, 2009 (Charlotte Rotary will serve as a host club). Outbound team from USA will travel to Egypt April 5 to May 5, 2009. Team members must not be Rotarians, nor can they be lineal descendants, spouses, or siblings of any living Rotarian. They must be between 25 and 40 years of age, employed, and must live or work in our district. Contact John Martin, District Chair, mart2338@bellsouth.net, for additional information or an application.
 
• CLUB SOCIAL - SMS CATERING
Tuesday, October 21 6:00 PM Rotarians/Spouses/Guests
(NO Rotary meeting at lunch)
Directions: From the downtown area, take Central Avenue, go through the intersection at Eastway Drive and turn right at the next stop light onto Norland Road. (CVS Pharmacy at intersection) SMS will be the second business on the left.
 
CALENDAR ITEMS
 
• November 4, 2008: Flu Shots will be given before and after Rotary (11:30 to 2:00). The cost is $38.40 (cash or check). Medicare will be accepted and they will file a person's insurance. (NOTE change in price and insurance/Medicare availability)
    
• November 10, 2008:  Rotary Foundation Banquet. Embassy Suites Charlotte-Concord Convention Center (just down from Concord Mills); Reception at 6:00; dinner at 7:00. Speakers: Carolyn Jones, first female elected to the Foundation Board will share her experience as a volunteer in Russia helping children affected by the Chernobyl disaster and Shai Tamari, Rotary World Peace Fellow who is searching to find a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. $40 per person.
    
• December 16, 2008:  Excellence in Leadership Award.  Rotary Club of Charlotte, Charlotte Business Journal and the Charlotte Chamber will present the 21st winner of the Excellence in Leadership Award on December 16th. Nominations for the award may be submitted to the Rotary office by November 17th. Criteria for the award is available by clicking here.