Club members are reminded to save the date of August 13th for the annual Blair Rotary Golf Tournament.  Additional details and assignments will be given at a later date.

Club members are reminded they can do make-ups on the web at  http://www.rotaryeclubone.org.

Notes from the May 4th Meeting - Program Chair - Mark Rhoades

Mark's guest for the day was fellow Rotarian and State Senator Mick Mines who talked about the recently completed session of the Nebraska Unicameral.   Although the budget was a part of this year's deliberations, there were more social issues debated this session than last year.  Among those that were in the news were:

• The use of the electric chair to carry out the death penalty,
• Mental health care,
• Child abuse and
• Gambling.

There were several items that were not as news worthy that Senator Mines felt were important, these included:

• The ethanol incentive bill (supports the construction of ethanol plants across the state) and
• A water bill that provides the resources to hire individuals to monitor and check water levels across the state
• A school consolidation bill (that did not pass) which would consolidate certain smaller school districts and
• A debate on cloning (which did not go anywhere).

Regarding the current fiscal situation of the state - the senators decided to wait until next year to determine how the economy does before making any budget cuts or tax increases.  If you would like additional information on these topics please go to Mick's website:  www.mickmines.com

Rotary Question of the Week

What is the 2004-05 Rotary theme?

Rotary Fact of the Week (from  the RI or District Website)

RI President-elect Glenn Estess Sr. unveiled the 2004-05 theme "Celebrate Rotary" at the International Assembly in Anaheim, California, USA, on 16 February. He explained to 525 incoming district governors from 72 countries gathered at this important training meeting that the new theme was inspired by the desire to celebrate in the Centennial year the ideals that Rotary's founders stood for and that over the years have influenced generations of Rotarians to do good throughout the world.

"We are now approaching the 100th anniversary of their action — a simple meeting between four businessmen," the RI president-elect remarked in the 20-minute address announcing the Centennial year theme and program. "And when we celebrate all of the wonderful things that have happened as a result of that action, I will be asking all Rotarians to join me as we embrace our theme in 2004-05 and Celebrate Rotary."

Thought of the Week

"Who has not served cannot command." - John Florio 

May Birthdays
Ed Jipp 12th
Jim Peterson 16th
Ken Rhoades 22nd
Blake Dillon 27th
Dan Veskrna 28th
Eric Sternberg 29th

Service Above Self!