Today’s Program: Dr. Paul Batson, Camp War Eagle

Last Week’s Program:
President, Jonathan Moore, led the Club with singing “America” and saying the “Pledge of Allegiance”. Invocation by Biff Averitt. Dick Trammel led the singing with “America the Beautiful”.

Rick McLeod introduced Casey Croxton, an attorney in Rogers, who is Chairman of the Drug Free Rogers-Lowell (DFRL). DFRL was formed in 1998 by the Rogers-Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce as a Drug Free workplace task force. Their mission: to advocate for legislation allowing drug testing in Arkansas workplaces. It provides incentives for businesses implementing drug-free policies and because of DFRL, legislation was passed and DFRL continues to promote the Drug Free Workplace Program.

The DFRL mission is to reduce the demand for illegal drugs and other harmful substances in the home, workplace, and community, evolve to fight current drug issues in the community and provide information to the community in English and Spanish, as DFRL strives for cultural sensitivity in all activities.

Components of DFRL:
Meth Task Force -5th Annual Methamphetamine Awareness Month, presentations to 6,000 youth and 400 adults, brochure development and distribution, Wrap-up luncheon with a goal of 150 attendees, Updates on website www.drugfreenwa.com (English / Spanish) and Drug Prevention including Meth Awareness - $595,500 (5 years of DFC, RPD, & sponsors)
Tobacco – Brochure Creation & Distribution, PSA’s with RHS Students, Development of Tobacco Free website – www.tobaccofreenwa.com, Hispanic Outreach, Media Campaign and Tobacco Prevention Grant - 5 years of funding - $375,000
Cancer Challenge - Hispanic Outreach events, Tobacco Prevention education, “Take it Outside”, a campaign to discourage adults from smoking indoors, reducing the exposure to second-hand smoke, translation of the Tobacco prevention website into Spanish and a Cancer Challenge Grant - $50,500
Cardio Health - Cardiovascular Prevention Media Campaign, 4th Annual “Fit with 5” Worksite Challenge, a fitness challenge promoting a healthier lifestyle for employees of local businesses and a Cardiovascular Disease Prevention Grant – 3 years of funding $75,000 (Fit with 5 & Cardio advertising)
Underage Drinking- Development of a Underage Drinking Task Force, development of a County Strategic Prevention Plan, implementation of a Evidence-Based Program and grant funding - $600,000 over next four years

Casey gave a special presentation to commemorate the 10th anniversary by thanking Raymond Burns for his courage to support the coalition in their efforts. Others instrumental to the success include: Joe Spivey, former Campaign person; Rick McLeod, current member of the coalition; Tony Noblin, the “Great Idea Guy”; Debbie Hobbs, member who deals with the school systems; Mike Maloney, head of media efforts; Robin Green, member of meth task force; Melissa Iris, former director; Loren Market, member who helped get the underage drinking grant; and Megan Cutty, Director.

Casey asks that all Rotarians get involved. They are always looking for new and active people to join.

Announcements:

• Rick McLeod let the Club know that flyers for businesses are available to advertise our Tetrazzini dinner. There are plenty available and let him know if you need more.

• Beth Stephens wanted to ask the Club members to take the Vision 2025 Community Survey. The Rogers/Lowell Chamber of Commerce has kicked off the Vision 2025 community strategic planning process. To make additional comments on what will be important to the continued growth and success of Rogers and Lowell, send written comments to Vision@RogersLowell.com, fax to 479-636-5485 or mail to Vision 2025, 317 W. Walnut St., Rogers, AR 72756.

• Cory Davidson said that we are still collecting the money for the wheelchairs. Payment must be made in full before April 1st in order to get a makeup.

• Maureen Cover-Bryan presented Steve Sohosky with a Paul Harris +5 pin. Steve made a Paul Harris $1,000 donation to the Rotary Foundation for his grandson, Ken Sohosky.
  Mike Gower’s dad was swept out of his truck during the Stone County flooding and has died. And Mike’s favorite aunt died around the same time. Please keep him and his family in your prayer as they go through this very difficult time.

• Hal reported that Pam Everett who works for Gerald Harp is asking the Club for female volunteers to be a chaperone for Fri/Sat for girls rooms for Ryla. Please see Hal.

• Hal gave a 7 day notice of membership for Joe Hines, classification: Chiropractor.

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:
Wendy Kumpe introduced the visiting Rotarians and Guests:

Mike Maloney, Bentonville Early Risers
Robin Green, Bentonville/Bella Vista
Bob Burns, Magnolia Rotary Club

Rick McLeod introduced Megan Cuddy and Lauren Marquette
Joe Spivey introduced his son John and Reagon Roo from South Korea
Dick Trammel introduced Bob Burns and Steve Geigle
Bill Norton introduced Dr. Thomas Sullivan
Maureen Cover-Bryan introduced Kim Robinson
Biff Averitt introduced Joe Hines

Atta Boys/Girls:
Allison McElroy 2X
David Jones 2X
Jeremy Cox
Drew Ledbetter
Kent Eikenberry
Darrin Chism

The meeting ended with President Moore leading the Club with the Four-Way Test.