Vol. 31, No. 6        August 19, 2005          Meeting 1432      Editor: Henry Francis

Visit our web site:  www.memphiscentralrotaryclub.org

Buddy Wright

Ervin H. “Buddy” Wright, 71, died Tuesday at about 10 p.m., apparently the victim of a sudden heart attack.

Services will take place tomorrow (Saturday).in the church parlor at Christ Methodist Church at 4488 Poplar Avenue. Visitation for family and friends will be at 10 a.m. The church staff will be on hand to help you. The memorial service will be at 11 a.m. in the main sanctuary. 

Buddy’s wife Dee suggests the following instead of flowers:  

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The Ervin H. “Buddy” Wright Memorial Fund (to benefit individuals with disabilities. You may make your donation at any branch of the First Tennessee Bank.

Despite being crippled by a spinal cord injury at birth, Buddy was an active man. He earned a degree in mathematics at Memphis State University. He also had a master’s degree in gerontogical counseling. His first job was an accountant, and then he became business manager of the Speech and Hearing Center.

Next he served 17 years as executive director of the West Tennessee Easter Seal Society. He also was an alcohol and drug counselor for the Veterans Affairs Medical Center here. As a youngster he achieved the highest rank in the Boy Scouts – Eagle Scout. He played basketball in his wheelchair. He learned to sail a boat and fly a plane.

President George H.W. Bush named Buddy as one of his Thousand Points of Light. Buddy also was honored as Tennessee Handicapped Citizen of the year.

Buddy was instrumental in the creation of the Center for Independent Living. He was involved in planning the accessible Independent Apartments near downtown. He counseled folks who had suffered spinal injuries. He was active in Christ United Methodist Church.

Buddy recently was featured, together with his wife Dee, in The Best Times, a Memphis newspaper for seniors. The article was great. Each member in attendance last Friday contributed a dollar to our Scholarship Fund in Buddy’s name in response to a motion made by Gordon Wilson.

In Rotary Buddy volunteered regularly whenever there was work to be done. Shortly after he became a member, he went to the president and said, “I want to be an active member. Put me on some committees.” Ever since he put heart and soul into his work for Rotary.

Here is President John May’s memorial to Buddy:

“I have just learned of the passing of one of our dear Rotarians and a friend to us all, BUDDY WRIGHT. We will all miss Buddy deeply. I am so grateful to whoever wrote the wonderful article about Buddy and Dee in the newspaper we had at the meeting last week.

“Buddy has gone to a much better place and I pray someday we will all be with him again in fellowship. Please keep Dee and Buddy's family in your prayers. May God bless you all.”

Here is Lee Whipple’s memorial:

Thirty-five or more years ago, I became acquainted with Buddy Wright. Through the years, Buddy was a leader and a builder in various non-profit organizations, i.e. Easter Seals, Home for Independent Living, Veterans Administration, etc. He was highly effective in fund raising, motivating volunteers and helping handicapped people.

Buddy was enthusiastic about the constant flow of ideas he generated relating to helping handicapped folk live more comfortable and successful lives. I admired him even more because he enjoyed daredevil escapades with exceedingly fast wheelchairs and All Terrain Vehicles. Shelby County deputies had to rescue him late one night after his ATV had become mired in the mud in the Wolf River Bottoms.

After our retirements, we had time to expand our friendship. He had a heart full of love for a huge contingency of friends and acquaintances. Shirley and I will miss Buddy very much.

 Today’s program

David Mickle

A few weeks ago David Mickle, a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, inspired us as he outlined his plans to travel, learn and inspire others of our international Rotary mission. 

In a letter to President John May, Rosemarie Ardire wrote, “David plans to travel from area to area, standing tall and with pride, representing this wonderful area of southern Memphians, encouraging and fostering Rotarian acquaintances and building goodwill relationships.” Rosemarie added that she feels strongly that David should wear some sort of apparel to show whom he represents.

John read the letter at the Board meeting, and the Board quickly took action. They voted to buy three District 6800 polo shirts, one windbreaker and a badge. The badge will say, “David Mickle, Ambassadorial Scholar, Memphis TN  USA.”

Once again a new member, Rosemarie, is taking an active part in our activities. Way to go, Rosemarie!

 Doc Harris

Bad news – Doc Harris needs a leave of absence because he is in search of new employment. Please contact Doc if you know of any opportunities that might fill his needs.

Next week’s program

Delores Gresham -- Social Security Reform

Social Security Reform – specifically personal investment accounts – has become one of today’s most heated issues.  At the same time, it remains one of the most elusive.  We remain confused by conflicting numbers, dates and projections.  We all just want to know – how will it affect me, my children and my family?

The National Center for Policy analysis brought together a volunteer group of experts to form a special project, Team NCPA, to answer just that question.

Delores Gresham is a state representative in the 94^th district and is a member of the Team NCPA advisory board.  Delores not only understands the legislative dynamics of the issue, but also brings a wealth of community knowledge to the table.  She understands what “we the people” want to know and has answers that our organization would appreciate hearing.

Special Notes

Bill Eddings looked a little embarrassed when his ticket was drawn for $43 in the weekly drawing – after all, he was the guy who collected the money in the first place. But the real winner was the Scholarship Fund – Bill donated his winnings.

Tom Michael is getting lots of comments about how much he looks like John Roberts, the Supreme Court nominee.

The special party commemorating the 70^th birthdays of the Class of 1952 in Halls TN a year ago was so much fun that they did it again this year, celebrating their 71^st birthdays. Jerry Daws had a great time with his old-time classmates both times. The reunion, attended by about 25, was held at the Veterans Museum, the same museum that was highlighted on a recent WKNO feature. And who talked about the museum on the Southern Comforts show? None other than Jerry’s daughter, Bonnie Daws Kourvelis. Henry Francis is going up North next month for his Class of 1943’s 80^th birthday. Just about everyone in his class is turning 80 this year.

Lee Whipple was accompanied by two delightful guests. Both his daughter, Janey Whipple, and Becky Killian were in town to attend their 35^th high school reunion from White Station High. Janey, like her father, is an active Rotarian. She lives in Macon GA where she does TV production work. Also visiting last week was Forrest Priddy of the Germantown Club and Cheri Weakley, who teaches everyone from pre-school kids to college graduates about the Wolf River Conservancy.

In the absence of Jim Crone, John May gave the weekly reading on the background and history of the Rotary Foundation.

Special Projects

August

A book drive that benefits the Memphis Literacy Council. Chairman Gordon Wilson says the books should be for children from infancy to about six years old. Gordon’s graph showed that we have contributed the equivalent of 88 books so far, so we still have a ways to go to get to the goal of 250 books. Jean Patterson informed the members that such books could be purchased at bargain prices at Duffin’s Dollar.

As the demand for literacy grows, so must the services offered by the council. The organization is expanding by developing new curriculum for adults, English classes for immigrants, and special interest workshops for at-risk populations.

September

A clothing drive aimed at providing T-shirts and underwear for the needy. Last year we donated coats, but this year we were told that the needy need something to wear under the coats. Start filling those bags!

October: A food drive similar to last year’s. More on this later.

Wolf River Conservancy

Keith Kirkland, Director of the Wolf River Conservancy, told us last week how the Greenway is changing the Wolf River area. This is the river that was declared dead in 1970 but which has made a remarkable rebound ever since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1985.

From the Holly Springs National Forest to Mud Island, the Wolf River Greenway is the Mid-South's most important natural resource, Keith pointed out. One and a half miles of the Greenway has been finished, but there are still more than nine miles to go on this $23 million project.

Keith told us about two frightening experiences he has had on the Wolf River. One time he lost his way and had to plow through sawgrass to find a channel – and then he couldn’t find his canoe! Another time he was surrounded by cypress, and he didn’t find his way out until dusk. He pointed out that the conservancy uses the river as a classroom. Guess he learned a lot during those two adventures.

Lee Whipple told what a wonderful time he had making his way along the Wolf, despite his disability. “Marty Petrusek was in charge of a group of 10 of us, and we didn’t get lost,” said Lee.

Club roster

Rod Ashley, 363-6000                                            **Don Palmer, 662-429-1542
Rosemarie Ardire, 366-5557                                 Jean Patterson, 332-5586
L.D. Beard, 369-9642                                            Chester Perry, 685-0972
John Bennett, 853-3460                                        Andy Peters, 821-4145
Bert Canfield, 634-2730.                                       Marty Petrusek, 755-5945
Larry Conn, 682-1800                                           Mike Robbins, 363-5880
Jim Crone, 754-0777                                            Randolph Reeves, 681-0507
Leroy Dahler, 362-9700                                       Jack Robinson, 213-3993
Fred Davis, 761-9486                                          Gary Rutherford, 753-7957
Jerry Daws, 757-8578                                         *Tidwell Semmes, 767-5752
Bill Eddings, 386-3182                                        John Shepherd, 850-1061
**Mark Edwards, 795-9260                                 Carlton Smith, 690-1203
Pedro Fernandez, 601-1125                               *Henry Springer, 757-9005
Henry Francis, 754-3405                                    Jack Springer, 681-0025
Doc Harris, 662-429-4551                                   *Jim Vandenburg, 735-7003
Al Hollingsworth, 767-3600                                 Lee Whipple, 755-8350
Laura House, 323-6216                                      Dick Wieland, 322-8630
Rick James, 362-3492 X27                                Gordon Wilson, 678-4101
Jeff Jones, 853-8109                                         
Doyle Lemons, 756-6536
R.E. Linkous, 754-0700
David Luiken, 382-3823                          * Honorary member
Harvey Marcom, 761-2016                        ** On leave of absence
Bill Matthews, 345-5650
John May, 259-3631
Floyd McDaniel, 327-2013
Chris McDermott, 377-1000
Tom Michael, 759-2143
Bob Neal, 685-7772