President Lora Nelson opened the meeting with some business items and reminders:

- Member Tony Hiesberger reminds us that the "Rotary Blood Drive":http://jceve.org/ClubEventsArchive/ClubEvents2003/Event.BloodDrive.20030723 is this Wednesday. Donors and volunteers needed. We have had publicity on radio stations KJLU and KWOS. Calling donors from last year has turned up many "regrets" - so we *really* need donors! Jefferson City uses more blood than is donated here; let's work to close that gap!

- Member Keven Keith (MoDOT Chief Engineer) reports that our adopted highway is open (new 179). After we meet with MoDOT District Five, and sign some papers, we can have our first cleanup.

- We need volunteers: program ideas ... greeters ... snacks.

- Board meeting last week after the regular meeting. Minutes are available. Attendance, membership and the budget were the primary topics.

- Governor RD Ross "Re-Inducted" member Jim Libey. Jim has returned from a year in Iowa, has rejoined our club, and will be serving as club secretary this year.

Governor RD Ross addressed the club.

Governor RD told us about some of his experiences travelling around the world on Rotary business and pleasure. He relayed RI President Jonathan's emphasis on Rotarian families during this year. Rotarians are encouraged to involve their families in Rotary, and Rotarians are urged to "Lend a Hand" to each other when families are in need. Rotary will be stressing our world-wide outreach, especially in the aleviation of hunger, poverty, illiteracy and, of course, polio. President Jonathan is the first Rotary International president from Africa. President Jonathan has experienced personal tragedy, with the recent death of his wife, and she has been mourned by Rotarians worldwide.

On the District front, Governor RD will emphasize the **KISS** principle (**K**eep **I**t **S**imple, or **S**illy, or ???). Our foundation is facing tough times with the downturn in investment income. We will, however, continue to fund our foundation programs, especially a yearly GSE team. He talked about remembering Rotary in one's will, and shared with us how his family has made that committment. He also encouraged us each to become a Sustaining Member of the Rotary Foundataion, by pledging to donate $100 yearly. (He noted that MU season basketball tickets require a $100 PER GAME donation!)

RD left us with this message: *Pay attention to your friendships: in the club, in the district, and worldwide.* He presented a "Lend a Hand" banner to President Club Lora, direct from RI President Jonathan.

Member Tony Heisberger

Tony thanked Governor RD for all his work, and shared several more examples with the club. He also encouraged everyone to log on to "www.rotary.org":http://www.rotary.org and review all the good resources there. He especially recommended the section on club activities, saying that there are many good ideas there that our club might considered.

The Drawing

Kevin Keith won the drawing - but chose the King of Hearts. The Joker will be there next week.