Theater of the American South

Gary Cole and Barry Page gave the Wilson Rotary Club an excellent and motivational update on the Theater of the American South. Wilson Rotary Club members should make plans to attend these excellent productions of Driving Miss Daisy and The Oldest Confederate Widow; Her Story during the month of May. Below is information on the festival.

THEATER OF THE AMERICAN SOUTH is a celebration of the culture of the South that spotlights fine Southern plays. Hosted by the old tobacco town of Wilson, North Carolina, this annual spring festival features two plays in repertory, as well as culinary demonstrations, musical performances, and educational programs showcasing the richness of the Southern way of life.

The American South is renowned for the expressive power of its language, the alluring rhythm of its stories, and the layered depths of its character. All of these converge in Southern theater, where such celebrated writers as Tennessee Williams, Lillian Hellman, Horton Foote, Carson McCullers, and Reynolds Price have displayed their mastery.

THEATER OF THE AMERICAN SOUTH is an ideal day trip or weekend getaway for arts lovers, Southerners exploring their heritage, and those from other parts curious about the culture of this extraordinary region. Come to Wilson on a Saturday during the festival and in one day you can see both of our plays, sample stellar Southern cuisine at our cooking demonstrations, and take in a first-rate lecture on the campus of Barton College. Stay the night at a lovely bed and breakfast inn near the theater or one of the numerous national brand hotels in the area and explore Wilson’s celebrated antique stores and mouthwatering barbecue restaurants. Wilson, just minutes off Interstate 95, is within easy driving distance of the Triangle, Triad, Richmond, and Charlotte.

THEATER OF THE AMERICAN SOUTH returns for an outstanding second season in the spring of 2007. Festival dates are May 17 – June 3, 2007. There will be evening performances Thursday through Sunday and matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Wilson Rotary Golf Tournament Results

The Wilson Rotary Golf Tournament was a great success. Nineteen teams teed off under partly cloudy skies at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, April 18. By the end of the day the sweaters and light jackets were neatly tucked away just as the clouds had lifted off to reveal a sunny spring afternoon.

The winners for the tournament are

Stiff Backs



















Bill Turner,Harvey Page, Jim Wright, Bud Ruffin

Limber Backs


















Jeff Jones, Mike Matthews, Michael Dunn, Richard Allegood

Pretty Backs





















Shannon Foy, Susan Baker, Lynn Cates, Brenda Merrill

Special thanks go to David West and Richard McKeller for organizing the event. Don Evans was our designated cart driver this year and did a fantastic job supplying the teams with beverage. Marion Boykin for supplied a wonderful lunch as always.

We also need to thank Hope Leicester, Pete Dempsy, Judy Worthington, Mary Long, and Leslie Spencer (Imagination Station Science Museum) for all of their hard work in registering our teams and giving them a warm Rotary welcome.

Last but not least Charlie Depue made a world tour around Wilson rounding up Tee Box signs and then spent the morning putting them on the course.

Thank you is due to the members that sold teams, sponsored teams, sold tee signs, and bought tee signs.

Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony

Eagle Scout Recognition Ceremony
Join the members of Wilson Rotary Club as we recognize Wilson's newest Eagle Scouts.

The Monday, March 26 meeting has been set aside for this important and traditional recognition of our future presidents, astronauts, generals, doctors, lawyers, and community leaders.

Seth Williford selected as March youth of the month
In an effort to recognize the shining stars that represent the youth of our community, the Wilson Rotary Club honors students throughout the school year. Seth Williford is the Wilson Rotary Club Youth of the Month for March 2007 and was recognized at the March 19 club meeting.

Seth, the son of Chris and Nora Williford, is a senior at Ralph L. Fike High School. In addition to being an excellent student Seth is very involved in both school and community activities. Seth is a member of the Fike High School Vocal Ensemble, the Model United Nations Club, National Honor Society, the Yearbook Staff, and plays on the tennis team. In the community Seth is active in ACT! For youth and was recently featured as the Cowardly Lion in the successful production of the Wizard of Oz. Seth has an interest in politics and has served as both a Governor’s Page and A North Carolina Senate page. Seth also attended North Carolina Boy’s State as a junior.

After graduation this June, Seth will either attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill were he has been admitted as a member of the class of 2011 or Duke University where he awaits final word on admission. Seth plans to pursue political science as a major.

Kite Flying 2007

The Wilson Rotary Club held its annual kite flying contest on Sunday, March 18 at Forest Hills Middle School. The contest wes very well attended with approximately 50 scouts and their kites. Colton Ward took the prize for the First Off the Ground contest with a simple sled kite made from a piece of paper and trash can liners.

First place winners In the Highest Flying division were Samuel Overton for Tiger Cubs, Cole Grizer for the Wolf scouts, Andrew Wontauck for Bear scouts, and Nick Ellis for Weblos.

First Places for Best Design were awarded to Colton Ward for Tiger Cubs, Helms Dixon, for Wolf scouts, Jordan Childress for Bear scouts, and Logan Davidson for Weblo scouts.

Graham Whitehead served as chairman for the annual event and he was assisted by Rotarians Marion Boykin, Billy Lamm, David West, and Judy Weatherington.

WZAX and Eldon Newton Celebrate Wilson Rotary Club's 90th Birthday

President Eldon Newton was interviewed on Monday March 5, 2007 by David Perkins a local radio celebrity and host of of the Centura Bank Spotlight on the Community with DP in the Morning on ZAX 99.3.

Eldon's great interview can be hear here by clicking the link.

Wilson Rotary thanks Rtn. Mike Binkley and the staff of ZAX 99.3 for helping us celebrate this important milestone in the club's history.

Wilson Rotary Club Golf Tournament

The 2007 Wilson Rotary Golf Tournament is just around the corner. Starting with a 1:00 PM shotgun start on Wednesday, April 18 at Wedgewood Golf Course in Wilson, the tournament promises to be a great deal of fun and highly competitive again this year.

As in previous years the tournament's funds will be used to help the youth of our community. However, the Wilson Rotary Club has decided that the proceeds will be used to benefit Imagination Station Science Museum for the next three years.

"We are simply humbled and excited by the support and value that the Wilson Rotary Club has place on Imagination Station by making the museum the beneficiary of the proceeds from the golf tournament," stated Karl McKinnon, executive director (and author of this blog).

There are a number of ways that you can participate in this tournament. You can enter a team to play. There are three divisions of players. The LIMBER BACKS better known as those under the age of 60, the STIFF BACKS also known as those over the age of 60, and PRETTY BACKS or those teams composed of women. Cost for each team of four players is $200.

Businesses and individuals can become a TEE BOX Sponsor for $100. Each tee will be decorated with the sponsor's name prominently displayed.

The registration packet is available here for download in PDF format.

We hope you will join us for the fun, friendship and fellowship on Wednesday April 18 at Wedgewood Golf Course.

Coins for Alzheimer's Research

Coins for Alzheimer's Research

CART Fund

Alzheimer's Disease is claiming more and more victims worldwide every day. Over 4 million Americans are now victims and medical scientists predict that unless a prevention/cure is found that the number of American victims will grow to 16 million within the next 20- to 25 years. Further, that without a cure, one out of every 10 living Americans will ultimately become victims. It is estimated that 75 percent of the world's victims live outside of the United States.

Beginning in 1995, Rotarians in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina contribute small amounts weekly to fund research that can bring an end to this terrible disease.

The CART Fund was developed with the idea of accomplishing its goals without conducting fund raisers and without interfering with other projects of our various clubs. In order to do this, we developed the concept of asking Rotarians to voluntarily empty their pockets of change or whatever amount they wanted to donate when they attend our weekly meetings. It is estimated that on any given day in America, $8.25 billion in loose change passes among our citizens. This provides a very simple, painless and effective way to raise much needed funds for Alzheimer's research.

The effectiveness of donated change can be illustrated by considering that in the 11 Rotary districts of The Carolinas and Georgia, there are approximately 35,100 Rotarians. Assuming 85 percent attendance, 48 meetings a year and an average donation of just 35 cents, we can raise over $500,000 for research annually. Using this formula, Rotarians in the USA and Canada, combined, could provide over $5.5 million annually for Alzheimer's research.

For information how your Rotary Club or you as an individual can join the fight against Alzheimer's Disease, contact the CART Board by email at info@cartfund.org.

Woody Harrison is recognized for community service

Woody Harrison received the Four Chaplins Citation for his continous service to mankind in Wilson and around the world. Woody is one of those genuine people that lives the Four Way Test and Service Above Self in all that he says and does.

Richard McKellar selected as Assistant District Governor

Immediate past president, Richard McKellar has been selected by Brad Sears, district governor elect to serve as the assistant district governor for area 5.

This position is currently held by Ed Wyatt who will be beginning his preparations for becoming district governor in two year.

This is a tremendous duty that Richard is being tasked with and we are proud that he has accepted the responsibility. In addition to serving as the district governor's liaison in Wilson and Rocky Mount, Richard will be working with all of the area 5 clubs to encourage attendance, member recruitment, support of the foundation, and service above self.

Congratulations Richard and know that you can call on the members of the Wilson Rotary Club to support you during your serive to the district.