A couple of our Muskogee Rotarians saw this and thought it worthy of re-printing and following.

Wonderful idea!

Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American labor. This year will be different. This year Americans will give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. Yes there is!

It’s time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?
Gym membership? It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.
How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?
Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.
My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.
Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of light, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.
THIS is the new American Christmas tradition.

Forward this to everyone on your mailing list — post it to discussion groups — throw up a post on Craigslist in the Rants and Raves section in your city — send it to the editor of your local paper and radio stations, and TV news departments. This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about.

Beth A. Murray
Contract Specialist
Bureau of Reclamation
P.O. Box 61470
Boulder City, NV 89006
phone 702.293.8581
fax 702.293.8499

In recognition of Veterans Day, this week’s speaker is Louis Gibson, who is an Army Combat Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he earned the Bronze Star, Combat Action Badge and Joint Meritorious Unit Award.  He retired from the Oklahoma National Guard as a Lieutenant Colonel with 27 years of service – 4 years as a West Point Cadet, 10 active duty and 13 with the National Guard. Other major military awards include Meritorious Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and Parachutist Badge.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Geography from the United States Military Academy at West Point. He is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff College in Ft. Leavenworth, Kan.

He began his career with the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Muskogee VA Regional Office in 1999 working first on the Education side processing Montgomery GI Bill college tuition and later as a Rating Veterans Services Representative determining the percentage of disability and compensation Veterans receive for their service connected injuries.  In 2008, Louis joined the Veterans Healthcare Administration at the Jack C. Montgomery VA Medical Center as a registered nurse in the Rehab Department.  He currently works at the VA Medical Center as the Transitional Patient Advocate where he assists with short and long term needs of newly returned service members who are severely injured and ill who are transitioning from military treatment facilities to the VA health care system.

Louis is proud to be an Okie from Muskogee and was a member of the first graduating class from Hilldale High School.  He is married to his wife, Janet, for over 20 years, and has 3 sons, Benjamin, Andrew and Jacob.

Danny R. Mitchell

Danny Mitchell grew up in Fort Worth, Texas where he graduated Paschal High School in 1967. He was active as a Boy Scout and obtained the rank of Eagle with Bronze and Silver Palms. He volunteered one summer in the Head Start Program. He received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1971 and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is licensed in Oklahoma, Texas, California, and Missouri. He is a Professional Member of the American Institute of Architects. Danny is Owner of Mitchell Architects, a full service Architectural firm located in Tulsa. He also develops and manages multi-story fully climate controlled self storage facilities and other development projects.

Danny and his wife Peggy have been married since 1969. They have one daughter, Pamela Riddle and her husband Mark Riddle. The joy of their lives is their two grandsons, Zachery and Jaden, and granddaughter Mikayla. They have lived in Tulsa since 1983. They are members of Asbury United Methodist Church where they previously served on the Community Missions Board.

Danny was inducted into Rotary September 23, 1993. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Southeast Tulsa where he has served as attendance chairman, International Service Director, Club Service Director, Foundation Chair, Membership Chair and President 2003-2004. He has served at the District level as Assistant District Governor July 2004 – June 2010 and has served as Committee Chair for RI Fellowships. He was District Conference Chairman 2 years, 2005-2006 and 2006-2007. He is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Paul Harris Society, and White Hat Society. Danny and Peggy are Major Donors and members of the Bequest Society.

Danny’s hobbies include physical fitness, scuba diving, sporting clays, and traveling – including Rotary International Conventions in Brisbane, Australia, Chicago, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, Copenhagen, Montreal and New Orleans. The experience at the first RI Convention ignited the passion for Rotary.

Danny will serve Rotary District 6110 as District governor in 2011-2012.