Do you have a desire to SERVE our Rotary?

Our Rotary Club REALLY needs your help! The following positions offer an excellent opportunity for leadership and community service.

We have immediate openings for chairs and/or members for the following committees:

* Service Projects Committee

* Rotary Foundation Committee

The Treasurer position will be available July 1, 2024. Please contact Melissa Stockwell if you're interested and she can fill you in on what the position entails.

Please let Ray, Bob or Courtney know if you have an interest in any of these opportunities.

Member Spotlight

Dr. John Kirby

1. What line of work are you in?

I have been optometrist for 16 years, I own Modern Eye Gallery on Lebanon Rd. across from Green Hill High School.

2. Where are you from?

Originally from Gainesboro, TN and moved here in 2009 after completing optometry school.

3. Tell us a little bit about your family. 

I have a wife Amy and nearly four year old daughter Jonah. Amy is originally from Nebraska.

4. How long have you been involved in Rotary and have you held any positions in Rotary?

Since 2015. I've been President and Treasurer of our club.

5. What are some of your hobbies or interests?

Playing golf, and watching most all sports.

6. Favorite sports or teams - college or pro?

College Football and Basketball, Professional Golf and Tennis.....All TN teams and Nebraska Cornhuskers by marriage (Cornhuskers are avid fans as they basically have one team to cheer for).

7. Favorite restaurant?

Smiley Thai

8. Any mentors/heroes you had growing up or possibly even today that you would like to give a shout out to? (teacher, coach, pastor, parent, etc)?

My Dad, He has been a Church of Christ preacher as long as I've been alive, He never met a stranger or hesitated to help anyone in need, he traveled to India 5 times to preach with a team from the Jackson County/Putnam County area.

9. Do you have a special talent?

I occasionally write songs.

10. Is there something we didn't ask that you would like to share?

I have followed in my Dad's footsteps doing mission work, One church trip to Scotland, and seven medical mission trips to Belize, Costa Rica, Jamaica, El' Salvador and Mexico. I have also backpacked in western Europe including London, Paris, Madrid, Southern France, Rome, Florence, Pisa, Hamburg, but unfortunately was kicked out of Switzerland.....my friend's passport had been pick pocketed :(

Member Spotlight

Linda Armistead

1. What line of work are you in?

Retired educator, WCS, 37 years. I began teaching English at MJHS in 1973. Served eight years on the WC School Board after retirement.

2. Where are you from?

My late husband Steve and I moved from Hermitage to MJ in 1978. I am originally from Smithville, DeKalb County, and Steve was an Elmwood, Smith Co. fellow. (Interesting story of how we met)

3. Tell us a little bit about your family. 

I am now married to Reggie Palmore from KY originally, retired military. My daughter Stephanie and family live in Dacula, GA; my son Chad and family live in Gladeville; Reggie's daughters, Mollie and Lauren and their families live in East Nashville. I have six grandchildren and Reggie has three.

4. How long have you been involved in Rotary and have you held any positions in Rotary?

I joined Rotary in August 2018 and have thoroughly enjoyed serving our community with this group. 

5. What are some of your hobbies or interests?

I enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, and pickleball, especially when wintering in Naples.

6. Favorite sports or teams - college or pro?

My granddaughter Malia plays basketball for Rice University in Houston, so I'm a Rice fan, and my grandson Lavoisier finished his college baseball years at Albany State University, so I supported him, but I enjoy yelling for the Titans and the Big Orange teams.

7. Favorite movie of all time and/or favorite actor or actress?

I enjoy Mamma Mia and the music of ABBA, along with Mrs. Doubtfire with Robin Williams. Also excellent is "A Man Called Ove," adapted in the U.S. as "A Man Called Otto" with Tom Hanks, one of my favorite actors. 

8. Favorite restaurant?

Favorite restaurant is Maggiano's Italian food, but Cheddar's is special since Reg and I had our first dinner date there!

9. Any mentors/heroes you had growing up or possibly even today that you would like to give a shout out to (teacher, coach, pastor, parent, etc)?

Definitely my parents for creating a loving home and taking me and my brother and sister to church and for teaching us the value of hard work and compassion. Also I truly admire Dr. Donna Wright, our former Director of Schools, who led our school system through two of the most unprecedented times, the COVID outbreak and the devastating tornado destroying two of our school buildings. She navigated uncharted waters with her leadership skills and compassion. 

10. Do you have a special talent?

I used to sing in the choir and with a ladies trio at First Baptist Church, when my vocal chords were stronger. Now I just squeak through soprano parts or sing bass/alto!

Member Spotlight

Jim Wright

1. What line of work are you in?

Worked 42 years with the railroad.. originally L & N, later CSX. Spent 34 years in management, relocating 7 times, incl company HQ in Jacksonville, FL on 2 separate occasions in various positions before returning home in 1998... almost unheard of in the RR industry, started in Nashville as a apprentice in mechanical operations 1966 to later return as the top manager in 1998... full circle ?

2. Where are you from?

Born and raised here in mid Tennessee, Wilson county. 

3. Tell us a little bit about your family. 

4 children, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren. I'm widowed as my wife passed in 2014.

4. How long have you been involved in Rotary and have you held any positions in Rotary?

3 years, newbie really in the club, Love the organization and what it stands for. 

5. What are some of your hobbies or interests?

Always a Nascar fan and collegiate athletics. My hobby now, (since I quit farming) is car shows and rallies with my Shelby GT350 who I call DOJ RED. Lots of friendships developed these last few years.

6. Favorite sports or teams - college or pro?

College sports my favorite, follow Vanderbilt mostly. The Titans and Chicago Cubs are my favorites in the pro ranks.

7. Favorite movie of all time and/or favorite actor or actress?

Not a big movie guy. 

8. Favorite restaurant?

Any that I've frequented that had good food and service. 

9. Any mentors/heroes you had growing up or possibly even today that you would like to give a shout out to (teacher, coach, pastor, parent, etc)?

My Daddy who passed in 2012 at 97. Always my mentor and example. 

10. Do you have a special talent?

No.

11. Is there something we didn't ask that you would like to share?

In the " bet you didn't know category" ... I'm an adopted child. Never have had the wish to find my biological parents because I was raised by the best, thankful and blessed by that.