12-6-2012 meeting of the Rotary Club of Chickasha

The December 6, 2012 meeting of the Rotary Club of Chickasha opened with a prayer, pledge and a song.

Members were asked to look festive and excited during signing of Jingle Bells, which was filmed for use in a Rotary Club movie currently in production. The group did a good job of looking festive but, as with most weeks, the signing left a lot to be desired.

Guests included Paul Lewis, Jessica Bouruss, Peter Eller and former member G.W. Thomas.

Prayer concerns include Jerry Mottinger and Bill and Janice McVey.

Rotarians are reminded of the Tuesday, Dec. 11 Christmas Party at USAO as well reminded to sell raffle tickets for the Ipad and the touch-screen, all-one-PC. Ann Manchester need those who have silent auction items to get those to her soon.

Because of the Christmas revelry on Tuesday, there will not be a regular meeting on Thursday, Dec. 13.

President Cody White reminded us that the club is matching points for dollars contributed to the Rotary Foundation in December. That's an accelerated way to get to the Paul Harris Fellow threshold.

Rotarian of the Day was Nancy Smith who introduced Chickasha Police Chief Eddie Adamson as guest speaker. Chief Adamson gave a very informative presentation on Oklahoma new open carry weapons law.

The law went into effect on Nov. 1. Previously, those with permits could carry a concealed weapon. Now those who have obtained a handgun license by fulfilling the requirements of the Oklahoma Self Defense Act can also openly carry a fireman provided it is secured in a holster, is a .45 caliber or less and not longer than 16 inches.

The chief said the history gathered from states previously enacting an open carry law, indicated there would be no major problems in Oklahoma.

"We didn't expect many problems," he said. "And, knock on wood, we have not had any."

The Chief said officers would check out reports of "man with a gun" but will be conservative in their approach.

Adamson said he "very much" respects a person's right to have a gun.

He said officers would treat it much like someone who has a drivers license, they won't ask to see a gun permit unless given a reason like someone brandishing a weapon. He said someone lawfully carrying a gun at his side will be presumed to have a license.

He said there are some "glitches" in the provisions of the law enacted last spring by the legislature will need to be cleaned up the next legislative session.

Adamson said businesses have the right to ask that firearms not be carried into their premises. The laws bans weapons in such places as schools, government buildings and bars.

The meeting adjourned after recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test.