This Friday May 31, 2019

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

I hope each of you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. As you know, we did not have regular meeting, but for those who came for lunch at the Briars I hope you enjoyed your time together.

This Friday our guest speaker is Marc Ferris. From reading the bio he sent, I am quite sure this presentation will be quite entertaining. Instead of trying to explain about Marc and what he has planned to share with us, I have copied and pasted this below:

This presentation, Star-Spangled Mystery, is wowing people with fascinating facts, riveting storytelling and virtuosic music performance.

There are several tie-ins to holidays and other important observances, including: Star-Spangled Banner Day I (Sept. 14); Columbus Day; Baseball Playoffs (October); Football Season; Veterans Day (Nov. 11); November-December Holidays; Martin Luther King Day/Black History Month; Presidents' Day; Star-Spangled Banner Day II (March 3); St. Patrick's Day; Easter/Passover; Memorial Day; Flag Day (June 14); July 4; Baseball Season.

Link to book: https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/title/star-spangled-banner

Below is a general description of the program. 

Written in 1814, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is the most controversial song in United States history and it continues to inflame passions to this day. In this presentation, author Marc Ferris relates the fascinating hidden history about our national anthem, punctuated by live musical renditions of the song’s original version along with other tunes considered for anthem status in this broad sweep of American music and political history. 

Marc Ferris, author of the acclaimed book Star-Spangled Banner: The Unlikely Story of America’s National Anthem, has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, CBS This Morning and many other major media outlets.
I’m hoping for a full house this Friday in support of Marc’s entertainment. Also this is a great chance to bring a friend. Rachel, our president elect, will be running the meeting. I am enjoying my time in beautiful Washington State. Just spent 4 days in the Cascade Mountains, surrounded by very tall pine trees and beautiful mountains and lakes. It is breath taking here. See you on June 7^th.

Mark J.
“After you are gone, people may forget most of what you have said and done. But they will remember that you loved them.” 
― Steve Goodier

This Friday May 17, 2019

Hi Everyone,

Something bright and illuminating is outside today, I think it’s called the sun….hmm! I think we all could get used to this!

Last Friday was our annual Mother’s Day event! It was as usual, a wonderful time together with 50 senior moms/ladies from our community. Mike Risko’s Band provided us all with great music, setting a joyous mood, which lead to endless conversations. The food and wine was delicious and thanks to Rachel we had a great tasting cake to enjoy. Also each mom/lady received a nice planted flower to take home.

This week our guest speaker is Dr. Ed Placke from Green Chimneys. Below is a short bio:

Green Chimneys Children’s Services, Inc. – Executive Director- Dr. Placke

Responsible for the leadership and management of the Agency that includes two schools, residential program, community services, horse barn, working barn, organic gardens, model forest, summer camps and outdoor education programs.  Over 500 staff are employed and over 1,500 children along with their families are served annually.  The Agency has the largest and most comprehensive nature-based programs in the State and beyond.

Please come, support and enjoy this special presentation.

Mark J.
“If people did not love one another, I really don't see what use there would be in having any spring.” 
― Victor Hugo

This Friday May 3rd. 2019

This past Friday our guest speaker became seriously ill and could not share at our meeting. We did have time for more personal discussion, which is always good for growing closer as a club.

This Friday our own Jeff Cadge will be our speaker, sharing about video production on the Web and about his experience in the business. I have watched a few of his productions and they are excellent. Jeff is very humble about his accomplishments, but after visiting his office, I could see that he has won numerous awards, which include several Telly Awards, that honor excellence in video and television. It’s a great time to bring a friend for lunch tomorrow.

I also just received an exciting email from Vakondja Katuuo, from Peoples Bank, saying that she wants to become our Rotary member, and will come join us tomorrow. Please let’s all show up to give her a warm welcome. I believe this is one of Scotts contacts.

Hope to see you there!

Mark J.