Mar 15 mtg - Becky

Music Master, Doc Marsh, led us in an interesting rendition of “Amazing Grace”, dedication, this reporter assumes, to the Town of Grace which is our subject matter for today’s meeting. Our guest, Else Mann, noted Grace historian and a prominent figure in the Maltby Food Bank, was welcomed.

George Phillips, John Abbott, Roger Martindill and Prezident Erv DeSmet were thanked for their hard work in packing up frozen peas and grapefruit for the Rotary First Harvest food bank. In all, 12,400 pounds of frozen peas were packaged along with 32,000 pounds of grapefruit. That is some serious food poundage!

Eric Greenwood reminded us that this week we will be conducting scholarship interviews at Woodinville High School and the Secondary Academy of Success. He thanked those who are volunteering for the interview process and asked for one more person; thank you to Erv DeSmet for stepping up for this honorable privilege.

Our exchange student, Miro Gonzalez gave his report of the week and noted that he has some activities and adventures that he would like to experience during his remaining time in Washington (a list of those interests will be forthcoming). All Rotarians are reminded of their responsibility and privilege to assist this young man in experiencing some of the best that America has to offer. Miro invited all to attend his fund raising concert that (was) held at the Community Methodist Church in Woodinville. His choir group is taking a trip to Vancouver, BC in late may and is selling cookie dough and other assorted sweet treats to raise funds. See Miro to make your selection of delectables.

Max Zellweger encouraged all Rotarians to consider making a contribution to the International Rotary Foundation; their goal is EREY (Every Rotarian, Every Year); that is that every Rotarian worldwide contributes $100 to the International Rotary Foundation every year ~ a worthy goal. For his considerable contributions to the IRF, Max was presented with a pin which designates his standing as a Paul Harris Fellow. He now has five (5) stars commemorating his multiple achievements for the Paul Harris Fellow awards.

Anel Mercado-Sanjuan was officially pinned with the Blue Badge of Membership and welcomed to the club with a resounding round of applause. WELCOME, Anel!!

All Rotarians, spouses, partners and significant others are invited to a Fifth Tuesday evening social on Friday, April 1^st at the venerable Maltby Café. It will be old fashioned pot luck, with Landau’s providing the main course. Members are encouraged to sign up for other items (the sign up sheet will be available for the next couple of meetings). Music will be provided by Bonnie Birch and her Bavatian trio and we might even get to see Susan Webster Chicken Dancing! This is a “don’t miss” event!

All members, spouses, partners, significant others and friends are also invited to the Greater Grace Wine Appreciation Society (GGWAS) Earth Day celebration to be held at, and in partnership with, Molbak’s on Friday, April 22^nd. A sign up sheet has been passed around and you can also sign up on Molbak’s web site, www.molbaks.com. The cost is $25 per person and those Rotarians who plan to attend will be invoiced for their tickets in May. We will have five wineries represented, presentations by Molbak's and Landau’s Catering, hors d’oeuvres from Landau’s and an opportunity for raffle drawings for a live tree and $50 gift certificates from Molbak's. Should be a great evening; please join in the fun.

President Erv was delighted with his appointment of Public Defender to represent the town of Grace in the court of public opinion. The Mayor and Grand Marshal made the presentation.

This reporter will not even attempt to describe the program for this meeting. Grace Town Mayor for Life (self appointed) and Mr. Hugo B. Jonsen (grand marshal in charge of parades and celebrations) gave an engaging, informative and fun history of the magical, mystical, mythical, vibrant, brash, brassy and self-important of the Town of Grace. These erstwhile gentlemen have a corner on the use of double entendres and irony; they have the uncanny and unique ability to capture nuance in the written word unlike any I, personally, have ever seen. It was great fun. Oh, and they did allow Elsie Mann to have a few moments to give us some actually factual history on the Town of Grace which was fascinating. At the end of the day, the real result is that the keepers of the Town of Grace came up with the conclusion that

Having Fun is Serious Business!!

I had to leave at this point and did not capture the rest of the meeting. It was unfortunate as it really was a GREAT presentation! Fine photo coverage by Grace Town Treasurer Steve Dealin' Dolan.

Max prepares to probe for the "clear" marble and
Snappy received Rotary-harvested food-for-thought
from club president Erv.

Respectfully Submitted,

Becky Clark