Russ Burleigh delivered our invocation and Past President Bowen led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Laura welcomed 46 club members, along with Michael Greer, guest of Don Zillman, and potential new member; Megan Suay, guest of Nan Heald. Tom Broadway and Kirk Duffy returned as visiting Rotarians.
 
President Laura shared the names of those who worked behind the scenes to take care of all the logistics of the meeting. She also called everyone’s attention to the photographs on the club Facebook page showing the volunteers who participated in the North Deering Gardens Reading Project. Don Lowry, Katie Brown, Dave Small, Jan Chapman, Bowen Depke, Glenn Nerbak, Laura Young share their time to read to young people eager to learn. Laura shared the story of a young Muslim girl who was thrilled to see girls dressed like her in one of the books Laura read.

 
Janet Butland tried to give $488 away in our weekly raffle to Alan Levenson, but he couldn't find the Queen of Hearts, so the pot grows bigger.
 

George Carr shared a "Rotary Moment," and noted that since he is responsible this year for this part of the program, it was only fitting he should be the first to speak. He said volunteers were welcome. George built on the theme President Laura advanced last week, “Why Rotary?” George said that for him Rotary was a flexible moment in his week; a time to meet members, help people, and an opportunity to learn. He said he loved the diversity of speakers and topics as a way to learn more. “Rotary is a special way to meet people,” he said.
 

 
President Laura passed on a request from the Fundraising Committee for members bring to the Friday meetings event tickets to which they will be unable to attend, so they may be auctioned off as an ad hoc fundraiser for the club. There being no difficulty in finding suitably-qualified auctioneers.