Join us this Tuesday, October 30th at the Convention Center where our guest speaker will be Wendy Long, candidate for US Senate. 

I don't know any other way to say it. If you missed yesterday's program you missed a great one. Renowned Pollster John Zogby was wonderful and his ability to mix polling statistics with good measures of humor was delightful. I was particularly fascinated by the segmentation of his polling results as they related to African Americans, Latinos, older Whites, married and unmarried Women, and one I'll bet no one ever heard of, the CENGAs. What's a CENGA? College Educated Not Going Anywhere. In conclusion, John left us with the message that President Obama has the edge just two weeks before the election.

The other delight for the day is credited to Betty Strasenburg! As her guests, she brought along two graduates of the UR Yellow Jackets who sang an inspirational rendition of God Bless America to open the meeting, and a light and humorous song about musical phrases to close the meeting and send us on our way with smiles on our faces and warmth in our hearts. Thanks Betty!

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Our Tootsie Roll Bight Spot winner this week was Past President Peter Kelderhouse! Peter was nominated by Dr. Carl Gerard and was recognized for his wonderful invocations, his continuous and wonderful example of Service Above Self, and his generous habit of always being the first to volunteer. As a former Marine and trained to be "First to Fight", we're glad that his transition to civilian life now presents itself as "First to Volunteer".

Past President Hu Velepec was fined for an incident involving yours truly. Here's the deal. I was requested by the Past Presidents committee to appear before them and present my assessment of the first 90 days of my term and to detail my plans and priorities for the remainder of my year as President. Then, they would have the opportunity to review my performance and plans and make suggestions for change or correction or support. This seemed like no time for me to be casual or "off the cuff" so I prepared in great detail and created powerpoint slides, handouts, and copious notes. So, at the end of my 45 minute presentation the floor was open for comments. I was prepared for almost anything . . . except for what Mr. Velepec brought up as the first question. "Why don't we have more meatloaf at our luncheons?!" Wow, didn't see that coming! I want to personally thank Past President Joe Floreano for serving meatloaf yesterday and saving my presidency from certain doom. And, thanks to Hu Velepec for his willingness to let me share this story and for his $25 contribution to Rotary International.

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One of the Goals that I shared with the Past Presidents' was to increase the average attendance at our Tuesday Luncheons to 100 members. Over the last 4 meetings we are at 83, so I need each of you to make that 1 degree commitment to attend just a few more meetings than you usually do. Come and enjoy the fun, the fellowship, the networking and of course, the excellent speakers.