Tori Atwell, President, reminded all of the Rotary International Theme: “Create Hope in the World.” Scott Johnson then led the Pledge of Allegiance and shared thoughts about Valentine's Day and "Fat Tuesday."

 

Thida Cornes, school board member and prospective new Rotary Club member, was introduced.

 

Paul announced the Marti Gras Party that he and Susan will host at their home on Tuesday evening, February 27^th, 5 p.m. Cost will be $25 per person. Paul and Susan's address is available on request.

 

Judy C. gave an update on RYLA camp this year (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards camp). Three student spots have been reserved and paid for, for students representing our club. Judy, Alexander, and Catherine are now working on selecting the students.

 

Scott and Catherine spoke about the Rotary Speech Contest, scheduled for our March 19^th meeting. Currently there is a record number of 8 students who are signed up to compete. As in the past, Rotary members will be needed to serve as speech judges that day.

 

Judy Crates, Rotary member and on the Community School of Music & Art (CSMA) Board, introduced Vickie Grove, CSMA Executive Director.  Vickie has served in that position since 2013, and is now in her 11^th year. She did announce that she will be retiring at the end of this month. CSMA was founded in 1968, has grown and grown, and now provides music and art opportunities for an amazing number of students. Just the CSMA "In-School" Program has 22,000 students involved in 59 schools. There are over 180 staff and the budget exceeds $7 million. Qualifying students can receive up to 70% off their tuitions. Twenty-five to thirty percent of the in-school students are subsidized. CSMA is now offering pre-school programs (ages 2-5). Vickie invited Rotary to start again the usher program for Saturday CSMA performances.  

 

Tori thanked Vickie for her presentation and thanked all for attending. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned. There is no meeting next Tuesday, Feb. 20^th (dark for Presidents' Day Holiday). Tuesday evening, February 27^th, will be the Marti Gras Party (no noon meeting that day). The next lunch meeting will be Tuesday, March 5^th.