12-29-2011 meeting of the Rotary Club of Chickasha

Guests included Crystie Shebester. Shebester and Mark Milsap, a guest at previous meeting, are prospective new members.

President Michael Oberlender reminded Rotarians that time was running out for the club to match Paul Harris Fellow donations. The club will match all donations through the end of year, point for point.

Rotarian of Day was John Grote, who introduced Gary Parks, publisher of the Red Book phone directory, and a performer for the Oklahoma Senior Cabaret.

Park, who could be a stand up comedian, gave a brief overview of the Red Book and its 11-year history. The phone book is popular because it features Chickasha and doesn't include listings for a large region. He said an interactive phone back is accessible online and a smart-phone version is available.

For the past year, Gary has been performing as part of the Oklahoma Senior Cabaret, which is a group of  dancing, singing and acting Oklahomans, all 55 or older. 

The Senior Cabaret is a non-profit group which raises money through its performances  for worthy causes.

Gary said a big show earlier this year raised about $12,000 for Mobile Meals of Greater Oklahoma City. He said he was joined by several ladies, ranging in age from 66 to 81,  in the opening number of that show.

He performed three numbers for the club, including "New York, New York," "I Left My Heart in San Francisco," and "My Way."

Thank you Gary for a great program.

The meeting adjourned after recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test.