David O’Dell asked everyone to open up their Facebook and go to “The Rotary Club of Amarillo” page and hit like.  He encouraged everyone to post directly to the Rotary Facebook page or share the news.  Participating in a meaningful way on Facebook is something that will be emphasized this year.  Doing positive things through media will help grow our club and establish a strong foundation for the future by bringing in younger members. 

 

John Early provided the report that yesterday Dean Pinack from Fenton, Ohio agreed to be held up.  He was on his way to see his son who was finishing his deployment in the Middle East.  Mr. Pinack enjoyed the hamburger at Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner and the performance of “Texas”.  He was very appreciative and has already shared the experience on Facebook. 

 

 

 

 

Guest Speaker Delvin Wilson, owner of Delvin’s restaurant and catering, shared a few family secrets.  He manages a family-friendly atmosphere where the main commonality is good food.  The beauty and magic of the food is that it brings people together.  Wilson is a native Houstonian, where he grew up in the historic Third Ward and graduated from Jack Yates High School in 1983.  At the age of 14 he acquired a sous chef position and became the executive chef at 19 years old at a local hot spot, Pier 21.  He received an associate’s degree in Applied Science Culinary Arts-Restaurant Management from Texas State Technical College in Waco and then began his journey to become a self-employed chef.  In 1997, Wilson took a job at Amarillo Country Club, where he stayed 6 years.  Afterwards Delvin spent 10 1/2 years as the executive chef at Amarillo’s Park Place Towers.  Wilson stated that he had “always told his wife, after they get their 5 babies out of school, they needed to jump out and do their own thing.”  That discussion led to Delvin opening his own restaurant on October 28, 2015. The success of Houston’s cross-cultural restaurants inspired Delvin to choose his location in North Heights at 13th and N. Hughes.  Delvin specializes in traditional American food, barbecue and soul food, serving family favorites like fried catfish, twice baked potato casserole, meatloaf, crab cakes, sandwiches and desserts, including the popular buttermilk pie.  They have catering services with a large variety of dishes.  Delvin stressed that, “a closed mouth doesn’t get fed” and asks that anyone who doesn’t want what is on the menu to speak up and he will prepare something they will enjoy.  He stated that, “This is a profession that demands your attention…it’s not for the faint of heart.”  The Wilson’s are grateful for the opportunity to bring the community together.  In June 2016 the trailblazing spirit of Delvin and his wife, Sheree, were recognized by the 2016 JuneFest Committee and received the honor of being the inaugural man and woman of the year at the first-annual Charles and Wilma Warford Honors.  The committee stated, “The Wilson’s are very generous people who are doing good things for the community.”  The restaurant is located at 1300 N. Hughes Street and is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00am – 6:00pm.  There are also special events such as the 1^st and 3^rd Sunday brunches between 11:00am – 3:00pm and a breakfast club every 3^rd Saturday where the proceeds go towards helping local youth.

 

David O’Dell, President- presided over the meeting, Invocation was led by David Walvoord, classification Elementary Administration, Daniel Martinez, classification investments, led the opening ceremony which included singing the God Bless America, the pledge to the American flag which was followed by Introduction of guests and visiting Rotarians.  Guests present were – Kay Pechin, guest of Madeleine Frume, Roger Remling, guest of Kevin Gandy, Valerie Soliz guest of Lucy Fenwick, Lieutenant Justin guest of Major Harvey Johnson, Randal Renfro guest of Daniel Martinez, Heather Conkle guest of Travis Fenelli and Police Chief Ed Drain guest of Martin Birkenfeld. Police Chief Ed Drain is also a member of the Plano Metro Rotary Club.  Madeleine Frume introduced the guest speaker. Thank you to Gail Bram and Mel Darnell for greeting, Lea Ann Fulton- ticket sales, Kevin Gandy – Wheels, Rocky Gafford for providing a free pizza and Gina Rodriquez for taking care of everything else.

 

Ticket Drawing:  Amount in the pot is $Starting Over.

 

Upcoming Programs: 7/21/16 Charles Black, owner of West Texas RX and 7/28/16 Katie Noffsker, Director, United Way of Amarillo

Quote:  “The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work.  Work is the key to success, and hard work can help you accomplish anything”.  Author- Vince Lombardi, Jr. (1913- 1970) American football player, coach, and executive in the National Football League