ALPHONSO VAUGHN Potter County Commissioner, presented the program and was introduced by his wife Linda.  Born and raised in Amarillo, Alphonso has always had a heart for service and is currently in his third term as Commissioner.

DEVELOPING RELATIONSHIPS was the subject of his presentation.  In 1992 there was a shooting at Palo Duro High School.  A 17 year old student caused injury to 6 students.  At that point, Alphonso's passion became a project.  He called five people together to address issues and an Advocacy Group was formed to enable students to communicate with them about any and every subject they were concerned about.  Over 300 students each week come together with the adults to vent and air their feelings. (Pam Thomas 236-1644)  The best part?  No staff is allowed to attend unless invited.

ALPHONSO was also instrumental in establishing the CALL, Community Alliance of Leaders and Law Enforcement.  Their opinion is not "if" another shooting will occur but "when".  Their mission is to establish and develop relationships to determine how to prevent these occurrences.  Alphonso added that these advocates are "ecstatically pleased with law enforcement in our area."

LUCY HERNANDEZ is our newest member, proposed by MIKE GOOD and DAVID ELIZALDE. Lucy is a Realtor with Keller Williams.  Lucy shared about the death of her young daughter to cancer and how the people of Amarillo rallied around her and her family.  Her daughter was an avid volunteer as well and has been an inspiration to all who knew her. Welcome LUCY, we are honored to have you in our club.

MARTIN BIRKENFELD reported on the Holdup project for this year.  On Wednesday evenings a "held up" couple are selected and invited to dinner and the play TEXAS.  They are also invited to lunch the next day at Rotary. (Johnny Crowley 349-9751) Please contact Martin to sign up as he hopes to fill the dates in the next 3-4 weeks.  President Jeff added that Amarillo receives an additional benefit from these holdups.  Martin sends a press release to the guest's home town newspaper and also to the Amarillo Globe News.

DANIEL MARTINEZ reported that the Rotary Clubs recently joined with Amarillo Women's Network to honor 100 students who participated in the Mentor Program.  They also celebrated 2016 as being the 35th year the clubs have participated in the Mentor Program.

DANIEL added that the annual Clean-Up Day at Llano Cemetery is scheduled for May 21 from 10:00 - 1:00.  All Rotarians are invited to participate.

HARVEY JOHNSON invited everyone to participate in the "Salvation Army Sporting Clay Shoot Event" on Friday May 13th.  It will be at the River Breaks Ranch from 8:00 am - 1:00pm. For more information contact Stephanie Pena at 373-6631 ext 75513. Harvey also congratulated and thanked Rotarian JOHN BOYCE for 50 years of service on the Advisory Board.

NEW MEMBER PROPOSAL: Jay Campbell with Upshaw Insurance is a former member of the Borger Club.  His classification will be Insurance.