Rotary was certainly a bright spot during another cold and blustery spring day in downtown Amarillo! Handshakes, good natured kidding and laughter always prevail with our faithful greeters.

David O'Dell conducted the opening ceremony with help from some very talented students from West Texas State University. David Walvoord led us in the invocation and Jeff Lester introduced guests and Visiting Rotarians. President Renee' announced the program for next week: Amy Wagoner and Lizabeth Gresham, Potter County Extension Agents will tell us about a new grant program that helps 4H reach underserved children. Thank you, Shelley Cunningham, for arranging the programs for this month.

The District Conference is coming up soon and we are all encouraged to attend, Gina has registration forms. The conference will be May 2-5 in Lubbock. Once again our own Corinna Isbell is helping coordinate the decorations and awards, thank you Corinna for your tireless service.

As the Rotary year winds down our incoming President, Mike Good is asking that we complete personal interest Surveys. Renee' explained that Mike is very interested in getting every member involved in an area of service they will enjoy. Renee pointed out that the more people who get involved the more fun it is for everyone. The international theme next year is "Engage Rotary Change Lives." What a great theme and certainly very true.

Past President Mark Haworth reported on the kindergarten book distribution. Mark enlisted his wife Nan along with Mike Good and Renee' and Hugh Wilson to help in the distribution. They delivered books to 15 classes of 5 year olds in 3 different schools. A lot of coordination and hard work went into that effort but according to Mark, seeing the faces and hearing the comments from the children was so much fun, they were very sweet and grateful.

The program was presented by Kris Miller, Executive Director of the Musical Drama TEXAS and Dr. Cloyce Khunert, Opera professor at WTAMU. Many of us have known Kris in his former role as director of the Civic Center. His latest claim to fame is playing the actor Tucker Yelldell in the Musical Drama TEXAS. After 2 years in that role Kris accepted the position of Executive Director.

Kris, the quintessential "Tucker Yelldell" has created a new role for Tucker. He stars in "Making Trails with Tuck." As a marketing tool for Amarillo area attractions, Tucker makes 1.5 minute videos featuring art and entertainment attractions such as; The Harrington Discovery Center, The Amarillo Zoo, The RV Museum, Panhandle Plains Museum, Kwahadi Dancers, Sunset Center and others. Something very special is still in the planning stage concerning Wonderland Park, we'll be watching for that announcement soon.

The Musical Drama TEXAS will begin June 1 and run through August 17. President Renee' reminded Kris that our club's Holdup Program makes it possible for a weekly excursion to the play for select travelers coming through Amarillo.

Another upcoming performance "Comanche Spring" will be in the Pioneer Amphitheatre on April 20. It will be a time to experience the tradition, culture and legendary history of the Comanche Nation as told by their own people. The great, great, great, great grandson of Quannah Parker will be in the show this year. The all-day event will feature arts and crafts, food market, gourd dancing and a showcase of Comanche dance and music. Tickets are $22.00 available on line at http://www.texas-show.com or at the TEXAS box office in Canyon.

Three very talented young people performed 3 musical numbers including a wonderful rendition of "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin. They will be performing in TEXAS so be sure to watch for them when you see the play.

Thanks to John Kanelis for leading the 4 Way Test and for all those who work each week to make our meeting efficient, enlightening and FUN!

Please keep Basil Walker in your thoughts and prayers.