This just in: John and Charlotte Huffaker could use your good thoughts and wishes as they are caught in the middle of the Egyptian uprising. They had traveled to the Middle East on a Holy Land tour, but instead found themselves in the middle of severe anti-government protests. Over the weekend, John said he and his traveling party were trying to get to Israel. No worries about safety, John said. The hotel staff where the Huffakers and several others from Amarillo are staying is taking good care of all the guests. Among those traveling with the Huffakers is Rebecca Gruhlkey, daughter of U.S. District Judge (and fellow Rotarian) Mary Lou Robinson.

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Quite a large number of Panhandle residents will be lining up for dental care Oct. 28-29 at the Amarillo Civic Center, said Melinda Biggs, representing the Texas Mission of Mercy Smiles Foundation. Melinda, who was our program this past week, said the foundation provides free dental care for those in need. The group enlists volunteer dentists and their staff to provide the care during the two-day free clinic, staged in communities all across Texas. The clinic is expected to draw about 100 dentists and as many as 700 volunteers. Community coordinator for the event is Diann Gilmore, a past Globe-News Woman of the Year recipient. Thanks, Melinda, for a great program.

And speaking of dentists, Dr. David Woodburn practically filled the room by himself with all the guests he brought to our weekly meeting. Good job, Doc.

Cal Harriman is leading our club's Group Study Exchange activity coordinating effort again this year. The GSE team from the Dominican Republic will arrive in District 5730 on April 15 and will be in Amarillo for six nights beginning April 28. If you would like to play host to one of the team members, give Cal a call at the Carl Farley's Boys Ranch office. The visiting GSE team is led by Rotarian Alexandra Martinez, a dentist in the Dominican Republic. There will be much more information coming in the weeks ahead.

Did you notice a familiar voice leading us in song this week? It was none other than our own Mila Gibson, who came back for a visit. Ah, the National Anthem sounded so good. Good to see you, Mila.

Just a reminder: The Rotary Club of Amarillo's meeting cancellation policy coincides with whether the Amarillo school district is in session that day. If inclement weather closes the schools, we cancel the meeting.

Welcome, Andy Price. Bill Quackenbush introduced Andy as our newest member. Andy is the new director of the High Plains Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He joins us under the classification of Boy Scouts. Welcome aboard, Andy.

St. Mary's Catholic Church will be the scene Feb. 24 of a fundraiser/concert by Francesco Attesti. The event is aimed at raising money for the Rotary YMCA Park, which has been the focus of our club's fundraising efforts for several years. We're closing in on the goal we set for the park. Francesco is a noted Italian pianist and is considred one of the finest interpreters of Romantic and early 20th-century music. The event fee is $20; students get in for $10. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Let's all take part to show our appreciation for Francesco's extraordinary talent. Tickets can be picked up this Thursday at the meeting. We are asking each Rotarian to take 4 adult and 2 student tickets. You will only be charged for tickets you sell or use. And thanks to event coordinator David O'Dell for bringing this musical genius to Amarillo.

District 5730 has posted its December and January newsletters on its website. Take a look at www.ridistrict 5730.org

Many thanks this week to go: President Jake Richards; to Mila Gibson for leading our songs; Pam Rushing for the invocation; John Early for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians; to Mel Darnell for selling Foundation drawing tickets; and to Bill Archinal and Jeff Neely for greeting us as we walked in.