Getting older isn't the end of life as we knew it. Just ask Jelaine Workman, who runs the Amarillo Senior Citizens Association center at 11th and Polk. Jelaine, the incoming president of Rotary West, spoke to us about the myriad programs for those who belong to ASCA. They take part in line dancing, dominoes, they play bridge and they participate in the "best pool hall in town." ASCA also helps senior citizens find part- and full-time work around town. Thanks for a great program, Madame President. And good luck to you as you take the reins at the West Club.

Rotarians and their spouses are invited to attend David Norris' installation as District 5730 governor on Monday, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Amarillo Club's 30th floor. Installation will occur roughly at 6:15 p.m., followed by a reception with wine, beer and hors d'oeuvres. Please RSVP to Candy Norris via email at cno2318@aol.com. Let's give David a wonderful Rotary send off as he begins this exciting new assignment on behalf of our district.

Members come and, unfortunately, they go. Jake Richards has proposed his successor, Steve Chaloupka President of Amarillo Gear, for membership in the Club, under the classification of Gear Manufacturing. Also, Scott Ballard has proposed Dr. Wesley Nickens for membership under the classification of Concierge Medicine. And Dorothy Puckett proposes Kelly Hunt, a Realtor with Pat David Properties, under the classification of Property Management. Welcome to you all. Meanwhhile, we're saying goodbye to Chip Lindsey, associate director of the Discovery Center, who's leaving us to become director at a science center in Ashland, Ore. All the best to you, Chip. We're glad you came our way.

Speaking of Club members, our membership drive comes to a conclusion at our next meeting. It's been a big success. President Jake Richards says our rolls are up about 10 percent from the start of the year, which is the first annual increase in many years. The Misfits and the Go Getters each have enlisted four new membes for their teams. It's down to those two teams to see which one gets the Grand Prize. Well done, President-elect (and Membership Committee Chairman) John Early.

Hold-Up 2011 continues. Jeff and Lynne Lester held up Johnny and Judy Powell of Pearisburg, Va. Johnny and Judy have five children and 10 grandchildren. Johnny is retired from the Celanese plant back home, where Judy still works. They joined us for lunch the next day and echoed what Hold-Up "victims" have said for many years: The hospitality we extend to our visitors is beyond belief. Thanks to the Big Texan for the meal and to the Ashmore Inn and Suites for the lodging. And many thanks for Amarillo Police Cpl. Jerry Neufeld for "arresting" our latest guests. Jeff says he still has one more week to fill. If you're interested in being a host, get in touch with Jeff or Gina Rodriguez.

Our change of command is set for this Thursday. President Jake Richards hands the gavel over to President-elect John Early as we welcome the new board of directors and officers to begin the new Rotary year.

Karen Hicks is looking for someone who could help her administer the ClubRunner site that provides us our email newsletter. Give her a call if you can lend a hand.

A big thanks as always go to the following Rotary Club members for their help with this week's meeting: Jake Richards for presiding; PDG Doyle Moore for leading us in song; Renee Wilson for playing the piano; Mike Abdoo for his invocation; Karen Hicks for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians; Basil Walker for selling drawing tickets; and Dale Bippus and Mel Darnell for greeting us.