Our economy is improving, says Karr Ingham, economist with Happy State Bank, but it could be a lot better. Such was his message as we began our March programs, led by Club Program Chair David Norris. Karr noted that retail spending in the Panhandle dipped by 10 percent in 2009, but ticked up just a bit in 2010. Our regional jobless rate is about 5.3 percent, far less than the national average and a good bit less than the state average. The state, following the national model, is emerging from recession, Karr told us; the recovery began in early 2010, he said. There are some warning signs, such as the huge national debt and the threat of inflation, Karr said. The best news? Our region's housing market hasn't tanked the way it has in many other communities. Home prices have held steady while other regions have seen prices plummet. Thanks for the update, Karr.

Our classical concert, given by renowned pianist ItalianFrancesco Attesti, was a success, said President Jake Richards. The event, which took place  at St. Mary's Catholic Church, drew a crowd of about 175 people. The fundraiser, which is going toward our Rotary YMCA Park project, will net about $4,000, Jake said. But we need a full accounting of all the tickets bought by club members or sold to guests. Turn the information in to Gina so we can get a final count of the funds raised. Kudos belong to David O'Dell, who chaired the event.

Another great program is on tap for our next club meeting. It  will come  from U.S. Air Force Major Gen. David Gillette, a Texas A&M University roommate of District Governor-elect David Norris. Gen. Gillette was stationed in the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001. He was there when the plane crashed into the Pentagon, killing an estimated 200 people. He will give us a stirring account of the events of that terrible day as the nation moves toward the 10th anniversary of the event that changed everything. Invite a friend to come listen to Gen. Gillette.

Thanks this week to: Dale Bippus and Jeff Neely, for greeting us; and Renee Wilson, for leading us in song; to Robert Forrester for his invocation; and to Mel Darnell for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians.