It can be argued that Malouf Abraham lives in the "pretty part" of the Texas Panhandle: Canadian. Malouf and his wife, Teresa, lend much to the region's attractiveness with their spectacular art collection on display at the Citadelle Art Museum in their hometown. Malouf brought us plenty of joy, not to mention his pictures, relating to his art collection. Malouf told us how he tried to purchase the old Santa Fe Railroad Depot in Canadian, but then purchased a vacated Baptist Church for $15,000. It became their home and now is holding the art work he and Teresa have collected over the years. Malouf said he has approximately 140 paintings and other artifacts, all of which he plans to give to the city of Canadian. Thanks for the great and lively presentation, Malouf.

Stick 'em up, Rotarians. On June 9, the Rotary Club of Amarillo kicks off its annual Hold-Up at the Texas Travel Info Office at Interstate 40 and Airport Boulevard. We have three of 11 slots filled. We need more volunteers for this exciting effort, which over the years has spread Rotary cheer literally all over the world through tourists who have been "arrested," and then treated to dinner and the musical "Texas" at the Pioneer Amphitheater in Palo Duro Canyon. We top the evening off with a night at a local hotel. John Kanelis is this year's Hold-Up coordinator. Renee Wilson is working with local restaurants to arrange for a meal for our guests; Lea Ann Fulton is working with hotels for lodging arrangements; Tom Higley will be recording the "arrests" by the Amarillo Police Department with his camera; Jeff Lester has lined up the arresting officers to nab the unsuspecting visitors. The program will run through Aug. 18. Give some thought and then sign up for a wonderful evening of Rotary fellowship. We will have the sign-up sheet at the next two Rotary meetings.

President Hicks extended a word of thanks to Dale Bippus for repairing our Badge Box, which had fallen into some disrepair. Thanks, Dale.

Oh, my, that deck of cards is getting slim. The Ace of Spades is in there somewhere. The pot is closing in on 3 Grand -- half of which goes to the Rotary International Foundation once someone draws the winning card. Be sure to purchase your tickets to aid the Foundation's great work around the world.

And part of that work deals with Polio Plus. We've been passing the pink pig around and have collected more than $722 so far. Good job, everyone.

District 5730 Governor Jim Cole reports that "clubs in the district have met the challenge of the Lubbock Rotary Club Foundation. As of this date we have raised over $27,000 for Polio Plus. With the contribution of the Lubbock Rotary Club Foundation, our total will exceed $47,000." Fantastic!

Kudos go this week to: Gina Rodriguez for leading us in song; Renee Wilson for her expert piano-playing; Brent McClure for his beautiful invocation; Jeff Lester for introducing guests and visiting Rotarians; and Mollie Barney for her work as May's program chair. Thanks for all y'all do.