"Making Music"

The Amarillo Symphony has been making music in the Texas Panhandle since 1924. The mission of the Amarillo Symphony is to infuse the Amarillo community with an unbridled enthusiasm for the performance and discovery of great orchestral music, according to our guest this week, Susan White, the organization's Executive Director. The vision of this non-profit is that the Amarillo area will be a place of fanatical support for great art. To carry-out this bold mission, the Amarillo Symphony and the Amarillo Symphony Guild have programs in place to engage our community residents of all ages. The Symphony is very busy in the incredibly in-depth search for a new conductor/ music director, the 17th in the Symphony's long history. The 14 member search committee has diligently narrowed down 200 applicants from 15 countries to 3 finalists for this position. As the Amarillo Symphony begins its 88th season, their diversity continues to grow. From youth orchestras to educational programs that reach more than 6000 local children a year, there is something for everyone. And, 88% of tickets cost $25 or less. Take time to check out one of the upcoming concerts and enjoy this treasure in the Panhandle. Thanks to Bill Summerhill for bringing us this excellent program.

Coney Burgess proposes Coney Burgess, Jr., for membership - Classification, Banking.

Next week at Rotary, on November 8, there will be sign-up sheets on each table for beef jerky for our troops. Jerky is $7.00 per bag and Gina can bill you. Arrive prepared to sign up!.

A message from Marilyn Van Petten, fellow Rotarian: Leaders of the Amarillo Rotary Mentor & AWN Program invite you, Rotarians who live by our Rotary Motto, Service Above Self, to consider serving as a mentor this current 2012-13 school year. Also, we want to tell you about our new mentor program! Yes, there IS 'something new under the sun'. This year, students will be split into two groups: Program # 1, with # 1 group will participate only three times this year in group activities at WTAMU, TX Tech Health Sciences Center and Amarillo College. Program #2 with Group #2, will follow our normal practice of matching a student with a mentor practicing in his/her chosen profession. Since 1983, over 2000 students have had the opportunity to participate in this program and "friend" a special person, (a MENTOR), a person who will show the student, "the ropes". In this real world, that mentor connects a high school student with the adult world of work. Students have declared their commitment, to make this a priority in their school life and activities. Now all we need is to find Rotarians willing to give the energy to this important program. We will be calling & staying in touch! Marilyn Van Petten, Ph: 806-359-8185

Remember: Upcoming Fireside Chat for new member orientation is scheduled for Tuesday, November 12 at 6:00 pm in the home of Mel Darnell, 2001 SW 60^th Avenue. Hamburgers will be served at no charge - please make your reservation with Gina ASAP.

We will again have the joy of participating in the Boy's Ranch Christmas Fund. If you wish to help, make your checks payable to "Rotary Club of Amarillo." A check will be presented to Boys Ranch at our meeting on December 13.

Sincere appreciation to Dale Bippus who took time to greet us, Basil Walker who sold tickets for the Foundation drawing, David O'Dell and Renee Wilson who led us in song, Dick Marcear who delivered the invocation, Robert Forrester who introduced guests, and Renee Wilson for presiding.