# 123 Delhi South-West

The five members of District 7610  and  the doorman

President Kumar and myself

What an amazing event the Delhi South-West Club had today, Rotay On The Spot Children's Poster Painting Competition.  This was the 6th annual painting contest with over 2000 children participating.  They use this opportunity to showcase different social causes, pride of Delhi, conservation of Resources and Social Crime.  End Polio Now was one of the catergories under Social Causes and I saw one girl drawing a picture of a woman giving a child vaccination drops. The winning posters are use in advertisments.  All the Children and Rotarians wore End Polio Now hats. 

Club Presudent Krishan Kumar and members of the club were so welcoming, with a huge sign for Nancy.  We each sat with children encouraging and inquiring about the artwork, what their inspiration was and complimented them on their work.  One 12 year old boy was an amazingily gifted artist, several of us gathered around him, he had his portfolio with him and we all looked through it in awe of this boy's talent.  We all wanted to buy his work, we know he will be famous one day!

From there we boarded the bus for the 5 hour drive to Agra, stopping once along the way for a short break.  The same stop we had last year when Chad & I had monkeys on our heads...No one was up for that in the group this year.  Dinner of rice, lentils, muttan & other stuff....

A dance show gave a glimpse of the making of the Taj Mahal and the love story of the Emperor and his beloved wife.  Arriving at the Hotel, we met up with the last team member & my room mate for the balance of the trip. PDG Pam Russell, who was participating in other Rotary events in aonther part of India up to this point.

NID Day 2

Well, the final four finally made it to India, Wayne & Jennifer Webb, Jim Ferguson and myself made it to Delhi.  After the cancelled flights in Newark, we were rerouted to London the next evening and then onto Delhi.  Once at the Delhi Airport we had the chore of trying to find our luggage as it was not on our plane.  Fortunately Continental Airlines sent it over on the direct flight (the one we couldn't get on). It was nice to see Menish, a familiar and welcome face.  It was now 2:30am  and by the time we got to the hotel and showered (we were all pretty ripe) it was nearly 4am. It was a tie for which felt better; a hot shower or a bed.  Two others from District 7610; Tom Bowman and James Rohrbaugh arrived only an hour before us. 
The group met up at 10:00, those who arrived on Thursday did go to the Polio Plus Office and World Health Organization to get the update on the Polio situation in India and particularly where were will be administering the drops.  They also picked up the hats, vests and printed materials for those not yet in.

So out we went first to the Red Fort, built in the 17th century is a popular tourist site, women must wear a robe when in the temple and no shoes for anyone.

The Banga Sahib Guradwara is the most prominent Sikh house of worship, very recognizable by it's gold dome and tall flagpole Nishan Sahib, painted bright orange in honor the god of fire.  We wore orange head coverings in order to enter the temple. Walking up to the temple we washed our feet and maintained quiet while in the temple.  It is  an amazing experience, listening to the music chants and prayers.  Outside we could talk and take pictures.  They serve free community meals and on Sundays receive up to 10,000 visitors to eat a vegetarian meal of lentils, rice and naan.  This was my favorite sight in Delhi last year and I was thrilled to come again.  I wish I had a free day to volunteer here.  The meal is the best way to get a taste of Sikh hospitality.

Lunch was a typical Indian fare of Chicken in some type of red sauce (not spicy) naan, rice and soup.  all very good.  On leaving we watched a very young girl dance and do gymnastic flips for tips, she was very endearing.  Then a stop to shop at Delhi Haat,  I was able to get another Sari, that was made for me and ready to wear (so that I don't have to do the wrapping).  The India Gate was the last stop, this beautiful Arch is dedicated to war veterans and is where the locals like to picnic or just hang out.

Polio NID Day 1

Well I attempted to get to Delhi, unfortunately Mother Nature has different plans.  I along with 3 others are stuck at Newark Airport.
Yesterday I was able to catch the earlier flight to Newark, and once in Newark settled into the business lounge, boarding the plane  we thought we were on our way.  Only to sit  on the runway for nearly 6 hours then go back and stand in line for 3 hours to get rerouted.  So now we wait until 6:30 this evening fly to London and then to Delhi arriving Sat morning.  Which means the four of us will miss the WHO and Polio Plus office visit, since I have been to both it is a greater disapppointment for my fellow travelers.  I also had to cancel my visit with the Delhi Mid-Town club.

So we sit and will update later.

#121 Hopewell

I enjoyed my meeting with the Hopewell Club today. and was impressed to meet member Doug Pritchard who was pleased to share with me his 62 years of perfect attendance, noting that the two week window makes it much easier to make up meeting, His goal is to be able to maintain his perfect attendance for another year, I think he has a good shot at it.  Some areas of service this club works with include the dictionary program, building handicap ramps and supporting the local parks and recreation services.  They hold two large fund-raising roasts in the spring and fall.  The members were very generous in their support of Polio Plus.

Meal $6 (upped to $10)
additional donation $73

#119 Warrenton

Nestled in the beautiful horse country is the Warrenton club which was chartered in 1945.  This medium size club is really active in service projects.  Two member are currently in Haiti working on projects and when they realized the need for a well, they immediately set out to raise funds for this additional project.  Using social media they raised $1800 in two days and I am confident that they will raise the balance quickly.  Another member Bob Shriner is working with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts to ride to the International Conference in New Orleans and get pledges to raise funds for Polio Plus.

Now about the food and service at this club, first rate all the way, served with waiters in tuxes,  the options today; beef tips or grilled chicken salad.  The salad was fantastic as was the balance of the food.  Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me so I do not have any pictures.  Definitely worth the drive:)

Meal $16
Banner $5

#118 Vienna

The Raffle, cash and pie!

President Rich accepts the 200 Club 200 Days Challenge Certificate

This larger club meets at the Marco Polo Restaurant in Vienna, VA.  When I think of the Vienna club the first thing that comes to mind is of course the hugely successful and  amazingly fun, ViVa Vienna!, the community and family celebration of Memorial Day.  Held the all three days of Memorial weekend; food, amusement rides and entertainment abound while vendors of professional, crafts and non-profit groups will line the streets.  This is a major fund raising project for the Vienna club that supports both community and humanitarian projects.  To  become a sponsor or to get more information
about this event go to:  www.vivavienna.org

Now for something different about this club; they have desert drawing, each week in addition to the raffle drawing for the money and a chance at the big pot they draw a ticket for a desert.  The winner then shares the desert with their table-mates, today it was a chocolate cream pie, needless to say it is a very popular item.  The lunch buffet offered a nice selection of options as well.  Another unique idea this club uses is bicycle art with the Rotary emblem wheels which are dispersed around the town.

Woody gives his Happy Talk

The cards did not give Jodi the Big money today

Todays featured speaker talked about the career and technology education offered at the Fairfax county schools, as a CTE advisory board member at our local school, I was very interested in their program.  I met member Dr Devika, whose mother is a Rotarian in Calcutta, unfortunately she will be away while our group visits her club. Thanks to member Craig Richey for the photographs.

Meal $16

# 117 James River

This is a very small club that meets at a Village Bank in Midlothian, there were 7 members present and 6 visiting Rotarians. They are pleased to bring the Richmond Symphony to Chesterfield in 2 weeks and have been orchestrating all the last minute details to ensure a perfect performance as a fundraiser.  With a club this size everyone does their part to make things works and they seem to do it very well.  In the past they have had a focus on healthcare and sanitation issues both locally and abroad.

Meal: $6 (upped to $10)
Additional donation: $21

# 116 Emporia

This is the first club that meets at a hospital, and I can tell you hospital food has greatly improved from what I received my last visit some 17 years ago.  The Emporia club focuses on the youth of their community providing scholarships for students. The club supports Polio Plus and one member suggested that they complete the requested donation at the meeting.
A spinning wheel sits next to the check in, that members spin for fines, and I can attest that members paid late fines with the honor system, leaving cash at the base of the wheel.
Today's speaker, Mike Morehart, Senior Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond office, gave a great talk on what the FBI is doing to protect the citizens of our country. I enjoyed his talk and have requested that he come and speak to  the West Point club.

Lunch: $8 (upped to $10)
Banner $5
additional donation $10

# 115 Sandston

I have been holding off on this club because it is only 30 mins from my home.  But it was a special treat to come today as it was "New Generation Day", with four members bringing their children.  I am a strong proponent of sharing Rotary with our children and grandchildren, so I was especially pleased to see the younger set.  Now I was told the pizza is a regular on the buffet, not just for the kids.  My table-mates were gracious and have invited me to visit anytime.
Member Jerry is awarded his 3rd Paul Harris, I love being able to witness the success of members and clubs.
Now the raffle tickets are a good deal, an arm's length for $5, needless to say I bought $5, and I actually won, so that $25 will go to Polio Plus.
The club's signature project is a van for the USO at the airport  that will provide transportation to the military men and women at the Richmond airport.

Meal: $10
Donation: $10
raffle: $25 (club to submit)

#114 RLI Murfreesboro

The Graduates are pinned

Bevin accepts the certificate, with other facilitators, Bob Stinson,
Pamela Wall and  Brenda Tinkman, Tom Payne scooted out earlier

I received an urgent email at the beginning of the week that the Murfreesboro RLI session was in need of another facilitator.  Before I agreed to help, I had to locate Murfreesboro on a map, fortunately it was near the border and was only a 2 1/2 hour drive. Chowan University is a lovely campus in the middle of nowhere. The participants were great as they usually are; good sharing of ideas and information.  I have to say the lunch was by far the nicest and best of all the RLI's, yes better than the University of Richmond.

At the end of the day we had two graduate from Part III.  As well, I presented Bevin Wall with a certificate for the 200 Club Challenge.

# 113 Hampton Roads

looking for 9 more bowling pins

3 weeks until the Bowling Tournament

Watch out Powhatan, there is a competition for most energy in a club!  My emails to the club went into Spam folders, but I took my chances on the meeting date and arrived to find some familiar faces. Fortunately they informed President Clenise, that I was on the up and up and she welcomed me with open arms.  Now the first thing I was told by the members that they were a very energenic club, so I'm thinking to myself, we'll see...it was pretty routine to start, with the exception of the member wearing a hard hat with a large styrofoam 3 on top.

When another visiting Rotarian and I were introduced the club sang a welcome song, and they were good! This is another first for me, amazing how many new things I see, I have definitely learned I haven't seen it all when it comes to Rotary meetings. 
The meeting was a rally for an upcoming Bowling Fundraiser in 3 weeks.   Each committee had their turn at addressing the group and each group was more energetic than the previous group.  I especially loved Winfred telling the members how shameful it would be if they could not come up with $4200 worth of items for the silent auction.  There was fun rousing between the men and women of the club.  The same member with the hardhat came out wearing a bowling pin outfit during this part of  the meeting.  This is a club that likes to have fun, and raise funds in a fun way.

Meal: $13
Banner $5
Donation $20 (from a member)

# 112 Exmore

When I arrived to the Moose Lodge in Belle Haven, the members were enjoying Thanksgiving in January, turkey, stuffing and the trimmings. President Hal was cruising somewhere in warmer waters so the PE,   , welcomed me and had soup and a plate of food delivered to my table.  Shortly thereafter, I was introduced and went over my quest.  After my talk, one member announced that the club should extend their support and gave a shout out to another member who suggested the winner of the evening raffle should donate her winnings (this was his wife).  From that they suggested that all members give something by leaving something in the basket on their way out....the total amount was $147!!  I was overwhelmed.  And while I was not with the club for a full meeting, they were gracious and generous and I thank each and everyone! 

From here, I drove back over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and it is just as beautiful at night as it was in the day.

Meal:$13
Additional donation: $147

#111 Onancock

Still on the Eastern Shore another water view restaurant.  I have to say I just missed the sunset, but I have been assured that it is amazing and been invited back when the sun sets a bit later in the evening. This is the smallest club in 7600. With nine in attendance it was very informal and you really felt a part of this group. 
One member shared his Polio experience, a friend of his contracted Polio and was in an iron lung in Richmond.  The paralysis was up to his neck and they feared he would only have days to live.  The Boston Red Socks were playing in Washington and someone working at the team's hotel asked if Ted Williams (the boy's favorite player) would autograph a ball for him as a last moment of happiness.   The ball arrived at the hospital and the boy's fever amazingly went down and he began to recover.  Today he is still a friend of the Rotarian; healthy, walking and I will presume that he may still have the coveted ball.

This was an inviting club and while I did not part take in the meal, it looked and smelled amazing.  I scurried off as they were sitting down so that I could meet with the Exmore club 15 minutes down the road.  I very much appreciate the two clubs working together so that I could maximize my time.  I will however share a meal with this club in the future.

This small community boasts two clubs, this the evening club and on Tuesday mornings a breakfast club.

Meal $10

# 110 Cape Charles

Do you see the water behind the members?

President Bill goes over club business

President Bill and i-past President Mark share a banner with me

I want to point out that prior to coming to Cape Charles I attended my own club meeting, the first of four today.  While I am not counting West Point for purpose of the ongoing Challenge, I want to report that we have a new caterer, Melissa Hartman from Jessica's Sweet Shop in Gloucester and the food is absolutely fabulous!!!!!  We went from having my least favorite breakfast to the best and the attendance is reflecting this new and improved food.

On to Cape Charles, wow what a trip over here.  If you have never taken the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to the Eastern Shore, make plans to do so as it was a most beautiful ride and the scenery was breath taking.  With an address of 1 Marina Circle, I figure it has to be on the water...WOW what a view!  The meeting room is bright and airy with a Floridian feel.  Asked if we need to close the blinds for my presentation, I replied not with  these views, keep the blinds open.  So with spectacular views we had a meal of, yes, chicken(very tasty), collared greens and the best mac and cheese I've had in a long, long time!   The group was great with questions about the NID experience and is working on polio fundraising.

When I inquire about the land across the Bay I was informed that it was Yorktown, I could have taken the boat to this meeting. Although they said that no one has done that to date.  Also interesting is that the club previously met on the ferry boat , what an interesting concept.  A very enjoyable lunch, I'm sure I will be back for a make up, maybe I'll come by boat.

Meal: $8 (brought up to $10)
Banner: $5

#109 Manassas

Feels like I've been here before, yes this club meets in the same location as the Bull Run Club.  This is one busy club with service projects and fundraisers.  Today was a Club Assembly, and it is comforting to know other clubs face similar situations when it comes to increasing membership.  I was able to share what our club is working on to identify new members in our community.  The big event on the Manassas calendar is a Reverse Raffle and while I did not know the exact workings of the raffle the club was every excited about the opportunity.  The club's signature project is a Child Wellness Festival which is held in the fall and provides health screening and healthy lifestyle activities.  They try to address all areas of wellness, something I would like to learn more about.  Another fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc is a Lock-up, members; John and Brent will be locked-up and each need to raise $3200 to be released.  Also the club noted that they raised over $2800 during their bell ringing for the Salvation Army. Many good things at this club.

The newsletter/bulletin is an 8 page high gloss compilation and very nicely done!

#108 Petersburg (Breakfast)

postponed to April 6th due to bad weather.

#107 District 7600 Presidential Retreat

registration

Great turn out for a snow day in January

Jim finally gets his banner.

Saturday, January 8th, was my 100th day of the challenge so I was happy to have an event to coincide with the day.  It was day number 100, but number 107  in line of clubs and/or events.  There were about 120 participants for the Presidential Retreat.  The event was for both current presidents and president-elects, to review the midyear status and goals for the 2nd half.  Meeting at the Wakefield 4-H Airfield Center we were all concerned with the impending snow, fortunately it held off until we finished.  Many had travel delays arriving to the meeting.  The one thing I really liked was how the meeting flowed.  There were many presentations, but they were kept to a short time frame, which allowed the participants to get the information they really needed, without going overboard.  The time flew by and I never saw anyone nodding.


Chair of the Event, Jerry Fields was very gracious to let me attend the event, especially with me being from another district.  The district has made me feel like an honorary member of the of their group.  DG Jayne Sullivan, Foundation Chair, Bill Pollard and Polio Plus Chair, Jerry Fields all brought up my challenge and thanked the clubs for their hospitality.  I was also given time at lunch to thank the clubs.


I have to say this was a fantastic lunch!  Simple sandwiches, but yeast rolls were delicious and peach cobbler a la mode, yummy!


Pictures to come.
I paid for the event , but I am also making a donation of $25 (the cost) in appreciation for letting me join in.

The First 100 Days

Jan 8th marked my 100th day of this Challenge, the half way mark.  Initially I did not have anything scheduled for this Saturday, then to my surprise, a president confirming my visit for the upcoming week asked..."Will I see you at the Presidential Retreat?"  I quickly went to District 7600's website (by the way they have the easiest District site to navigate) and found the information on the Retreat.  I quickly penned an email to the Chair who also happens to the the Polio Plus Chair for the district and asked if I could attend.  Without hesitation, he said, please come and take part.  As far as the actual visit that will be discussed in #107.

So 100 Days of Rotary, it feels like I have a full time job that doesn't pay in dollars but in gratitude and appreciation. Oh and yes, I've gained over 10 lbs, thank goodness I have signed up for the North Stafford's club Fitness Challenge.  As our District Governor, Ron Marion said "my wardrobe is shrinking", his is not the only one to shrink.  These clubs have really good food, maybe not healthy but good.  Although I will say, I have had chicken and green beans cooked every way possible, it's a good thing I like chicken and greens beans.

Now I know everyone is anxious to see how I have rated the clubs to-date.  First remember I only have visited once and am getting a small snapshot of each club.  My ratings are completely subjective and are meant with great reverence.  I have loved every club visit and this no way implies that one club is better than another.


Lets look at the stats:
107 Club visits and or events
Breakfasts: 38
Lunches: 40
Dinners:  7
Fundraisers: 6
Community service events: 6
Rotary meeting (non club) 10

What modes of transportation have I used to get to meetings:
walked
car
plane
ferry
trolley
biked
subway


Club banners  (additional $5 for each clubs that give me a banner)
Bon Air
North Stafford
Fredericksburg
Crystal City/Pentagon
Innsbrook
Kilmarnick-Irvington- Whitestone
Reston


Speaker gifts that I have received:
Mug/glass : 5    
pens: 12    
Banners: 7
Book donations: 3
ARC Donation: 1
Polio Plus donation: 1
Note pad: 1      
Candle holder: 1
calendar: 2
4-way Coin: 2

Most Energetic Clubs
Powhatan
Brandermill
Western Henrico County

Most Laid Back
Alexandria South
Fluvanna County
Lunenberg County

Most Formal
Alexandria
Charlottesville
Richmond

Best Singing

Franklin

West Richmond 


Best Music
Churchland
Richmond
McLean

Best Shoutouts
Innsbrook

Favorite Fundraisers
San Francisco: World Polio Day: "End Polio Now" Walk
Chesapeake: Wine Festival
Matthews: Rock Fish Tournament

Favorite Community Service Events
Caroline County:  Senior Gala
Midlothian: Stop Hunger Now
West Point: Healthy Kids Kick Off


Favorite Breakfast
Colonial Heights
Bon Air
Prince George


Favorite Lunch
Lawerenceville
Arlington
Princess Anne


Favorite Dinner
Charlottesville
Fredericksburg
Louisa

Biggest Donation Collected for Polio Plus in honor of my visit
Blackstone $622
Fredericksburg $212 (when told that Harrisonburg had passed their giving they threw in another $10)
Harrisonburg $204
Please note that many other clubs offered up Happy Dollars and other personal donations which are all recorded on a ledger and are all equally appreciated.  It is also noted on each blog visit what the meal cost (my donation) and any other donation offered at that time or commitment made at the time of my visit.

Again thank you to all the clubs who have welcomed me, I look forward to the 2nd half.

#106 Hanover (7600)

John Fernandez speaks on the sweet success of the dessert business while President Judson nods in agreement

Members Becky & Mike are dwarfed by the almost 6' club banner

There are not many dinner clubs in Virginia, but Hanover is one.  Meeting at the Hill City Chop House, I have enjoyed the food here before.  The members were quick to welcome me and share their history.  Now I jokingly told the group that serving Chicken and green beans would be a deduction, but the meal over all was very good especially the potatoes.

The speaker was John Fernandez, CEO of Daystar Desserts maker of "The World's Best Cheesecake" and while I was not familiar with this product, was disappointed that he did not bring samples.  He assured the club if invited back he would most certainly bring samples.  John is a self made inspiration and was the Richmond Business Leader of the Year for 2010.  He definitely needs to join this club and they all agreed.
The clubs keeps things fun by visiting different sites for meetings including an upcoming visit to a winery and to a civil war museum.

Dinner $16

# 98 eClub One

What a great idea for a makeup and more importantly for individuals who are not able to attend regular meetings but want to be a part of Rotary.  I wanted to include at least one online club, first to see how they operate and how they differ from a traditional club.

Well, first they have a site that is easy to navigate, and while I do not require a makeup, for this mission, I went through the process to be able to report back to all how to do a makeup online.  It was very easy, near the top of the site there is a tab for makeup meetings.  It is very simple procedure, you select a topic from a long list to review, after you read the article (they are all quite short) you make a comment and hit send.  The time requirement is a minimum of 30 mins spent on the site, so there is a requirement that you review at least 3 articles.  From there you will click on request a makeup, which will take you to a 4 page form to fill out, very simple and short (really).  In their own words: Rotary eClub One helps keep thousands of Rotarians involved, informed, inspired and connected. 


Donation: $10

# 97 West Point Community Holiday Breakfast

The West Point Club each year hosts a holiday gathering for the community civic groups, community & religious leaders.  This year due to the weather the gathering was much smaller than normal and  with the High School closed for the day, the musical portion of the event was cancelled.  But what was spectacular was the food! Until now I have not been a fan of the meals served at my own club.  This meal was served and the proceeds donated by the parents of the Student without Drugs program. They did an amazing presentation of breakfast foods.  Blueberry and bacon muffins, breaded bacon, ham biscuits and more.  A truly wonderful culinary experience.
The club has also signed on with a new caterer, who owns a fabulous bakery in Gloucester and has been providing breakfast for the Gloucester Point Club for 16 years, so I know this club will be in the top 5 breakfast club for in rating of the meal.

# 80 Stop Hunger Now

I love Service Projects, really getting involved hands on and this is one event where you can do this.  This was my second Stop Hunger Now packaging event. This brought out lots & lots of teens from several school and Rotarians from six different clubs.  After the instructions the groups went right to task and they were moving. We packaged 60,000 meals in less than 2 1/2 hours!  Well, I didn't package; my roll was Gong holder, what is that you ask?  I held the large Gong that was struck each time we hit another 1,000 meals.  I had no problem locating strikers, the kids were happy to give the gong a whack.   Several were repeat announcers.  I will say that the girls typically hit it with better precision and giving the louder sound. It was so much fun.  My neighbor, friend and friend of Rotary went with me and she was the counter of the boxes, as a retired banker she was in the right spot, I know I would have been off count.

There will be another Stop Hunger Event in Richmond this month at the University of Richmond and I know other clubs are involved with this.

The link below will take you to the report which aired on WRIC Channel 8. (Thanks Chuck for the link)

http://www.wric.com/global/Category.asp?c=190525&clipId=5372551&autostart=true

# 104 Alexandria South (7610)

The club minus two members

What an engaging club visit.  This is the smallest club in the district and while the directory shows eight members this morning's meeting started with ten and closed with eleven.  It is always a pleasure to welcome new members to a club.  Emilio Williams not only was inducted, he was also the speaker.  Emilio is the president of The Koi Group. This morning he used a variety of facilitation techniques to get the group to open up to others and learn about one another.  The techniques used were fun and energizing.  With a club this size, all members take a leadership role which was effortless within the group.
The breakfast club meets at the IHOP on Richmond Highway, so good pancakes can be expected.

Meal $10.

# 105 Fairfax (7610)

Lunch in Fairfax, a town I seem to be driving through quite frequently to get to other clubs.  This larger lunch club had a very full schedule.  The new slate of officers were introduced to the club and the review of the fabulous christmas party held for over 60 homeless children was reviewed.  This club is active year round with Christmas in April, a Classic Golf Tournament, Bell Ringing for Salvation Army, See's Candy sales and many more events.  President Art gave me ample time to present my report on my quest before the featured speaker; Susan Kousek from Balanced Spaces spoke on organizing your life. It was a great program for the beginning of the year, when we are all thinking of organizing our homes, offices or life in general.
The meal was a buffet with all the trimmings, I tried to stay with the healthier options as one of my goals for this new year is to loose the extra weight, I have been gaining from this mission.  This club ends the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.

Club gives donation to Faccets, a non-profit that provides temporary housing for the homeless

Officers for 2011-12

Susan Kousek of Balanced Spaces talks about organizing your time

Meal $15

# 103 Petersburg (lunch) 7600

This Club was a fun group to share a meal with, the members shared their long history of working with their community to make a better place for the citizens.  Meeting at the beautiful Petersburg Country Club, this club has a great lunch, simple but great, the homemade soup was delicious, using fresh vegetables not frozen or canned.  A smaller than normal turn out due to the holidays, we learned about the refurbishing of elderly homes in the city of Petersburg.  After 100 clubs I still get surprises, this club closes their meeting out with a song.

Meal $12

# 102 Rotary Time Television Show

On the set

Ahmed in the control room.

This was something I have never done before, a television interview.  The Falls Church club hosted a television talk show for Channel 10 in Fairfax, VA.  Now I don't know when it will air, but will add a link when I get the information.    The hosts of the show; Mike McCormack and Su yong Min  were gracious and welcoming.  Ahmed Selim, the producer and Rotarian walked me through the process and I was able to watch the beginning of the next program Vienna Club President Richard Lukens.  They had a gathering at the conclusion of Richard's taping, but I had to meet Chad & Stan at the mall.  Their movie was not done so we we not able to make it back to the studio in time for the join the others.