Posted by Jim Garrett
Cindy Gallabota started the meeting by noting that Rotary had been founded in 1905 by a lawyer, and the name “Rotary” was adopted because the meeting site rotated among members’ offices.  She then offered the invocation.
 
Cindy narrated a story: a group of frogs was hopping through the forest.  Two fell into a deep pit, landing on a ledge. They tried to jump out, but after several futile attempts, it seemed too deep, and one yielded to despair and jumped off the ledge to the bottom.  The other continued to try, but the remaining frogs looking down from the edge of the pit sadly yelled “Stop, it’s no use.”  Nonetheless, the frog continued to jump, finally reaching the edge with a desperate try, and clambering with an exhausted lunge onto the surface.  The others were amazed, and exclaimed in wonder that their fellow had not given up despite their warnings.  The frog replied, ‘”my hearing is poor, I thought you were shouting encouragement.”
 
The moral, Cindy explained: “Be careful what you say to others, it may be a matter of life or death.”
 
Later during the meeting, Cindy issued a call for volunteers to participate on a rotating basis in delivering invocations.  Currently, she and Art Benzell are carrying the load.  Some recruits to help pitch in would make a meaningful job more manageable.
 
Then came time for the song.  This week, it was “Grand Old Flag,” written by George M. Cohan in 1906 (the year after Rotary’s founding). Sung well or not, it is a stirring march, that makes the hearts of Americans everywhere swell with pride.  Cohan, regarded as the father of American musical theater, is celebrated by a statue in New York’s Times Square, and in addition to “Grand Old Flag,” penned numerous other famous songs including “Over There,” “Yankee Doodle Boy,” and “Give My Regards to Broadway.”  (Thanks to Bill Hubbard for supplying the lyrics of the song, as well as many others.)
 
President Kim Moore announced that the Kentucky Derby party will again be held at Keyah Grande this year, on May 5.  A volunteer sign-up sheet was circulated.  (If you missed it, don’t worry – there is a fabulous array of opportunities still available for eager Rotarians.)
 
Ronnie Doctor reported that exchange student Laura Delgado is selling Valentine Tins filled with treats to raise funds for her Hawaii trip.  Unfortunately, air fare has jumped in cost, so Laura has work remaining to do.
 
Borde Rio owner Jason Cox then told Rotarians that the restaurant will be closed for remodeling and rebranding: it will become Riff Raff II, Jason said, a sort of a branch of his original Riff Raff that in addition to serving food and drink will substantially expand brewing capacity.  Jason said that he hopes the remodeled restaurant will be able to continue hosting Rotary meetings.  During the remodeling, Rotary meetings will continue to convene in the building, at least until further notice.
 
In Betty Switzer’s absence, Roberta Tolan presided over Sunshine and Showers.  Roberta lacked Betty’s umbrella and parasol props (which seem to supply a nearly magical aura), but still reaped a bounty of offerings. 
 
Among others, Dave Smith noted that he’d had a good week combining abundant sunshine with a daily breakfast featuring toast spread with Laura Delgado’s delicious fund-raising jam; Kim reported she’d visited with Bob and Patty Tillerson, whom she said enjoy receiving visitors even though Bob is currently on oxygen; and Bill Hubbard gave an off-the-cuff review of the new book noted in the Bulletin a few weeks ago by Dan Darling (Bill Darling’s son), which he said is a good mystery.