Reported by Samuel Greer
President Julie Benkoski called the meeting to order at noon. Jack Mayo led the pledges and Leslie Bagby gave the invocation. Jessica Diaz led us in reciting the “FOUR WAY TEST.” Pauline Gubbels was our Greeter at the top of the stairs and Carl Noble introduced our guests and visitors.
President Julie introduced our newest member, Caroline Valentine (with her sponsor Girish Altekar). Welcome, Caroline! She then presented Carl Noble with his PHF +5 pin and Rich Fikani and Peter Pfeiffer with their PHF +1 pins. Congratulations!
Jon Yates thanked everyone w ho signed up to volunteer at Pecan Spring’s Elementary School’s Fall Festival and Book Fair on October 25th. All the spots have been filled, and it should be a fun night for Rotarians and the kids!
Rich Fikani announced that the Club’s Annual Ask giving program was “kicking off” and would run through November 15th. All members should expect to be contacted regarding their pledges, and donations received this year will be used to set the budget for 2019-2020.
President Elect Bill Davies reminded us that the deadline to recommend any of our fellow members, or ourselves, to serve on the Board of Directors or as President is coming up THIS FRIDAY (October 19th). Get those nomination forms turned in ASAP!
Then, Tillery Castillo came forward and reminded us about the Pints for Polio/Membership event coming up THIS THURSDAY (October 18) at the Fairmont Hotel’s Roof Top Patio, from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Don Grillo also made an announcement reminding us about the wine tasting he and his wife are hosting on Friday, October 26th.
Jon Yates returned back to the podium to lead the Thank Goodness Basket. We heard good news from the following members: Ellen Hunt, Past President Bruce Golden, Past President Ronney Reynolds, Past President Gaines Bagby, John Fox, Sylvia Holmes, Margaret Curtis and President Julie.
President Julie introduced Austin Police Chief Brian Manley to speak with us. He covered the timeline and investigation of the Austin Bomber case from March, 2018. Chief Manley told us that this investigation, involving the entire police force and over 700 federal agents, is considered to be a national model of effective policing.
President Julie announced that next w eek’s program will be a Polio Panel led by Jack Mayo and Ken King, then she thanked our featured newsletter sponsors Corey Wilson (Kidd Roofing) and David Doran (Texas Systems Group). She closed w ith a “Thought for the Day” from Eleanor Roosevelt and adjourned at 1:00 p.m.