DECEMBER 20, 2011 ROTARY IN REVIEW:
Holiday Entertainment with Maud Hixson and the Mouldy Figs

Club 10 Business Report

President Doug Bruce brought the meeting to order at 12:39 p.m. on a sunny Tuesday in the Saintly City as holiday preparations continue for many with a "brown Christmas" looming.  Jim Field led the assembled Rotarians in singing America the Beautiful, accompanied by Bill Given on the piano.  Jean Vukas Roberts provided today's invocation.  David Laird facilitated the introduction of visiting Rotarians and guests.  Today's Greeters were District Governor-elect  Joe Kovarik, Sunday Olayinka and Matt Anderson.  Shelly Rucks conducted a special holiday wine raffle during the meeting benefiting the Saint Paul Rotary Foundation.

President Doug reminded everyone that today is Club 10 election day (ballots turned in at the meeting).  He announced that there will not be a Thursday morning meeting this week due to the approaching holidays.  He also encouraged everyone to bring their children and grandchildren to next Tuesday's meeting.  "Children and Grandchildren Day" will feature a performance by The Amazing Jeffo, a sight-impaired magician.  Definitely a holiday treat!  Rotarian birthdays for the month of December were celebrated.

Jerry Faletti introduced new member Todd Kruse.  Todd is an expert in strategic communications with the Ainsley Shea firm. He has been a member of five Rotary clubs over the years as he moved around the country.  Jerry also collected Happy Dollars today.

Jim Field began today's entertainment program by introducing the members of the Mouldy Figs Jazz Band: Jim, Club 10 member David Laird, Steve Pikal, Bill Evans, Doug Haining and Randy Grist.  Jim formed the band in 1959 when he was a junior at Main Township High School in Parkridge, Illinois.  A “mouldy fig” is a person who studies and plays old jazz.  Jim then introduced today's featured entertainers, jazz singer Maud Hixson accompanied on the piano by her husband, jazz pianist Rick Carlson.  This report can hardly describe the magnificent music to which those in attendance were treated today!  The individual songs were:  "Ain't Misbehavin'" by Fats Waller; "Our Love is Here to Stay" by George Gershwin; "I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm" by Irving Berlin; "Give Me a Kiss" made famous by Louis Armstrong; concluding with a sing-along of Irving Berlin's "White Christmas."  Not to sound cliche, but a good time was had by all!  For more information about today's performers go to www.mouldyfigs.com and www.maudhixson.com