Reported by Phil Thoden
President Dale Lowe called the meeting to order. Karen Collins led the pledges and Past President John Braun gave our invocation of the day. Andrew Mondi led us in saying The Four Way Test. Pauline Gubbels served as greeter and Rich Fikani introduced our guests and visitors. President Dale introduced new member, James Gavin, who is sponsored by Adam Borger. Congratulations, James, and welcome! Jon Yates came up to talk about volunteers needed for a Club project at BookSpring. Past President Gaines Bagby announced this month’s wine tasting which will be at his and Leslie’s home on November 11. RSVP to Leslie1@earthlink.net. Mark Kapner shared the Global Awareness Update about the Constantia Rotary Club in South Africa and their Harvest of Hope effort that supports both local farmers as well as families in need of healthy food. Ellen Hunt updated us on several of our Club’s Global Grant Projects including medical and dental work in Monterrey, a cleft palate effort in San Salvador, and the Iraqi Children’s Foundation. President Dale reminded us all to use RCA social media such as Facebook and Meetup, and he reminded us about the next “Thirsty Thursday” scheduled for November 3 at the JW Marriott Corner Bar. Last, Michael Portman led the Thank Goodness Basket with the following members contributing: Pat Beckham, Edis Oliver, Ellen Hunt, Don Ray George, Bill Baker, Barry Curlee and Harold Ingersoll. Ellen Hunt introduced our speaker, Acia Gray, who serves as the Co-founder and Executive Director of the Tapestry Dance Company based here in Austin since 1989. A graduate of The American Academy of Dramatic Arts/NYC, Ms. Gray has shared the stage with top dancers Lon Chaney, Chuck Green, Steve Condos, Brenda Bufalino, Donald O’Connor, Fayard Nicholas, Buster Brown, Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Jimmy Slyde, Sarah Petronio, Dianne Walker and many others in such productions as The Great Tap Reunion, Tap Do/Wop, Just Friends, Masters of Tap, Tap City, Chicago on Tap and Women in Tap. Her numerous awards include the “Hoofer Award” by The New York City Tap Festival and a premiere member of the Austin Arts Fall of Fame. Acia shared stories with the RCA about the arts here in Austin and the activities of the Tapestry Dance Company over the years. For those interested, tap dancing classes for both children and adults are available there, and a number of performances are coming up. For more information visit www.tapestry.org. Acia answered several audience questions and is quite likely the first speaker to include numerous tap dancing examples in her very entertaining presentation! Next week’s speaker will be Elizabeth Davis with the Miracle Foundation.