Dear Rotarians,

Today is our Annual Dan Stover Music Contest. We have five competitors each hoping to move on to the area competition and ultimately hoping to move to the District competition at the District Conference in May. How many of you knew that this competition originated in District 5300? I have copied this text directly from the District website as I think this best describes this very special event.

DAN STOVER MEMORIAL MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP

Musically talented high school students each year participate in a Rotary District 5300 program entitled the Dan Stover Memorial Music Scholarship, and winners qualify for educational awards that enable them to further their studies at an accredited college, university, or music conservatory upon high school graduation.

WHO WAS DAN STOVER AND WHY IS THIS SCHOLARSHIP NAMED AFTER HIM?

The worlds of education and music transected in the life of Dan Stover, a secondary education professional whose musical talents were shared with his family, his community, and certainly with Rotary, at both the local and District levels. Dan Stover was an educator who always placed the student first, and his obvious respect for his students transformed the lives of countless young people. He shared his love of learning with the young, providing them with a positive role model for structuring their studies and their lives.

Dan Stover was an accomplished musician, both as a vocalist and an instrumentalist. He was as much at home in the finals of Barber Shop Quartet competition as he was at the keyboard of his famous “Rotary” organ, serenading Club meetings and District Conferences with his unique musical wizardry. Dan Stover passed away shortly following the 1987 District Conference at which his friend and follow Alhambra Rotarian, Dr. Tim Keen Siu, became District Governor. Dan was noticeably ill at the conference, but he played out his heart for Dr. Tim and others, knowing that the show must go on.

HOW THE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM BEGAN

The Rotary Club of Alhambra, in the year following Dan Stover’s death, established a Music Scholarship Program and Competition in Dan’s name. The program was proposed, organized, and championed by new Rotarian Christine Montan who, as Alhambra’s first woman Rotarian, quickly recognized and appreciated the talent and effectiveness of Dan Stover as a Rotarian and as a person. Under Rotarian Christine Montan’s leadership, the Dan Stover Memorial Music Scholarship “graduated” into a District program in the following year, and the rest is history. A whole generation of talented, young musicians have had the opportunity, in the name of Dan Stover, to compete against their peers, and earn funds to further their musical education.

Chair Judith Pinkerton is presenting some wonderfully talented students. Enjoy!

Jackie Thornhill
President
Las Vegas Rotary Club

Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting: February 20, 2020

• President Jackie Thornhill called the meeting to order.
• Past President Caty Crocket gave the invocation.
• Judith Pinkerton led the club in singing “This Little Light of Mine”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
• Chase Carter was the Sergeant-At-Arms.
• 3 International visiting Rotarians, 0 visiting Rotarians and 4 Guests of Rotarians were introduced.
• The weekly drawing began at ­­­­­­­­­$4954 plus this week’s donations. Past President Jim Tucker missed the Joker. Past President Jim Hunt won the Lawry’s Bucks.
• President Jackie Thornhill announcements/reminders:
  • International Convention held in Hawaii in June 6-10 and is filling up quickly
  • District Conference is in in Pasadena May 1-3. Registration is open – celebrate the 100^th
  • Your quarterly and monthly contributions help fund programs keep our projects moving. Please consider donating to the permanent fund.
  • Remember to recycle Wheels and tickets.
  • Please keep the green book moving for service sign up.
• Two tickets to the Golden Knights were auctioned off for $400 to Dave Lester via Murray from Calgary’s donation.
• President Jackie Thornhill announced Deb Granda as Rotarian of the Month. President Jackie Thornhill announced the induction of two new members Keri Serrano and Sonia Petkewich.
• Judith Pinkerton wrapped up the 25 Club Social at the Neon Museum. $200 was raised for Destiny’s Rescue.
• Marie Walsh Reading Week is March 2-5^th .Breakfast with Books March the 10^th. Please sign up.
• Melanie Muldowney can help look up your current Paul Harris level and assist you in using matching club points( up to 500) to get you to the next level.
• Past President Jim Hunt 21^st Patrick’s Cigar Social Friday March 13^th 6 PM bring 3 Cigars hosted at Kirk Holmes home. Humidor with LV Rotary logo will be an auction item. Rotary alumni will be invited this year.
• Bill Houghton RYLA Weekend March 20-22 in CA hosting 15 students. More volunteers needed. Thanked Luanne Wagner for her efforts at Clark HS.
• President Jackie Thornhill District Conference May 1-3 at the Pasadena Westin. Pasadena Club is hosting and celebrating their 100^th Please attend. Currently 3 members signed up as Board Members you need to be there for Assembly may as well stay for the conference:  Room rates $169 and to purchase all the meals $240. Please get online and sign up
• Brian Sorrentino announced a new partner, the USO. April 25 Cuisine & Octane Annual Fundraising Event tickets are $100 for all the food and drink you’d like.
• 25 Club Secretary Rose Falocco introduced the Four Way Test competition, adopted by Rotary in 1943. Contestant Maria and Courtney. They each completed their presentations with Maria taking first place. Maria will return to compete in the area finals.

President Jackie Thornhill adjourned the meeting.