President Elect Mike Dennard called the meeting to order, sharing that President David Coney is currently vacationing in Belize.  Jack Bacon announced that Thursday is Mozart’s birthday.  In recognition of that fact and of members who have birthdays in January, he led the membership in singing “Happy Birthday”.  The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Lou Gaigher, the Four Way Test was kicked off by Glen Langford, and Scott Rainey led in prayer.

Jerry Smith welcomed visitors and guests.  A warm welcome back was extended to Alice May-Sexton in recognition of her return from medical leave.  Roger Donnelly announced that the next social will be Wednesday, January 26 at Dos Mas Mexican Restaurant.  Please RSVP to Roger.  Billy Smith, Club Parliamentarian, discussed the upcoming elections of officers and directors.  Absentee ballots will be available today at the check in table and on the web site for those who are unable to attend the meeting.  Assistant District 5890 Governor Chris Schneider announced that the District Be a Friend Dinner resulted in $19,000 in donations to the recognized charities.  He presented a check to Space Center Rotary in the amount of $448 as our portion of the reservations proceeds.  There will be a social on January 30th at the Rotary House for those who may be interested in serving as a future District Governor.  Please also check the web site for information concerning District Leadership Training, the District Conference the end of April, and the Rotary International Convention in New Orleans May 21-25.

Kippy Carraway presented two $500 checks to Pam Ugalde (center) of the San Jacinto Girl Scouts to help provide programs for two troops in the Whitcomb Elementary area.  Pam extended thanks and noted that the funding is helping grow the number of children in the program.  Last year at Whitcomb she had one troop with four girls.  This year the old troop has 10 girls, and they were able to start a new troop with 14 girls.

John Branch introduced Jim McInvale (right) of Gallery Furniture.  Gallery Furniture has consistently ranked in the top 100 furniture stores in sales, and has extended considerable charitable support to (among others) the Houston Rodeo, the USO, and Helping a Hero Homes.  Mr. McInvale attributed his success to hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.  He noted that a key to any success story is the attitude change from “what can people do for me”, to “what can I do for them”.  He relayed stories about his family history and about several prominent Houstonians, touched on the challenges for 2011 and the impact of what the Wall Street Journal calls the “great Texas migration”.  Mike Dennard extended thanks and a gift to Mr. McInvale for his presentation.  Editor's note: View photos of Jim as our program speaker over the years.

Members were reminded that this week is the Clear Creek Independent School District Livestock Show.  Please plan to attend and support the program.  The meeting was adjourned by President Elect Dennard.

The Endowment Foundation's pancake breakfast will be held March 26 at the Nassau Bay Baptist Church (2 blocks off NASA Parkway on Nassau Bay Drive) from 7:30 to 10 am. Tickets are $7 each or 5 for $30.

 District Conference - April 28-30