The Washington (evening) Rotary Club met Thursday night at the Washington Yacht & Country Club in the upper deck. President David McLawhorn called the meeting to order and led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bartow Houston led in the singing of “America the Beautiful” and Russell Smith offered a prayer and blessing for the upcoming meal. President McLawhorn, who is also a member of the Salvation Army board of directors, brought an “Angel Tree” and offered the members an opportunity to adopt a child for Christmas.

Following the meal, Bill Wall reported that he, along with David McLawhorn, Rocky Jacobs, Sam Grimes and Sandy Mitchell, attended the Grants Management/Foundation Seminar held Wednesday night in Williamston, where the Rotary Club of Washington was recognized as being the second highest in per capita giving to the Rotary Foundation in District 7720 last year. Wall reported that the Club should receive additional funds in the future to give as District Grants as a result of our giving record.

President McLawhorn passed around the Christmas sign-up sheet for “ringing the Salvation Army bell” at Wal-Mart on Dec. 18.

Rocky Jacobs gave the “Health and Happiness” report. There was no winner of the Jack of Diamond drawing.

Two of our own new members gave the program. Malissa Jarvis gave a career bio tracing her banking career that led to her position as branch manager at First Bank in Belhaven and now branch manager in Washington.

Sandy Machon told how her medical career began in the veterinary field and eventually led her to become a nurse practitioner at Washington Pediatrics. She also announced that she would be taking a temporary leave of absence next year to help inoculate children against the polio virus in India as part of Rotary’s effort to eliminate polio in the world.

The meeting concluded with the members reciting the Four Way Test of the things we think, say and do.