Last Week Nick Martinez took over the North Bethesda Presidency with command presents. The board was sworn in by Past District Governor Claude Morrisette. There followed a discussion of the two highest priorities: new members and fund raising. Claude was very helpfull with ideas about finding and retaining new members. He mentioned a Past President who doubled the club’s membership from 20 to 40 in one year. Carla suggested we should invite outsiders to parties at Steve and Carla’s houses, and that they should be pot luck and charge an admission. Kevin said there are a lot of businesses in North Bethesda that are potential members. Dave volunteered to help Nick and Gonzo schedule Rotary speakers.

New officers:
President – Nick Martinez
Vice President – Joe DiPiedro
President Elect – Gonzo Accame
Secretary – Nancy Pulley
Treasurer – Steve Vaccareza
Club Service – Carmela Carr
Vocational Service – Bruce Fowler
Community Service – Mario Price
International Service – Jim Manley
Sergeant at Arms – Ron Sigelman

Last Week, Past President (three times) Gary Lett talked about the challenges North Bethesda Rotary faces. We need more active members as does Rotary International. From our current members we need better attendance and more participation in events. We talked about fund raising events. The fellowship of members and guests at the picnic after the bike ride was better this year. Parties at Steve and Carla’s houses are always fun but we should use them to promote more outside participation.

Last week, From his book on Southern Brig Gen John McCaustand, Jim Johnson talked about Lt Gen Jubal Early’s Shenandoah Valley raid into MD and on to DC in July 1864. Gen Lee pulled Early’s 15,000 infantry and McCaustand’s 1,000 cavalry out of Richmond to put pressure on Washington.

The Rebs raided Harper’s Ferry, threatened to burn Hagerstown and Frederick for $20k and $200k ransom on their way to Rockville. Union Gen Lew Wallace’s 5,000 infantry fought a delaying action just long enough for Gen grant to get troops up from Petersburg to defend DC. Early’s infantry came down GA Ave and were stopped at Fort Stevens in Siver Spring while McCaustand’s cavalry made it to Tenleytown with very little resistance. ( McCaustand claimed he could captured DC with more troops).