The National Gallery of Art of Washington has the temporary exhibition: “Sergey Diaghilev and the Ballets Russes”. S. Diaghilev was the Russian Aristocrat, who create and performed around the world with a new type of ballet dance – Contemporary Ballet. That started in 1906 in Paris. For the next 20 years a lot of very talented dancers from Russia were employed by his ballet company – “Ballets Russes”. And a very productive collaboration with musicians and composers: I. Stravinsky, S. Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Delibes…..artists and designers: Picasso, Bakst, Coco Chanel ….etc.. have bring to the Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes the success and recognition. S. Diaghilev die in Italy in age of 43 from the blood-poisoning. The ballet dancers left their ballet-shoes at his tomb by professional tradition at San Michele Cemetery in Venice.

AG Greg Williams talked about some suggestions on increasing membership. He said that the age and classifications have been loosened and that we should go after younger members. He thinks we should build on our Bike Ride by introducing a contest between high schools with a $1000 reward; also promote the charities that the funds are going toward. Look to the Montgomery County Chambers for potential members. Talk about the Polio + project started by Dr John Sever of the Potomac Club. We have the best web sight in the district and we should use it to promote membership liked the uploading of pictures. Good speaker programs are important.

Last Week, Master Firefighter Keith Stakes, EMT Sarah Trigger and Paramedic Udana Torian arrived in a rescue truck that cost more than $ 1 mil of community raised funds. The truck carried tools that help rescue people trapped in buildings and cars. The three talked about their jobs rescuing people from building and vehicle fires. BCCRS also has 7 ambulance/ medic units, 2 heavy rescue squads, 1 medic chase car, 2 air support units for refilling firefighters’ breathing apparatus at fire scenes, as well as utility and command vehicles. Keith’s proud grandfather also visited.