Deb Galbraith, Program Coordinator for May introduced the speakers for today Nancy MacFarlane,  Artistic Director, Ethel Baker.  Nancy is from Philadelphia and found Crescendo Children's Choir. Ethel's husband was the Principle at several schools, Coon Rapids, Boon and moved to Iowa City to become the 1st principle of West High.   Nancy met Ethel through social groups.  They began talking and decided that An opera should be developed based on the book that Ethel wrote.  "For the Love of Pete"  This book is about orphan trains that existed between 1830-1926 began in New York and came to Hartfield, Iowa, The trains were in every state that was in the union as well as Canada and Mexico. Ethel found out about the orphan trains though the Iowa Historical Society.  She was fascinated  with the story of all the children and decided to write the book.
The Opera is slated to open in June 2021.
     Nancy Macfarlane, Crescendo Children's Choir
President Seaba called the meeting to order at 7:05 am.   Rick Dobyns was the greeter.  PDG Chris Knapp led us in  The 4-Way Test, and singing Smile.
Rotarian's in the News:  Dave Parsons was playing the trombone with the U of I Marching Band in a C. R. Parking Lot. DGN Alka talked about a Rotary Meeting for Keokuk, Wednesday, 6:00 pm.  Deb Dunkhase talked about a book Floating Feathers about a Dr. that fell and his recovery.  He had been in Guatemala.
There were several questions for the speakers.  One was how to get Ethel's book "For the Love of Pete'?  Ethel said she had copies, Amazon or Prairie Lights would order.
Meeting adjourned 8:00 am.