Today several of us were guests at the downtown Portland Lion's Club meeting that featured Norman Leyden, the Oregon Symphony's Laureate Associate Conductor who will perform at the Schnitz on May 26th. At the age of 91 he remains a remarkable entertainer. Today he spent some time talking about the "early days", as well as playing his clarinet. It was wonderful hearing him play "A String of Pearls", one of his signature pieces. Pictured here are Nita, our hostess, me, Merry and Lynne (Bill, our other host is the photographer). Of course we had to stop at the Club bar for a glass of wine before lunch.I'm not a member of the Lion's Club but Gary and I had an amazing experience in November 2007 when we went with a group of Lion's to Manzanillo Mexico to volunteer working in an eye clinic. It was a two week trip and I don't remember ever working so hard or experiencing such a great reward. Our team provided eyeglasses for over 2,000 people during the trip and each day we were hugged and kissed by the people who were so grateful for the help. Many walked in using a cane (because they couldn't see the ground clearly) and left without the canes. I keep remembering how hot it was and how long the days were but it's still a temptation to go again this year.
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