3-22-2012 meeting of the Rotary Club of Chickasha

The March 22, 2012 meeting of the Rotary Club of Chickasha opened with a prayer, pledge and songs.
President-elect Cody White presided in the absence of President Michael Oberlender, who was enjoyed a spring break vacation with family

Guests included Angie Burruss, Maryann Burruss, John David Burruss, Kyle Mottinger, Bertha Thomas and Logan and Tanner Tibbetts.

Rotarian of the Day was Charlie Burrus who introduced Avis Scaramucci of Nonna's Euro-American Ristorante in Bricktown as guest speaker. Avis is a member of the Club 29 in Oklahoma City.

A native of Jackson County, Avis launched her first retail business in 1991 - the Painted Door which was later expanded to include a bakery. In 2005, she moved to a 22,000 foot Bricktown facility and opened Nonna's, one of the best eateries in the city.

Nonna's grows the majority of its produce in a greenhouse using hydroponic techniques. She grows tomatoes, lettuce, herbs and edible plants that are unrivaled in freshness. She brought several examples of the produce including tomatoes, that taste just like you grew them in your back yard

Avis said the one-acre greenhouse was designed like one she had seen at Epcot in Orlando.

"We grow only for our restaurant," she said. "It's more costly that buying from a produce supplier, but fine food demands fresh produce."

As a parting gift, everyone took home a tomato and several door prizes were also given, including Nonna's gift cards.

The meeting adjourned after recitation of the Rotary 4-Way Test.