Manfred Takes Debunking Like a Mannie!

Upon arrival, Mannie was relieved of his traditional Rotary shirt and given a Tiger-Skin shirt and cap. Although he had never seen garb like this in Africa, and although it was less then flattering if you have ANY tummy, he re-dressed without hesitation.

Soon after many Rotarians and guests arrived at the Thompson's home to find the Bar open and tasty appetizers being served. Ron Thompson graciously hosted the party and many Rotarians admired his Wine Cellar.

After a delicious dinner, George Osborn kicked off the evening with a welcome to all. He was a little frustrated when he announced the first act on the program. It seemed that it was taking a long time for the local talent to get up on stage. Although we could see their white-topped heads moving side-to-side, their forward progress was measured and somewhat plodding.

The first act was local talent doing a take-off of "That's My Line" which they called, "Who's Your Mannie?" Local talent included Sherri Lum-Alarcon, Cris Alarcon, Courtney Mattson, Dave Nelson, and the ubiquitous N. Manfred Shaffer. The questions revolved around Mannie's life including his career, travels, and hobbies. Questions as obscure as annual rainfall total in a most arid plains near Lake Victoria in Kenya Africa, to as common as what time Rotary meetings start. What time DO Rotary meetings start? Maybe incoming President Terrie Prod'hon will clear this up for us!

Mannie has been our President for the whole year, but as questions were asked, and answers given, the identity of the real "Mannie" became less clear. All the panelist looked like a retired professor, they seemed to know a lot about traveling, They all seemed to have a hard time hearing the questions and just answered what they thought they heard. Finally the audience was polled and the vote was split between imposter #1 and imposter #3, but no votes for the real Mannie. (Some say the fix was in - or someone simply forgot to print any #2s)

After this skit, the Professional came on stage. It should be noted that the local talent asked to go before the Pros as they were afraid to follow them. After seeing the next act, the locals were right to not want to follow this act. The audience was enrapt with the comic, who was stopping by on his was to Vegas. He admitted that he was use to performing for rock-n-roll type audiences, but after looking around he concluded that most of us were younger the the Rolling Stones.

After much help from Rotarians, the comic was able to perform his card trick, but he got the wrong card! He was willing to retry, but his helpers refused! After this he moved into an act for the youth, balloon sculpturing. Soon we realized this was his talent to make shocking realistic balloon sculptures. This balloon contained a lot more then just hot air!

Great fun was had by all. The acts were just the right amount of raunchy without being offensive. Rotarians may be use to Hot Air, but this balloon trick caught them by surprise. Then it was Mannie's turn to "help" the comedian.

Mannie took the stage to help as a partner for the comedian in a vaudevillian act that ended with a bit of Vegas showgirl like antics.

After this show Rotarians suffer from side aches and leaky tear ducts.

Mannie then put on HIS shirt and re-took the stage to thank those that had helped through the year. He also gave out gifts in the form of Placerville Rotary Club briefcases with custom embroidering of the club name, logo, and recipient's name. A very nice gift indeed. He received a clock commemorating his year as Rotary President and then called on Terrie.