Alpha Study President Joan Raum opened the March 8 meeting at Ranae Fagan’s home, explaining why March is notoriously frustrating due to its changeability, but also has been the time of year during which marbles and skipping have been a favorite activity. With 17 members present, Joan opened the business meeting by having the Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports read. They were accepted as presented. No correspondence was received; the G-R After – Prom gift was paid; and members were encouraged to pay any lingering dues. Old Business: The Librarians’ gifts were a Rose Bush and personal hand lotions. No New Business. Joan closed the business meeting with the poem “Unicorn” that described how the Great Flood contributed to the extinction of Unicorns. Avriel Koester of the Program Committee introduced JoAnne Sash’s book review. In “Elephant’s Company”, readers learn about James Williams. In 1920, James “Billy” Williams came to colonial Burma as a “forest man” for the British Teak Company. Intrigued by the intelligence and character of the elephants who hauled logs through the jungle, he became a gifted “elephant wallah” (handler). “Elephant Company” is also a tale of war and daring. When Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the elite British Force 136 and operated behind enemy lines. His war elephants carried supplies, helped build bridges and transported the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. “Elephant Company” is an inspirational story that tells a little known chapter in the annals of wartime heroism. After discussing some of the surprising information about elephants character, their innate understanding of any given task, and their important part in World War II, we enjoyed Ranae’s Almond Bars, Deluxe Chocolate Bars, Fresh Fruit, Nuts, Chocolates and choice of coffee or tea. Thanks, Ranae and helpers.