Jimmy Carter, who turns 100 today, was one of our most musical Presidents. He took an interest in the Suzuki method of string education and enrolled his daughter, Amy, in classes. On November 20, 1977, according to the Carter Presidential Diary, he went to St. Patrick's Episcopal Church, in Northwest Washington, to attend a violin recital by students of the local teacher Ronda Cole. At the time, Amy was enrolled at Hardy Middle School, across Foxhall Road. I was nine years old and lived down the street. A crowd showed up to greet the President, my family included, and he shook our hands when he arrived. A little later, before the recital began, I wandered inside the church and found myself in a meeting room. As I recall, three men were standing there: two in suits, presumably Secret Service, and, off to one side, the President, presumably waiting to make a last-minute entrance. If I hadn't been a little boy, I doubt I'd have been allowed in, but the two men paid me little heed. Along one wall was a table on which were laid foodstuffs for a post-concert reception. I gazed somewhat awestruck at the President; I also gazed at the table. Carter looked at me, looked at the spread, and said, "Would you like a brownie?" I nodded, and was presented with a brownie. There was no mistaking the quiet kindness that emanated from the man. The recital itself was a bit excruciating, but that's beside the point. Happy birthday, Mr. President!
