April 24, 2009

ROAD TRIP THIS FRIDAY

We’ll be on the road this week and next. This Friday we’ll meet at Curtis Creek Retirement Center (823 South 36th Street – across from the Knights of Columbus) where we will dedicate our newest Freedom Shrine. Our good friend and Life Member, John Tripp will do the honors of emceeing/dedicating. This is will be a special day for all Exchangites but especially Max Johnson who resides at the center. Let’s have a good turn out to show our support for Max and of course, this outstanding program.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AWARENESS

Chairman Charlie Ledbetter needs six to eight members to assist him this Saturday (4/25) starting at 2:00 p.m. at the County Market on Broadway to pass out literature and blue ribbons bringing awareness to child abuse. Shouldn’t take long to accomplish the goal. The more, the merrier.

FRIDAY LAST

Hal Broadwater did a bang-up job telling us about identity theft. Some eye-popping statistics related to this crime. As Hal told us, identity theft can be divided into these five areas: driver license; social security number; medical; character/criminal; or financial. Good advice from Mayor John Spring, “If you are a victim of identity theft, make sure you file a police report ASAP.” Kevin O’Donnell with the introduction.

VIP DATES

4/24 – ROAD TRIP to Curtis Creek Retirement Center

4/25 – Child Abuse Prevention Awareness event (see above)

4/27 – Jimmie & Julie Louthen celebrate their 7th anniversary

4/30 – Macker Meeting at KC (5:15 p.m.)

5/1 – ROAD TRIP to Tony’s Too and Youth of the Year Presentation

5/2 – GIVAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE (Dogwood Parade)

5/8 – 57th Annual Book of Golden Deeds Award

5/11 – May Board Meeting @ The Pier

5/15 – Bud Willer Award Presentation

5/23 & 24 – Gus Macker

6/8 – June Board Meeting @ The Pier

6/17 – Flag Day Concert/Family Picnic

6/25-28 – District Convention in Fairview Heights

9/11 & 12 – Smoke on the River

GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE

GIVEAKIDAGLAGTOWAVE Chairman Dave Poland notes that, as is tradition, we will walk and pass out flags during the Dogwood Parade on May 2nd. We’ll meet at 24th & Maine at 9:15 a.m. Kids and grandkids are welcome to join us.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Where’s my bulletin?” Every wise guy in attendance asked the question. Not sure what detour it took but I finally got mine on Monday. Now I can stop worrying about that – should give me more time to contemplate other mysteries.

FREEDOM SHRINE AT VETERANS HOME

With Board approval, the Veterans Home is taking down the Freedom Shrine located in the hallway between Andrew Infirmary and the old Schapers hospital. The move is necessary because many pieces of the Shrine are in terrible shape (from the southern sun shining through the glass) and the area is no longer used. Andrew is now vacant and Schapers houses two dementia units. The Home administration would like to see the Shrine moved to Kent Infirmary once renovations are completed in that building. More news later on this one.

THIS & THAT

Jared Haugh with the Prayer and Eric Thomas leading the pledge… President Art Awerkamp recapped two actions from the 4/13 board meeting. The club will once again donate $300 to the YMCA to sponsor a little league baseball team and will also sponsor a hole in the JWCC golf outing… Macker Co-Chairman Steve Green reminding us to follow up on all court sponsors and then let Vic Welper know either way. Gus Macker, believe it or not, ready or not, is about 30 days from this Friday… Welcome back, Gary Peters… Lots of open seats last week as the result of a low turn-out. More than one or two members probably on the train ride with Jeff Dorsey to Chicago for the Cubs/Cards series at Wrigley… President Art reading a joke, and a good one, supplied by Charlie Ledbetter… Tony’s no longer doing lunch – other than for the service groups it hosts each week. This means starting May 4th, you’ll need to enter from the east door… Jim Fitch has resigned from the club. We’ll miss Jim but thank him for his great work over the years – including Macker Chairman two different times… You humble editor twisting tails… Ric Hinkamper won the 50/50 but drew the wrong card (six of clubs). The pot grows. Should be over or near $625 next drawing… That's all for now, 'til next time, may God’s love, grace, and peace be with you and the ones you love.