July 24, 2009

ROAD TRIP THIS FRIDAY

We’ll meet at the Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design (332 Maine – that’s the old library for you old timers) where we will check out amongst other things, an exhibit noting the 150 anniversary of Gardner-Denver. The exhibit on Gardners is one of five currently on display in the museum. As previously noted, please park on the west side of the museum.

FRIDAY LAST

Always good to have Quincy Herald-Whig Senior Political Writer Doug Wilson with us for an update on national and state politics. Doug, with help from several Exchangites, did a little roll-playing to better explain the chaos that consumes Springfield. No wonder our state is in the state that it is! Program Chairman Gary Peters with the introduction.

FINAL FRIDAY in the EAST ROOM

Last Friday marked our final meeting in the East Room of Tony’s Old Place. House Chairman Mel Dillman and I tried to pinpoint our start date in the East Room but couldn’t. We believe it to be near or over 15 years ago – which means nearly 25% of our club’s existence was spent in that location. We had a lot of good times in the place and the memories made there will always hold a special place in our hearts. We salute Mark Aleman and his crew for their outstanding service over the years. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen and best wishes to you, Mark, at Tony’s Too!

FRIDAY, JULY 31st

Our first meeting at America’s Best Value Inn (300 Gardner Expressway) will be on Friday, July 31st. We’ll be in the ball room – just hang a left as you enter from the front of the building. House Chairman Mel Dillman noted that Exchangite Jimmie Louthen’s business, J.J.’s Catering, will be providing the meal service. Our meals will be set up in a buffet style and the bar will be open prior to our meetings.

VIP DATES

7/23 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

7/24 – ROAD TRIP to Gardner Museum

7/26 – Jared & Elizabeth Haugh celebrate their 12th anniversary

7/27 – Chuck & Tracy Venvertloh celebrate their 18th anniversary

7/30 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

7/31 – Meet at America’s Best Value Inn for the 1st time

8/6 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

8/10 – August Board Meeting @ The Pier

8/13 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

8/20 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

8/27 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

9/3 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

9/10 – Smoke on the River meeting (5:30 p.m. @ The Dock)

9/11 & 12 – Smoke on the River

9/14 – September Board Meeting @ The Pier

9/15 – Character Champions (9:00 a.m. start @ QU)

11/7 – Veterans Day Parade

SMOKE ON THE RIVER

All Exchangites, and especially committee members, are invited to attend the now weekly committee meetings – 5:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings at The Dock. Don’t forget about the purple raffle tickets - $5 each or three for $10.00.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“No one died so that was a good thing.” Immediate Past President Art Awerkamp’s quote recapping his President’s Party to which Funeral Director Jared Haugh replied, “What do you mean that was a good thing?” As always, Jared’s quick wit was met with laughter by fellow Exchangites. Good stuff!

THIS & THAT

The above mentioned Jared Haugh with the prayer and Fred Lauder leading the pledge… President Kevin Curran and 1st Vice President Kent Anderson both unable to attend last week so 2nd Vice President Steve Green leading the meeting. Did a good job… 2nd Vice President Steve noting President Kevin was attending joke school… Congratulations, Immediate Past President Art Awerkamp, on a successful President’s Party. Sorry I was unable to attend. I heard the prime rib nearly melted in your mouth… Max Johnson told us the Adopt-A-Grandparent program at the Illinois Veterans Home is all set up and will resume once the kids are back in school… Charlie Ledbetter is resurrecting the GIVEAKIDACHANCE program and refocusing our efforts on the goal of Child Abuse Prevention. More on this in the weeks and months ahead… On a personal note. Gardner-Denver celebrating 150 years in business and my Dad has worked there nearly 1/3 of them. If memory serves me correctly, Dad will celebrate his 46th year with the company in October. Holy smokes that is a long time… The table of Mike Disseler, Charlie Ledbetter, Rich Howell, Jim Lierly, Kevin O’Donnell, Mike Smith, Mike Llewellyn, and Russ Goehl won the 50/50 but picked the wrong card (ten of clubs). Apparently a little controversy on whether or not that card was even supposed to be in the deck. Either way, the pot grows. Should be over $1,000 next time we do it… Steve Peters collecting funds for the widows and orphans fund… That's all for now, 'til next time, may God’s love, grace, and peace be with you and the ones you love.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

From the prior week – special guest Conner O’Neil with parents Carla and Sean. Conner is pictured being a good sport and playing along with a Gary Peters’ joke. Very funny, Gary and Conner!