August 28, 2009

THIS FRIDAY

We’ll welcome First Bank’s John Puricelli and Darlene Ward to the podium. The two will speak about the economy – where we’ve been, where we’re at now, and from their perspectives, where we’re going in the future. Should be a good one so bring a perspective member and join us at ABVI.

ROAD TRIP FRIDAY LAST

Our thanks to Carlos Fernandez for the good look at a great program – Honor Flights. As we learned from Carlos and the video (thank you Immediate Past President Art Awerkamp). Honor Flights transport veterans, from big and small communities alike, to visit and reflect at their perspective national memorials in Washington, D.C. On average, it cost $300 to sponsor a trip and the trips are done in one day. Carlos is leading the charge to start a chapter in the Quincy area – with several other Exchangites willing to lend a hand. Good stuff!

VIP DATES

8/26 – Chad Argabright celebrates a birthday

8/27 – Mike Smith celebrates a birthday, Duane & Julie Venvertloh celebrate their 15th anniversary, and 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 – ROAD TRIP to The Dock and later that evening, the Smoke on the River Steak Fry (along with a number of other great activities)

9/12 – Smoke on the River

9/14 – September Board Meeting @ The Pier

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

10/12 – October Board Meeting @ The Pier

11/7 – Veterans Day Parade

SMOKE ON THE RIVER

Ready or not, Smoke on the River three weeks from Friday. Chairman Mel Dillman expects nearly three dozen competitors. We’ll need help setting up tents on Thursday evening, and then taking them down on Sunday. Plenty of other areas to help with as well. Sign-up sheets out again this week. Don’t forget about the raffle tickets. All members invited to the committee meetings on Thursday evenings – 5:30 p.m. at The Dock.

CHARACTER CHAMPIONS

Right on the heels of Smoke on the River is Character Champions. The 2009 version will be conducted at Quincy University on Tuesday, September 15th. Help is needed on this day. Please see Jim Benz or Daren Duke to sign-up.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Elvin Townsend told members how important it is for every Exchange Club member to learn the Heimlich maneuver. Shortly afterwards, Jared started his tail twisting with, “Just want you to know I’m completely against the Heimlich maneuver.” It brought down the house!

THIS & THAT

The Rev. Ron Fritts SINGING the prayer and PFC Matt Anderson leading the pledge. Matt (son of Kent) in town with bride Sarah – whom he married just the Saturday before! Guess this was the part of the honeymoon trip. Anyway, Matt proudly serves in the U.S. Army in Military Intelligence (if you can figure that one out) stationed in Washington D.C. Many of you may remember Matt from Gus Busting for us… My thanks to Cullan Duke for taking notes last week and Jared Haugh for filling in as Tail Twister. I intended on doing both until things changed about an hour prior to the meeting. All is good now but I am disappointed I missed the Honor Flights program – was looking forward to it… President Kevin acknowledging Jerry Ebbing and Max Johnson – both Purple Heart recipients. It was August 7, 1782, that General George Washington presented the first such medals to three Revolutionary War soldiers. No, Max wasn’t one of them… Opt out forms continue to be put out on tables each week. Please do so if you haven’t already – a chance for the club to save a little money… Immediate Past President Art Awerkamp has agreed to update our name badges. Please see or call him if you need a new one… Kevin O’Donnell with the winning 50/50 ticket but picked the wrong card (five of hearts)… That's all for now, 'til next time, may God’s love, grace, and peace be with you and the ones you love.