March 27, 2009

Please join us as Reg Ankrom presents an interesting program on Quincy history (specifically from 1840-1860). Reg will tell us about Stephen Douglas, William Richardson, and several of the old businesses in town including Comstock Castle and Dick Brothers Brewery. Should be another good one.

FRIDAY LAST

“Whiskeys of the World” AKA “Water of Life” as presented by an enthusiastic Hugh Higgins. Hugh obviously loves his job and told us about the national spirit – bourbon. Interesting to find out all bourbon made in America must have 51% corn but not more than 85%. After his presentation, Hugh served a little whiskey to the delight of those in attendance. Keith Holtschlag didn’t have a speaking part but was there to assist Hugh. Good stuff.

NEWEST MEN OF ACTION

Welcome to the Exchange Club of Quincy, Andy Blaesing and Jim Totsch. The two men were inducted last week by Steve Peters and Mel Dillman (who hit the whiskey before anyone else). Andy was sponsored by Tim Muehring and is the club manager at Sam’s Club. He and his wife, Sally, have been married for 33 years and have one daughter. Jim was sponsored by Jim Benz and is retired after serving 30 years in the United States Air Force. Jim and his wife, Janet, have been married 36 years and have 4 children (pretty sure that is the correct number – hard to read my own writing sometimes). Glad to have your both with us!

VIP DATES

3/25 – Roger Player celebrates a birthday

3/30 – Dale Venvertloh celebrates a birthday

3/31 – Perry Terwelp celebrates his 45th anniversary

4/2 – Macker Meeting at KC (5:15 p.m.)

4/3 – Scott McNeal/Macker and Secretary of State Jesse White

4/10 – NO MEETING (Good Friday)

4/13 – April Board Meeting @ The Pier

4/16 – Macker Meeting at KC (5:15 p.m.)

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

5/1 – ROAD TRIP to Tony’s Too

5/2 – GIVAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE (Dogwood Parade)

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

5/23 & 24 – Gus Macker

6/17 – Flag Day Concert/Family Picnic

9/11 & 12 – Smoke on the River

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Two GREAT quotes – one by a frequent contributor in this space and another by our District President… “Woo, woo, woo… What do we have here?” A surprised and VERY PLEASED Skip Rueter upon finding three bottle of liquor in the back of the room – prior to the program. “I’m there every day!” District President Dennis Koch’s comment as Gus Macker Sponsorship Chairman Vic Welper asked if anyone made frequent trips to the new business in town, Fitness for All.

THIS & THAT

Jim Benz with the prayer and 1st Vice President Kevin Curran leading the pledge… President Art Awerkamp telling us about two thank you letters for our donation to the Alzheimer’s Association – in the name of John Ortwerth and Wayne McLaughlin. The families of Wayne and John wrote the thank yous… Understandably so, young John Ortwerth has resigned from the club. In his resignation letter John cited his main reason for joining the club – to take his father each week because he so enjoyed our meetings. We’ll miss John and obviously his father who is no longer able to join us… President Art read the slate of officers (as printed in the Exchangite last week). A motion was made to accept the list and the vote passed. Congratulations, men… Welcome back, Russ Gengenbacher! Long time since Russ’ last visit. Must have been the whiskey… Eric Thomas (w/ Craig Freeman), Rick Cole (w/ son, Ryan), Tim Muehring (w/ Marty Miller), and President Art (w/ Chris Cowen) all with guests last week… On our last meeting before Easter, we’ll welcome Scott McNeal to kick off Macker and Secretary of State Jesse White. Always nice to have one of our elected officials, especially at the state level, with us. No word about the tumblers joining us… Remember, no meeting on Good Friday (4/10)… Sonny Christner won the 50/50. He picked the wild card (won $5) and then picked the wrong card. To the best of my recollection, either the first or one of the few to get the second chance. Either way, pot grows. Nearly $600… Randy Frese twisting tail and collecting 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.

“Whiskeys of the World” is the program for Friday. Need we say more or give you any other reason to attend? See you then!