November 20, 2009

ROAD TRIP THIS FRIDAY

We’ll meet at Pop’s Pizza (938 Maine Street – we’ll be in the upstairs banquet room) where we’ll have a busy program. First we’ll hear a bit about Pop’s Pizza and their new digs from Owner Scott Frese and then we’ll have our high school basketball preview. QHS Boys Coach Sean Taylor, QND Boys Coach Scott Douglas, and QND Girls Coach Eric Orne will join us for the day. (QHS Girls Coach Sandi Devoe has been invited but is doubtful as her team plays in Alton later in the day.) In addition, we’ll recognize our November Youth of the Month. Should be a fun road trip so please plan on joining us.

FRIDAY LAST

An honor to have a hometown hero with us - Illinois Army National Guard Colonel (promotable) Scott Thoele - as we recognized our veterans. Colonel Thoele told us about his recent deployment to Afghanistan where he commanded 3,500 soldiers in the 33rd Infantry Brigade. Sadly but not to be forgotten, Colonel Thoele informed us about the 18 soldiers who were killed protecting our freedom and another five dozen who sustained injuries during the deployment. Prior to Colonel Thoele, we recognized all members in our club (18 total) who wore the uniform. Once again, we salute them: Army (10) – Bill Barry, Hal Broadwater, Mel Dillman, Gerald Ebbing (Purple Heart recipient), your humble editor, Max Johnson, (Purple Heart recipient), Jim Lierly, Jimmie Louthen, John Ortwerth, and Skip Rueter. Navy (5) – Sonny Christner, Dr. Frank Gianfriddo, Fred Lauder, Wayne McLaughlin, and Elvin Townsend. Air Force (3) – Tom Klincar, Curt Moore, and Jim Totsch.

VIP DATES

11/18 – Brian Musholt celebrates his 40th birthday

11/20 – ROAD TRIP to Pop’s Pizza

11/27 – NO MEETING (Thanksgiving)

12/4 – Hearing Impaired Christmas Party and in the evening, GIVEAKIDACHANCE Christmas Party

12/7 – December Board Meeting @ The Pier

12/10 – Spousal Christmas Party

12/25 – NO MEETING (Christmas)

12/31 – Club Christmas Party at Boat Club

1/1 – NO MEETING (New Years Day)

1/2 – Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at QU

1/11 – January Board Meeting

2/5 – Rick Hummel visit

2/12 – State of the City

2/19 – Law Enforcement Day

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.” John Stuart Mill. Amen!

THIS & THAT

Rev./Brigadier General Jim Totsch with the prayer and Mr./Sergeant Bill Barry with the pledge… Good to have Quincy Jr. High Teacher Lisa Goughnour (better half of Rick) and her 9th Grade Talented and Gifted U.S. History class with us… Kent Anderson’s father, Bob, joining us. Bob is a WWII veteran… A very nice tribute honoring John Ortwerth at QU Men’s opener on Sunday afternoon. Our thanks to Jeff Dorsey for his part in the tribute and to all the men who were there. John wasn’t able to attend but his beautiful and always gracious wife, Joanne, accepting a couple items on his behalf… Dave Rees (please note the correct spelling this time) won the 50/50 but picked the wrong card (five of spades) so the pot grows… Yours truly collecting for the widow and orphans while respectfully recognizing our veterans… Please note that as is the tradition, we will NOT meet on the Friday after Thanksgiving. We will however have an Exchangite next week. Don’t ask me why other than that’s the way we have always done it. If nothing else, I will do it – without complaint - in loving memory of previous editors Paul Clarkson and John Tripp… Only bad thing about our trip to Pop’s is the limited parking in that part of downtown. You didn’t read this here but may I suggest the Quincy Medical Group parking lot that is northeast of Pop’s (that advise is NOT necessarily endorsed by QMG)… Hopefully it will stop raining by Friday… Finally, I can’t stop thinking about those 18 soldiers in the 33rd Brigade who died for us. I think about their families and how they are dealing with the loss of their loved one. Surely, their ultimate sacrifice must be unbearable for their families. It saddens me deeply. I pray for them and ask you to do the same. Too often we watch the news and hear of a death somewhere far off and fail to reflect upon the magnitude of what has happened. No United States military death, from the most recent in Afghanistan or Iraq to those over two hundred years ago and everything in between, should ever be forgotten or taken lightly. I take comfort, and hope you do to, in this General George Patton quote, “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God that such men lived.”… That's all for now, 'til next time, may God’s love, grace, and peace be with you and the ones you love and with the families of those who have lost a loved one defending our country.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Colonel Scott Thoele surrounded by Lisa Goughnour’s U.S. History TAG Class.