December 11, 2009

SPOUSAL CHRISTMAS PARTY THURSDAY NIGHT

You and your spouse or girlfriend (but not both) are invited to join us this Thursday night (11/10) from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Quincy Boat club for the Spousal Christmas Party. Chairman Tim Wiewel assures us of plenty of good food, good drink, and good holiday cheer!

THIS FRIDAY

Lance Tomlinson, Director of Development and Public Relations for Good Samaritan Home will speak to us about the important role the facility has in the Quincy area and economy. A few quick facts about Good Sam – 450 residents, 325 employees, and in September, 2008, they started construction on a five year, four phase, $20.7 million improvement project. (They are nearing the end of the first phase.) See you Friday at ABVI!

FRIDAY LAST

Always a treat to have the students, teachers, and aides of the Quincy Public School’s Hearing Impaired Program. As mentioned in last week’s Exchangite and at the meeting, it was the 45th Annual Hearing Impaired Christmas Party (and the 46th year for the Hearing Impaired Program). Immediate Past President Art Awerkamp introduced the program and presented Hearing Impaired Program Director Katie Stegner with a $400 donation to the program. After Katie did some introductions, the kids entertained us with Christmas songs. Santa Claus then made his grand entrance to deliver presents to all the good boys and girls. Good stuff!

WAITRESS GIFT COLLECTION

It’s that time of year again when it is important to show our appreciation to those who have done such a great job of taking care of us throughout the year. Dr. Tom Klincar started the collection for our waitresses last week and we’ll continue to do so this week and again on the 18th. I believe we’ll present on the 18th. A Lincoln is good, a Hamilton is better, and a Jackson is best. Please do what you can. Thanks!

VIP DATES

12/10 – Spousal Christmas Party

12/11 – Collecting for waitress gift

12/12 – Dennis & Teri Koch celebrate their 29th anniversary

12/13 – Art Awerkamp celebrates a birthday

12/14 – December Board Meeting @ The Pier

12/15 – Kevin & Elizabeth O’Donnell celebrate their 36th anniversary

12/18 – Final collection for waitress gift

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

5/28 & 29 – Gus Macker

9/10 & 11 – Smoke on the River

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I’ve never seen Ray Heilmann in a Santa suite!” Lonny Lemon taking a good-natured pot shot at his friend and former boss, Ray Heilmann, when one of the (shorter) students appeared dressed as Santa. Though Ray wasn’t in attendance for a rebuttal, the line drew plenty of laughs.

THIS & THAT

Rich Zeidler with a fitting prayer and my man, Kirk Frageman, leading the pledge… Very nice crowd on hand for the special program last week… Assistant Superintendent of Schools Christie Dickens the guest of her boss, Lonny Lemon… Our thanks to GIVEAKIDACHANCE Chairman Charlie Ledbetter, Santa, and all their little helpers for their work before, during, and after the foster kid/family Christmas Party held last Friday night. We also wish to thank the Gem City Detachment of the Marine Corps League and their “Toys for Tots” program for providing the toys… Our thoughts and prayers with the Whitfield family as Jim’s mother, Polly Whitfield, passed away on December 1st… Our prayers also needed for a speedy and full recovery for Dave Rees after a nasty spill. Hang in there Dave… My apology to Mrs. Brink. It is Laurie, not Lori. So noted for next year’s anniversary… Rev. Ron Fritts announced plans for the Second Annual Abundance Exchange set for this Friday and Saturday in the old County Market at 36th and Broadway. Here are a few details: Drop off of items (Giving) on December 11th, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Giving away of items (Receiving) on December 12th, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; For more information, call Ron, Victoria Taylor at 224-3482, or Angel Baugher at 221-9098. Sounds like a great event – please support it… Don’t know about you but pretty darn excited about the weather forecast as of Tuesday afternoon. Great, I love the freaking snow… Kudos to Quincy Herald-Whig writer Steve Eighinger for his recognition of Charlie Ledbetter as one of the nicest people in Quincy. Few members realize the extent of Charlie’s good deeds in our community. Simply said, Charlie is a Christian and a gentleman at all times. We are lucky to have him in our club and I am proud to call him a friend… 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

Students entertain Quincy Exchange Club members during the 45th Annual Hearing Impaired Christmas Party. (See an additional picture on line at www.quincyexchangeclub.org)