January 15, 2010

GOODBYE, GIL FELD

If we are lucky, everyone once in awhile we cross paths with someone who inspires us and reminds us what is important in life. As Quincy Exchangites we were lucky to have one of those people in our club – Gil Feld. We lost a good man on Thursday, January 7th when Gil passed away at the age of 49. As most of you know, Gil fought the good fight against cancer. Too many times to count, it would have been easy for him to succumb to this devastating disease but Gil didn’t, he kept fighting, and fighting, and fighting. Gil served on the Quincy Police Department for 21 years and was named our Law Officer of the Year in February, 2007. We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife of 26 years, Susan. God Bless, Gil. And thank you, Lord, for allowing us to know him.

THIS FRIDAY

An interesting look at “Communities that Accept or Resist Supercenters: A Comparison ofCultural Differences” by Quincy native Pat Hibbeler. Pat is employed with Norpac Foods Inc. as the Midwest and Southeast Region retail sales manager covering 17 states from Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan in the North to Louisiana, Georgia, Florida in the South and South East. Prior to that he spent 20 years in the food brokerage business including 16 and a half in Quincy with his family business, the Patrick H. Hibbeler Food Brokerage Company. The topic he will discuss is centered around a dissertation he wrote while obtaining his Doctorate in Business Administration Organization Theory from Saint Ambrose University.

FRIDAY LAST

The Quincy Exchange Club played host to the 2009 City of Quincy Arts Awards. Hal Oakley, Mike Hilfrink, Carlos Fernandez and Mayor John Spring with introductions. Congratulations to the four award winners: Arts Organization winner was Friends of the Log Cabins – accepted by board chairman John Gebhardt; Business Leadership winner was Sturhahn Jewelers – accepted by owner Steve Sturhahn; Volunteer Leadership winner was Mowbray Allan, talent chairman for the Civic Music Association; and Artist Teacher winner was Dominic Cattero, director of Quincy Community Theatre.

VIP DATES

1/13 – Dan Veihl celebrates a birthday

1/18 – Scott Westhaus celebrates a birthday

2/5 – Rick Hummel visit

2/8 - February Board Meeting

2/12 – State of the City

2/19 – Law Enforcement Day

3/8 - March Board Meeting

5/28 & 29 – Gus Macker

9/10 & 11 – Smoke on the River

MACKER ASSISTANT NEEDED

We are looking for one of our members to step up and be a Co-Chairman/1st Assistant for Gus Macker 2010 with the thought of being “The Man” in 2011. Please give it some thought and speak to President Kevin Curran or Macker Chairman Doug Greenwell.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“The arts in Quincy are a $3 million growth industry.” Mayor John Spring’s comment just before introducing the award recipients. Caught be off guard. I didn’t realize the arts carried such a economic punch in our community.

THIS & THAT

Rev. Ron Fritz with the prayer and Rick Goughnour with the pledge. In case you didn’t know, both men are Past Presidents… In addition to the Feld family, please keep Frank Gianfriddo in your prayers. Frank, who turned 86 on Saturday, lost his wife, Jan, on Thursday… Not a lot to report from last week as President Kevin took care of a bit of business and then turned it over for the awards. A huge turn out last week… Lots of prayers needed for Exchangite and Mayor John Spring on the revelation of prostate cancer. We wish you the best, Mayor Spring, and we will be praying for you… What about you? When was the last time, if ever, you had a physical and prostate exam/screening? No room for tough guys on this issue. If you are over 40 (and most you old farts are), don’t wait, get it done… I’m breaking a John Tripp rule by apologizing for a late bulletin this week. (John advised to never apologize to this group.) Just couldn’t muster the concentration to stay on task and finish it until early Wednesday afternoon… 50/50 and Tale Twisting to resume this Friday, I presume… 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

Rest in Peace Gil Feld (photo taken 7/7/00)