January 29, 2010

THIS FRIDAY

We welcome one of our own to the podium – Ric Hinkamper. Ric has officiated high school and college football for the past 26 years with about half of that time spent at the NCAA Division I level. Join us Friday as Ric entertains us with a few great stories and tells us about the new Midwest Football Officials Alliance. Plus, you know you can count on a GREAT meal provided by Jimmie Louthen!

FRIDAY LAST

“Live Local” is great concept and was an interesting program brought to us by Greg Davis and Randy Stocker. We can keep our hard earned dollars in the area by supporting the independently owned businesses in our local community. As Greg and Randy proved, even a 10% shift would make a huge difference. Good stuff! (Learn more at: www.livelocalquincy.org.)

CHARACTER CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to our four Character Champions – Reagan Bruenger from Southeastern High School (introduced by Coach Cyle Rigg); Dawn March from Camp Point Central High School (introduced by Coach Matt Long); Lexi Niesen from Liberty High School (introduced by Coach Brett Miller); and Erica Holtmeyer from Quincy Notre Dame High School (introduced by Coach Eric Orne). I have coached Erica and officiated several games each of the other three and please believe me when I tell you they are all outstanding young adults and truly Character Champions. They are a credit to their parents (most of whom were in attendance), their schools, their communities, and our Character Champions program. Chairman Daron Duke, along with the coaches, handling the introductions.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to our January Youth of the Month, Quincy High School Senior Anne Marie Christensen. Anne Marie is ranked #2 in her class of 501 with a 4.4396 GPA and she scored a 32 on the ACT. She is on the QHS Swim Team and is a member of the National Honor Society. She plans continuing her education at St. Louis University where she will major in the pre-medicine area of studies. Anne Marie is the daughter of Mark & Mary Christensen. Mike Llewellyn and QHS Guidance Counselor Ed Bubb with the introductions.

VIP DATES

1/29 – Eric Thomas celebrates a birthday

1/30 – Brian Koch and Bruce Broemmel both celebrate birthdays. It is the big 40 for Brian

2/2 – Pete Steinkoenig celebrates his 35th birthday

2/4 – 1st Macker Meeting, 5:15 at K of C

2/5 – Rick Hummel visit

2/8 - February Board Meeting

2/11 – Surf ‘N Turf

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

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I didn’t think it would ever last.” A Frank Hays quip as President Kevin Curran announced the 21st wedding anniversary of son, Bob, and daughter-in-law, Judy, Hays. Frank of course was kidding but the Big Dog, Jeff Dorsey, wasn’t when moments later he revealed Bob and Judy’s 21 years were longer than his total in multiple marriages. I love the fact that Jeff can always laugh at himself. I truly believe being able to do that is a grace from God and unfortunately, one few men seem to share!

THIS & THAT

Jim Benz with the prayer and Dick Wentura leading the pledge… Surf ‘N Turf will be here before you know it. If you haven’t already signed up, please contact Jared Haugh ASAP… Please note that the first Macker Meeting will be conducted next week at the Knights of Columbus. Date and time listed under VIP Dates… Jim Benz telling us that the Character Champions Steering Committee will be sharing some exciting news about the program in the very near future… Quincy Superintendent of Schools Lonny Lemon paying the tail twister an extra $1 to tell the gathering that the Quincy School Board actually had a 7-0 vote the previous Wednesday evening… 50/50 won by Rich Howell (and I believed shared by his table of Bill Barry, Randy Frese, Jim Lierly, Mike Disseler, Hal Broadwater, and Daron Duke) but he picked the wrong card (three of hearts). Pot grows… The Big Dog fleecing the flock… We had a lot going on last week. Hard for me to keep up with it all. Even harder trying to read my writing a few days later… 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

January Youth of the Month. Mark and Anne Marie Christensen with QHS Guidance Counselor Ed Bubb.