February 20, 2009

It is Law Day. Another great program of the Quincy Exchange Club. If at all possible, please be seated by 11:45 a.m. this week as it will be a busy day. We’ll present the Citizens Crime Prevention Award and then announce Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. The keynote address will be give by Roger Walker, Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Our thanks to Sheriff Brent Fisher for chairing the event and to Chief Rob Copley for his assistance. See you Friday.

FRIDAY LAST

Mayor John Spring (in a class move) dedicated and then delivered his fourth State of the City address. The dedication was to our good friend John Ortwerth. John’s health is fading fast. Please keep him and his beautiful wife, Joanne, in our prayers. Mayor Spring recapped some of the major events of 2008 and highlighted what he believes will be progress in 2009 – including $25 million in proposed local projects from the stimulus plan just passed by Congress. Mayor Spring called this a time of caution and common sense. Most of the city department heads/commissioners joining us for the event. (I think I have them all – Dick Wentura, Kevin Curran, Doug Olson, Jennie Hayden, Peggy Crim, Rob Copley, Tom Kelty, Scott Walker, Jeff Steinkamp, Dave Hummel, Marty Stegeman, Chuck Bevelheimer, Brian Koch, Jim Murphy, and Cory Dean.) As stated before, it is an honor to host this annual event and we thank Mayor Spring for sharing his time with us.

YOUTH OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to QND senior Laura Anderson for being named our Youth of the Month. Laura carries a 4.00 GPA and is ranked number one in her class of 114. Laura is involved in numerous extracurricular activities and plans on becoming a pediatrician after attending college and medical school. She is the daughter of Lou and Barb Anderson (and the niece of our Kent Anderson). Introductions by John Johannes and Ray Heilmann.

VIP DATES

2/18 – Rick Goughnour celebrates his 55th birthday

2/19 – Macker Meeting @ K of C (5:15)

2/20 – Jamie & Tonya Fisher celebrate their 10th anniversary and Law Enforcement Day

2/24 – Jim & Mary Benz celebrate their 47th anniversary

3/9 – March Board Meeting @ The Pier

5/23 & 24 – Gus Macker

9/11 & 12 – Smoke on the River

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“There were two million people in Washington for the inauguration and no arrests. We can’t even do that here on a Macker weekend!” Mayor John Spring’s good observation before delivering his State of the City address.

THIS & THAT

Ray Heilmann earning his lunch by doing the prayer and Kent Anderson leading the pledge… Chip Gerdes the guest of Mel Dillman last week… Two first readings last week – Jason Koenig sponsored by Paul Niemann and Hal Broadwater sponsored by Kevin O’Donnell… President Art Awerkamp announcing that Courtney Hageman has agreed to become our new website manager. We thank Courtney for stepping up and also thank Paul Niemann for his fine work since the inception of the site… President Art telling us about thank you notes from Marge Hageman, Quincy University Athletic Department, Crimestoppers, and the Shriners… Apparently I miswrote last week. The slate of officers for next year is looking pretty good but is NOT filled yet. Still time for you to step up. Please see 1st Vice President Kevin Curran if interested in serving… No tail twister of 50/50 last week or this week. Both will resume on the 27th… Remember to be early this week – 11:45ish… That's all for now, 'til next time, may God’s love, grace, and peace be with you and the ones you love.