President Tom Ketelaar called the meeting of August 27 to order.  Jonathan Turner once again entertained us with his marvelous keyboard skills.

    The first announcement concerned the annual Rock Island City Labor Day parade.  Dale Grabau informed us that those interested in participating on behalf of the Club should count on gathering at the 18th Avenue branch of American Bank & Trust Company on Labor Day.

President Tom again reminded us of the honors bestowed on the Club this year, with the Club being named Organization of the Year, and our own longtime and loyal member, Bud Helpenstell, being named Citizen of the Year by the Rock Island City Council.

    Liz Loveless again reminded us of the NAMI walk and asked for our support.

    President Tom next announced to the membership that upon deliberation, it was determined that the 2012 Hixson Award nominee of the Club was past President, Adam Bain.  Announcement of this well-deserved honor was greeted by the enthusiastic congratulations of the Club membership.

    John Califf announced that the Megaclub Interclub meeting would be held at the Outing Club on September 20 and that the cost for members of the Club who wish to participate will be picked up by the Club.  John also informed us that with the Megaclub meeting now being scheduled for September 20, the Interclub in Aledo would be rescheduled for October 4, at which time, the legendary Traveling Gavel will be presented.

Lieutenant Governor, Mark Petersen, introduced next year's Lieutenant Governor from the Geneseo Club, Bob Mays.

     In Fun and Fellowship, the preliminary prize was won by Dave Bender.  The Kartel won the opportunity for the grand prize but managed to lose in a game which only Apprentice President, Jeff Behrens, could run.

In the area of membership growth, we enthusiastically welcomed new member, David Taylor, who is sponsored by Tom Hanson.

      Make sure you mark your calendars to remind yourselves that there will be no regular meeting of the Club next Monday since, by meeting time, we'll probably be soaking our feet after the Labor Day parade.  We will be participating in a joint meeting scheduled with the Rotary Club on Tuesday.