President Robin Smith opened our first meeting of February for what would prove to be another full meeting with several guests in attendance.  A warm LV Fremont welcome was extended to:

• Tara Iamnucci, Kids Club partner and guest of Patty Saavedra
• Tammy Hall and Pam Dreyer, Directors of Four Queens Catering & Sales and guests of the Club
• Rick Wallace, Hansen Water Treatment, guest of Joe Parnello
• Richard Berman, guest of Steve Gibson

The business portion of the meeting could not have started off with anything less than a rousing round of thank yous to Fundraising Chair Carla Smith for the very successful sales of the Big Game squares.  Thanks to every member who sold and purchased squares and a big congratulations to the winners!

And, then it was time to induct our newest member Bonnie Helms of Stewart Title, who was sponsored by Asst. Gov/Past President Linda Bertuzzi (10-11).  Bonnie's husband, Alan, was a member of our group some years back.  Through a chance crossing of paths with Linda, Bonnie was reintroduced to our club and very eager to join.  Welcome Bonnie & Alan!  We are thrilled to you back in the family.  A cake was presented to celebrate our 40th member, however, a few members decided it should also be to celebrate our 28th anniversary AND Carla's birthday, and so it was!

Announcements: 

• Fundraising Chair Carla, barely recovered from the Big Game fundraiser, didn't let too much time pass before she dove right into the 4th Annual 2014 Block Party.  Six tickets have been distributed to each member to sell.  Only six per member - that should be easy!  (And word is that as of the publication of this newsletter, Patty & AG/PP Linda had already sold theirs and are asking for more!)  This event is going to sell out quickly, so make sure you have your tickets in hand soon.  The venue is 3rd Street Stage, under the Fremont Experience, where we will dance to a very talented DJ, dine on delicious food from the Four Queens chefs, enjoy photo ops and bid for those perfect raffle prices.  If you are interested in sponsoring, contact Charter Member, Treasurer & Past Pres. Albert Guida, Jr. (94-95), and all credit card charges will go through Pres. Elect Teresa Sowers. 

• Past Pres. Roger Tabor (02-03), announced just a few more homes are needed for the Haitian Soccer Team during the Mayor's Cup during Presidents weekend.  It's a once in a lifetime experience to share such a special weekend for kids who have probably never travelled outside their native country, let alone played in such a large event.  Contact International Chair Steve Reiter if you can host a few of the boys.

District 5300 is holding its annual Peace Essay contest focused on the theme of "Unity through Diversity".  The essay is to think about our communities today, whether its global, country, city, school or even family, and consider the differences that can be discovered to unite diverse peoples to work together to promote peace. The 1,000 word essay is due by February 21st and open to all high schools in our District.  Prizes are first $500, second $250 and third $100.  Only the first 100 entries received will be accepted.  Get the word out to high schools in your community and encourage the schools to have their students enter.  Click here for rules and submission requirements.