Jim Benz began the meeting with a prayer and Art Awerkamp, pointing his finger toward his eye so he wouldn't forget the first word of the Pledge of Allegiance, projected that word with authority to get the membership to follow.
President Perry Terwelp presented some good news to the Club in that Dick Wentura's son in law, Don Briddle, announced that his cancer has not spread to other locations. Thank you Jesus!
Perry's daughter, Taylor, was also in attendance to watch her father oversee our activities. She also goes to St. Francis and in a couple of years should catch up to her father in the 8th grade (just kidding Perry).
Other guests included Bob Craig, the Curator of the All Wars Museum at the Illinois Veterans Home, and Andrew Asbury (a prospective member). Both were introduced by Rick Gengenbacher.
Dave Poland reminded everyone about the flag distribution for the soggy Dogwood Parade. Thanks to all who helped.
Zeke Cernea reminded everyone of the upcoming A.A.U. Illinois State Trampoline and Tumbling Championships coming to the Oakley Lindsay Center on Saturday, May 18th from 8 to 5.
The next Exchange Club Board meeting is set for 11:45am on May 13th at the Pier Restaurant. These meetings are for board members as well as any other interested member. Don't forget to make a recommendation of an organization that might be in need of a "large" donation from the Exchange Club. With funding available, the board is also looking for suggestions. If you have any ideas or suggestions please let a board member know before that board meeting or make your own suggestion at the meeting which is scheduled for May 13th at the Pier. Lunch is $10 if you desire to eat.
In Kevin Curran's absence, David Adam, Rick Gengenbacher and Scott Westhaus are taking charge with getting the "Gus Busters" or court officials we need for Gus Macker. See the article that David has taken the time to write in the next column. I thought it was well worth including in this week's bulletin.
The next Gus Macker meeting will be tonight (May 7th) at The Dock. Still need more court sponsorships. A court sponsorship costs $300. Contact Vic Welper or Cory Watson if you have any questions.
The 50/50 drawing saw Steve Green get the opportunity to win the jackpot of $806. He decided to let someone else try to win it when he drew the 7 of diamonds. So the pot grows even more. Thanks Steve!
Our Flag Day event is set. We will once again have our family picnic on the evening of June 12th. The shelter house at Madison Park has been reserved and Dan Veihl and The Butcher Block will cater our meal with free shaved ice provided by Gengenbacher Ice. You are invited to join us for the meal which starts at 5:30 and then when the concert starts we'll pass out the flags to the audience in the park.
Don't forget about the Exchange Club Golf Tournament at Spring Lake Country Club on Friday, June 21st. Contact Jared Haugh for more information.
Prior to his speaking to us we were graced to have the 4th and 5th Grade class from St. Francis School in Quincy joined us. Vickie Mitchell, their teacher at St. Francis, discussed the recent "Heptathlon on Wellness" event held at the school. Miss Illinois, Megan Ervin and Jackie Joyner Kersee were a part of that event as well. The girls were informed about distracted driving and bicycling which is one of Miss Illinois' platforms this year. We had hoped to have Miss Illinois with us today but she unfortunately had to make an appearance at the State Capital in Springfield. She has been re-scheduled to join us on May 31st.