It was really good to see fellow Exchangite Fred Lauder back with us after undergoing heart surgery a few weeks ago. A much slimmer Fred looked great and we were glad to see him back so soon.
Congrats to Karen and Steve Wellman on becoming grandparents again as their son John and his wife Megan had a brand new baby boy born last Friday at Blessing Hospital. It is the couple's third child, but first son. Grandpa was beaming as expected
In case you missed the rousing induction ceremony a few weeks ago we inducted our new officers for the upcoming year. They include Doug Greenwell, Doug Reed, Steve Labs, Joel Koch, David Adam, and Alan Musholt. The Treasurer will be Chris Parker (again). The Secretary will be Cullan Duke (again). Thanks to Cullen and Chris for remaining in their positions for another year. The Vice President will be Jared Haugh with Curt Moore as the President-Elect under new President Chuck Venvertloh.
Chuck took the opportunity to thank our past president, Perry Terwelp, for his past year of service to the club. He also asked for and received membership approval for the budget for the Venvertloh administration. The budget was previously approved by the Board of Directors and with membership approval it became official.
President Venvertloh also expressed an interest in expanding our Blue Ribbon Project this year and asked if someone would like to assist Steve Labs with this project. If interested, contact Steve.
The Exchange Club will also be involved in Chili Dog Day at the September 3rd Blues in the District. More details will be forthcoming in the weeks ahead.
Chuck also announced that the Exchange Club received thank you notes from Transitions, Great River Recovery Recourses, the YMCA and Birth Right for our recent donations to those organizations.
Doug Reed had the opportunity to win the 50-50 pot but he drew the Six of Spades so the pot of over $1,159 continues to grow. Curt Moore handled the card draw and announced that only 19 cards remain in the deck including the winning Ace of Spades.
We had a reading for two prospective new members. Eric Frese of Cason, Huff and Schlueter and Kenneth Rieffer from Riverside Smoke House. Both are interested in joining our club. They were proposed by Dennis Koch who is about to become the first Club member to take up new President Chuck Venvertloh's offer of a 12 pack of beer to anyone who brings in a new member. Wow, 24 beers! Party at Dennis' place.
Mel Dillman announced that we are about 8 weeks away from Smoke on the River which is scheduled for September 6th and 7th. This year we will be selling raffle tickets to win a four-wheeler valued at $7500. Mel also announced that we have secured 42 judges for the event so far.
There will be a Smoke on The River meeting tonight (Tuesday, July 16th) and every Tuesday night through September 3rd at 5:30 at The Dock. Everyone is welcomed to attend. Again a reminder, we are looking for next year's Smoke on the River Chairman. If interested now is the time to step up and get involved with this year's event so a smooth transition can be made. Mel and others will assist whoever decides to take this project over so you will not be going it alone.
The Quincy Gems held their annual Military Night at the ball park last Friday. The Exchange Club was a part of the ceremony at the beginning by holding our large American Flag during the National Anthem. Thanks to those members who came by to be a part of the activity.
For what it is worth, this edition marks the completion of my first year as your humbled Editor of the Exchangite. It marks a good time to remind members that if something good is happening with your family or business, let me know so we can share the news with the membership..
