Kent Anderson blessed the Club with a prayer that initiated things last Friday. 

He was followed by Randy Frese who led us with the pledge by using the 9th letter of the alphabet and he did so eloquently. You would almost think he was a politician or something.

The 50-50 Card Draw participant was Rick Veihl who lost out on the $330 pot when he drew a King of Hearts. For those who don't remember, it takes an Ace of Spades to win the pot which will climb again next week.

Bruce Broemmel had the tail twisting duties and told a series of coaches jokes along the way with an additional joke told by Sonny Christner of which the Big Dog made the mistake of asking him to repeat from the beginning....Never again!

Steve Labs spoke briefly, so as to not offend Art Awerkamp, and left pamphlets regarding an upcoming Holiday Show featuring wine and cheese samplings from some 50 vendors on November 14th at the Oakley Lindsay Center.

Jeff Dorsey (me) reminded the membership that we will be needing people to walk our large American Flag in the Veteran's Parade this Saturday at 10 (lineup at 9:30).

Rick Gengenbacher also mentioned the Veteran's Day Ceremony coming up next Monday, November 11th at the Illinois Veteran's Home at 10am. Jeff Dorsey will MC the event with our very own Chris Scarano as the featured speaker.

Art Awerkamp reminded everyone of the date for the upcoming Hearing Impaired Christmas meeting which will be held on December 6th.

President Chuck Venvertloh thanked Carlos Fernandez for handling the Firefighter of the Year Award program last week. Chuck also reminded everyone of the Annual Lincolnland Conference will be held on November 9th in Bloomington, Illinois, the next board meeting on November 11th, and of the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament on December 14th. Chuck also welcomed back Randy Frese after a long absence from the Club.

Congratulations to David Adam for his involvement in a couple of recent stories in the Quincy Herald Whig which led to a second place and honorable mention recognition by the Inland Press Association's newsroom contest. David was also involved in the recent Birthright Trivia Night as well.

Speedy recovery to Eric Schultz who had hernia surgery performed on Monday.

Exchangite Joe Bocke and his lovely wife Jan were featured in the November Elks Club National Magazine for their work at the Illinois Veteran's Home Korean War ceremony.

Special thanks to Dick Wentura, Elvin Townsend, Jeff Dorsey and Mike McLaughlin (and his truck) for going to the Eagle's Nest Hotel after out meeting Friday and getting the risers and other Exchange Club items and bringing them to our new location.

 Say hello once again to Exchangite Jacob Huff. Jacob was sponsored by Brian Koch and can be found at Gem City Gymnastics helping kids all over the area with their tumbling and gymnastics skills. Jacob has two children, Rayleigh is 6 and Denver is 4. In the weeks ahead we will feature other members in an effort to get everyone acquainted or re-acquainted with each other.