Mike Lavery led us in prayer and Cory Watson's utterance of the word "I' to start the Pledge of Allegiance gave me goose bumps. Jeff Dorsey tail twisted the members and shared a bible story (of some sort).

Lenny Biallas, who was involved in the last two card draws, was seated next to Rick Veihl who had the winning ticket but drew an 8 of Spades in our weekly card draw. Lenny, you want to go to the boat? The pot was worth $406 (it would have been $412 if Curt Moore hadn't gone out and bought a new pair of socks last week).

President Chuck Venvertloh congratulated the QND and Central High football programs for a successful season. Both bowed out of the post season playoffs last week with losses. Too bad his Cowboys bowed out of the NFL playoff picture after week one.

Chuck also mentioned that the Exchange Club tree was planted along the Bill Klingner (former member) Trail. The Club donated the money for the tree to be planted by the Park District.

The Give a Kid a Chance Dinner and visit with Santa will be held on Friday, December 6th at the Senior Citizen's Center. Charlie Ledbetter is chairing this event and could use some help. If you have never attended this event, try to attend this year. It will make your Christmas.

Speaking of Charlie, he left raffle ticket information on the tables for the Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" campaign. Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10 to win a $500 beef bundle from HyVee and a deep freezer from Menards. Second place is a $100 gift certificate to the Quincy Mall. Contact Charlie for tickets.

Don't forget the Club's Christmas Party will be on December 27th this year at the Quincy Boat Club. That evening the Club's Spousal Christmas Party will be held as well. More details forthcoming on both events.

A new membership ceremony was placed on hold again as we await the new member, Josh Klitz's arrival. The Cubs could win the World Series before we get him in the Club.

We did have a second reading on a prospective new member James Johnson, proposed by Bob Hays. The vote was all "yeas" so lets bring him.

Dennis Koch reminded everyone of the December 14th date for the Special Olympics Basketball Tournament at QHS gymnasium. He also had signup sheets on the tables last Friday. Please sign up to help this wonderful event.

Dennis also announced that the National Exchange Club has selected our very own Eric Thomas (ETC Computerland) to set up the National Mega Raffle web page. Congratulations Eric.

Chris Scarano brought Tom Van Ness as his guest to the meeting and Tom took the opportunity to update us on the Quincy Herald Whig's "Christmas Good News" campaign. It's just one of the many wonderful things that magically happen around the holidays to help people in need.

We began a new event last Friday to encourage members to wear their badges at the meetings. Kevin O'Donnell set up the initial drawing where any member wearing their badge at the meeting will be eligible to win $5 cash in a drawing that will take place at the conclusion of the meeting. The inaugural winner was Curt Moore (now the answer to a future trivia question). Told you Curt you didn't have to do anything big to be remembered years from now. Thanks Kevin for organizing this new venture.

Dan Selby brought the Club up to date on the Abundance Exchange event. Dan announced that this year's event has been put on hold but we will do one next year. This delay will give us more time to plan our event in 2014.