John Spring opened our festivities with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Pledge began with David Adam, taking a deep breath and belting out the word "I". He did so with such conviction that I actually thought he was "goosed" at the same time. Perhaps he was.

President Chuck Venvertloh then thanked everyone behind the efforts of putting on the Club's Christmas Lunch and the Spouse's Christmas Dinner. Both were well attended events.

Chuck also mentioned the Cowboys were in their "bye" week. I think he meant "bye year" as in "bye bye year" since they again failed to make the playoffs.

Chuck then announced that Steve Green and Perry Terwelp with be co-chairing this year's Gus Macker Tournament in May. Mike Lavery was then introduced by Chuck as the Chairman for the major Sponsors Committee for Macker.

Mike asked the membership to be thinking about potential major sponsors for this year's event. If you have any ideas contact Mike as soon as possible.

Our only guest was Anna Lee Koutz, the Communications Coordinator for Titan Wheel, one of our major sponsors again for the Gus Macker.

Last Friday's temperature outside was minus 4 degrees and as a result Jacob Huff wore his "long" shorts to the meeting. Zeke Cernea came prepared with a stocking hat and even Mel Dillman was sighted wearing socks to the meeting. Never thought I would see that until Hell froze over, so perhaps it did.

The card draw conducted by Curt Moore featured a pot worth $542 and it will be larger this Friday since no one won it Friday. With only 37 cards in the deck, Dick Wentura (who spent all of his Christmas money on tickets) drew a 5 of Clubs and not the desired Ace of Spades.

Don't forget the Rick Hummel meeting is now set for January 24th.

Thoughts and prayers go out to Exchangite Mike Smith and his family. Mike's mother passed away last week after her battle with cancer.